(*Sorry, the song's been stuck in my head for weeks, I couldn't resist sharing that. Ahem.)
In just a matter of days, we will drop my baby boy off at sleepaway camp. Scratch that. My baby boy is really my eleven-year old, pre-teen, confident, adventurous, independent, and capable, but-will-always-be-my-baby...baby boy Calvin. He's beyond excited (mixed with a bit of nerves, says his Mama who knows him well), and we are all very excited for him (mixed with nostalgia from his parents and jealousy from his siblings).
We've been busy preparing for his time away - labeling all of his clothes as requested by the camp (really?), airing out the sleeping bag, choosing just the right books to bring, and practicing with the disposable cameras they request (nothing digital allowed). Naturally, I had to find a way to get a little bit of sewing and Mama-made into his camp bags. The many weeks away - with no phone calls or Skyping or anything of the sort - will mean a bit of letter-recieving and writing. Something to hold all of that seemed like the perfect way to send him off with something a little handmade.
I already have two patterns of my very own that would work for such a thing. But the Gratitude Wrap felt too cumbersome and frilly with the ties for this modern, keep-it-simple guy of mine, and I knew the wide open singular pocket of the Letter Satchel in Handmade Home would annoy the tidy, organized part of him. So I put a little something else together. A simple wrap, in a sturdy vintage striped linen. I added a few pieces of stamped linen that we made together years ago now (that are featured in The Rhythm of Family). Inside are pockets for a journal and pen, address book, blank letters to write and a place for letters received. (And a family photo tucked ever so discreetly amidst it all.) It's all held together with a bit of elastic and a yummy wood button from Mystic Orb.
And now the last thing that I think I'll need to make for this summer adventure of his is perhaps a handkercheif that I'll use just the second I get back in the car after giving a cheery and excited goodbye to my baby boy.
Oh....but what adventure awaits him! These are exciting times...growing up and into the people they are.