The perfect gift

"It stood hidden in the very middle of my sewing table, draped in fabric offcuts fastened with a big red bow. I untied the ribbon to open his gift. It was an exquisite little double-tiered fairground carousel. Sculpted ponies on long poles stood awaiting their riders beneath a canopy of thickly padded ruby velvet. The patinaed brass glowed in the light streaming into the room through the French doors. Elaborate detailing made it almost too fine for its humble purpose, and I was very likely the latest in a long succession of needle-crafters fortunate enough to be able to cherish it. It looked spectacular when I'd gathered the spools and bobbins I'd left lying around and mounted the many-hued riders onto their steeds where they belonged."