Two years ago, my sister came to visit from Scotland. During her stay, she stealthily measured Miles for a secret present. Later that year on my birthday, I received a small package. I opened the box, and then unwrapped the little soft gift inside. Out unfolded the most beautifully hand-knit little sweater. My sister had designed and custom knit it just for Miles. It has a Welsh dragon in honor of Miles’ Welsh heritage.
A Sweater Designed & Hand-Knit by My Sister
Miles proudly wears the sweater all winter. My sister is currently studying in Scotland to become a specialist of museum textiles. She has designed knitting patterns and enjoys getting paid to knit display models of other people’s patterns in her “free time.” Miles and I are so lucky! Miles to have such a perfect sweater, and me to have something so beautiful to look at.
I began this post and then realized that Miles’ best present is actually a two-parter!
Surprise: A Hand-Sewn Quilt by Danielle
This post on the best present ever would not be complete without a surprise! I can’t forget this hand-sewn quilt that longtime M&E reader Danielle made just for Miles. I am so lucky to have met, and to continue to meet such wonderful people through this blog. Danielle is one of the first very close friends that I met through M&E. Danielle is a schoolteacher and also designs and crafts beautiful handmade creations in her “free time.” I could never do what Danielle and my sister do with textiles. The patience, mathematical skills, planning and precision necessary are truly beyond my comprehension. I think these ladies are geniuses. The kind of fine art that can be enjoyed in everyday life is truly the most special.