My youngest granddaughter is blessed with plenty, in many ways, which sometimes makes gift giving a challenge (for me, anyway). Therefore, I rely on hints – a “wishlist” of her latest favorites – from which I am able to choose an appropriate gift.

A couple years ago, I decided to combine wishlist gifts with something I make; a unique gift, made by me, just for her.

As readers know from previous posts, I still sleep with the afghan my grandmother made for me when I graduated high school and went off into the US Navy. I also still have the doll clothes, crocheted vests, cotton “collars” that spruce up a plain sweater, decorative doilies and more that she made for me. They are a constant reminder to me of her love, care, and presence in my life – while she was here and even after she passed on to the other side of the veil.

While I don’t hold expectations that any of my grandchildren will hold on to the things I make them for as many years as I’ve held onto my grandmother’s things; I know that as long as they have them, they’ll know that their I made them special for them, and with lots of love sewn in and stitched throughout.

The project in progress above is my “test run” of a new pattern I found on Pinterest. The designer is Amy Chappell, of amerooniedesigns.com (be sure to check her page out!).

The pattern is well-written, easy to understand, and simple to accomplish. I was DELIGHTED with how smoothly my practice purse came together and was then able to pivot quickly to the real deal – the birthday purse!

Thankfully, I once again had my sidekick and sewing expert (my sister) who just happened to have MERMAID fabric in her stash. She also suggested – wisely – that I consider a breakaway clasp for safety.

The best aspect – and perhaps most notable for the pattern designer – is that I was able to make one start-to-finish in only a couple hours, the day of my granddaughter’s birthday party! Hats off to the pattern designer, as well as the testers! It’s rare that something found online is that good right out of the gate (e.g. my first time making it).

At the party, my granddaughter liked my gift so much that she promptly put it over her head/cross body- style, and wore it there for the rest of the party! (photo fuzzy due to me cropping to show the purse).

Americans, especially, seem to have way too much “stuff” cluttering up our lives. Thinking about this renders me almost frozen in place when I think about buying more plastic stuff that is likely to end up in a landfill in less than a couple years. I have also observed, usually at birthday parties, that duplicate gifts of the latest toy or cartoon princess doll are often received. These observations help bolster my belief in the making and giving of handmade, unique gifts.

If I am being honest with myself, I would have to also admit that part of me wants to stay connected to my grandchildren even when I pass on to whatever comes next. I know how seeing and FEELING the presence of my grandparents has been a balm to my soul in troubled times. Those instances have been an ever-present reminder that I am loved, watched over, and never alone.

I will not always be here to talk about college, clap and sing at birthday parties, or ride on the rides at Walt Disney World. BUT a little piece of me will remain in the things I made with my 2 hands; the same hands that rocked them as babies, grabbed them in backyard “tag” games, held onto them in crowds, clapped at concerts for them and held them tight throughout their lives. A little piece of grandma’s love will tumble out of a packed box, or peek out of closets or dresser drawers at various times across their lives, to remind them about the important things in life.

And if things continue to work as they have in my life, these little reminders will come at just the right time with that message of love, support, encouragement, and unconditional acceptance.

I cannot think of better gifts to give.

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