Imperfectly PERFECT

Jess wanted to give her niece a gift to treasure - but what?

- Charmaine Fletcher

Lopping into a chair, Jess switched on the TV as rain pelted the windows and wind scooped up the autumn leaves.

Sipping her coffee, she flicked through the channels for something comforting amid the gloomy weather. Staring at the ever-changing screen, she found herself thinking of Christmas and how finding the right present for her niece Lenni had become increasingly difficult. At six, Lenni had just started ‘big’ school and was even thinking about a career! Yet childhood, Jess mused, should be carefree, endless summers, playing and fun.

‘Now, could a beginner do this?’ the TV presenter asked, catching her attention.

Frowning, Jess glanced up. Rather than the cosy crime repeat anticipated, she found she had landed on a shopping channel called In Stitches – focusing on needlework.

The presenter was holding an exquisite, hand-knitted teddy.

‘Oh yes!’ the co-presenter, evidently the designer, agreed breezily. ‘All the instructions and a link to an online tuition video are included.’

‘Will viewers have to buy extras, such as needles?’ the presenter asked, as the designer tilted the attractive box enticingly.

‘Absolutely not! We believe a kit should contain everything needed to make the finished product,’ she explained, showing yarn, ribbon and stuffing.

‘All this for only £30, plus postage,’ the presenter smiled.