Why does Ira take Marguerite on his first visit to see Abby Welles after the long winter? What does Abby give to Marguerite?

Ira Sargent takes Marguerite to on his first visit to see Abby Welles after the long winter because he wants Marguerite to show Abby how to embroider. Abby would like to use the fancy stitches on the clothing she makes for herself. When Marguerite sees the rich cloth Abby has, she asks for the scraps to make things for the children.