There is a new toy at our house, and it doesn’t involve quilting! I cannot explain it, but I find it irresistible.
I have great memories of sewing as a very young child and as a teenager. We also played cards and games, and we enjoyed building and making things–forts, playhouses, costumes, knitted scarves, yards of spool cord, doll clothes—anything at all.
I have a vague memory of a plastic contraption that could be constructed with a pathway for small balls to roll along. The ball dropped down from level to level, flipped a teeter-totter, turned a gear, etc. I don’t know what happened to that toy but it stayed in my mind. Over the years, I have looked for something comparable for gifts, but I did not know what it was called—a marble railway!
My cousin has a bright and beautiful little girl who will be four this month. She is a great little kid, and I wanted something special for her. This should be just perfect.
I am in love with this toy. I will deliver it to Sarah in time for her big day, but I think I have to buy another one for me—maybe more than one set for a longer track. I don’t understand why it is so compelling. I feel good just looking at it, so for the next week or so, it will sit on the corner of my desk, ready for me to rattle a marble or ten down the track.
The parts are ingenious: color-coded, well made, easy to rearrange. Everything came nicely packed in a strong box, but there was no plastic packaging. The marbles and small parts are stored in a small cloth drawstring bag. It is nice that there is not a lot of packaging to throw away (at Inklingo, we like Green stuff), and–even better–unless my cousin reads my blog, I don’t think she will be able to tell that I have been playing with it. I can put everything back in the box just the way it came. I promise not to lose any of the 50 marbles. (10 in each of five great colors!)
I found this “Marble Railway” by Quadrilla through Fat Brain on Amazon (no affiliation). According to Quadrilla, it is only suitable for people between 4 and 99. Luckily, that includes me. (There are small parts, so it is not designed for very small children–choking hazard.)
Monkey not included.
Monkey understands. If only I could explain the attraction to Russ, who thinks I’ve lost it. Maybe if I translate the concept into a quilt. . .
Thanks for dropping by.
Linda & Monkey
I’ve never seen anything like that!! It looks like it’s one of those toys that is mesmerizing!
Looks like fun! Reminds me of that plastic game we played with when we were kids, a long time ago. Mouse trap!
Does Monkey understand you’ve hooked this monkey on his back now and you are going to remove it cold turkey? I swear Linda, I’m going to gift Monkey with some counseling…
Looks like Monkey enjoys the new toy, also! What fun.
What a hoot! I can understand the attraction. If I got one of these things, all my sons (ages 23 – 30) and my son in law (29) would be playing with it and having a riot LOL.
Dear Aunt Linda,
I love it, and my Mom and Dad do too!!!! Thanks for the great present!
Love, Sarah