When I think of the different mothers I look up to, one of the images I envision is a woman leaning over a sewing machine, her hands feeding soft fabric through the small opening between the needle and bobbin, creating something beautiful for her children.  I can see the love these mothers have for their children, overflowing and spilling out of their bodies, morphed into a beautiful quilt or a special blanket. I browse through crafty blogs and see pictures upon pictures of homemade toys, appliqued cloth books, an adorable pillowcase dress, and knit sweaters perfect for keeping a little body warm during the winter.

I have wanted to make things for my darling girls, things that they may keep one day in a special box, things that show them, over and over again, how crazy about them their mother is.  To my excitement, I found a sewing class at a nearby "institute" and for 10 weeks, spent time learning how to use a sewing machine. The main project I worked on was a bag, and I made it for Anna in coordinating colors to match her room.  It's a special "bedtime bag," as it has a compartment for her pajamas and one for her nightly book. We hang it on the door-knob so that after bath, she gets her bag and everything she needs is organized.