That is a wonderful, perfect quilt. Someday it will amaze your grandkids and great grandkids. It's so neat that your daughter already appreciates it!
It's so soothing to, at the end of the day, make something that has nothing to do with work or dinner or laundry. Have fun...can't wait to see what else you make!
Oh, I love it. It's perfect.
I took up knitting after my son was born in 2005--I just needed a way to turn my brain off and focus on something without letting distractions eat me alive. It's served its purpose well, and I am liking making things that I can actually touch and wrap around me and give away to people that I love.
I am loving that quilt. And Juniper will treasure it even more as she gets older (although it sounds like she's really loving it now!). Nice work.
Beautiful job Wood, and that is an heirloom Junie will treasure forever. I made my daughters quilts out of all their old camping/Girl Scout/school sport/community theatre t-shirts and they proudly took them away with them to college. Nothing better than being wrapped in a homemade hug so far away from home.
Truly a work of art. What a wonderful gift of love for Juniper. I'm sure she will treasure it forever.
How wonderful! And you even let her use it! So thoughtful. Gram's going to want one too.
I have wanted for MY WHOLE LIFE to learn how to make a quilt. I'm not being dramatic, I really have. Occasionally I Google it, but then I get intimidated by how long it would take and how I wouldn't know what to do and how my sewing teacher at school (ROT IN HELL, MRS BIRMINGHAM, WHEREVER YOU MAY BE) used to yell at me in front of the entire class because I always broke the sewing machine and couldn't thread the needle and didn't know what a "bobbin" was. Which really did nothing for my dorky 12-year-old self and her already-low self esteem, as I'm sure you can imagine.
So now you've inspired me. This quilt is lovely, and so beautifully meaningful. Maybe next time when I start dreaming of making my own quilt, I'll actually bookmark the pages I've Googled.
I absolutely must do this with my kids' clothes. The going-home shirt is an especially nice touch. Very nice.
My little girl's clothes are in boxes in the basement because I am saving them for this very purpose. My husband gave me a sewing machine for Christmas last year but I haven't even taken it out of the box yet. I am overwhelmed by the whole thing and don't know where to start. I'll definitely enjoy reading about your sewing adventures.
This is such a wonderful idea. My youngest is ten and I still have a box of clothes in the garage that I can't bear to part with. I might have to do something like this with it.
beautiful! I love baby/kid quilts and that is a wonderful example. It's so rewarding to make something with your own hands...I've been knitting a lot lately for this reason
Absolutely beautiful and inspiring! I couldn't sew to save my life, but I would definitely think about it after seeing what you made for Juniper. How special for her!
That is just awesome. And inspiring. I'd love to do something like that for my daughter, but first would have to take a refresher course in sewing and move next to someone who knows about quilting. 
Oh it is just perfect. Thank you for sharing.
Yes, I am duly inspired. It's lovely and obviously well-received. As with Tami in NY... I also received a sewing machine last Christmas that is still in its box. At least I know now that I'll need to buy a quilting foot. Thanks for the jolt.
Ooh thats me! I can sew on a button but my crafting knowledge ends there. I would love some tips on getting started but especially love seeing that quilt you made. It is so wonderful, it makes me want to do the same thing in a couple years.
That's too adorable. I love the Michigan hand.
My best friend in grad school's mom is the most amazing quilter I've ever met. My buddy met his wife (they're both geologists) at field camp. For their wedding, his mom quilted a beautiful thing that had the map, contour lines and all, of the place they first kissed while they were in the field in Utah. Too cute!
You're daughter will treasure this as she gets older and has her own children.
It is so very addicting, isn't it? My love affair with my sewing machine started when I was pregnant with my daughter. You did a beautiful job on the quilt and on the costumes for Halloween too!
I purposely seek out fabric with patterns that have lines or discernible repeats because I hate trying to cut it straight, too. The cutting is the hardest part for me. The mermaid tail I made was a doozy.
Smashing quilt. Speaks volumes the Juniper already treasures it.
Am currently in process of making 5 new jumpers for MiniMe. That post-bedtime solitude at the machine gets me through some serious tantrums!
Coming back to let you know you inspired me to finally sign up for the sewing class I kept thinking about.
Oh my gosh, you just made me cry here sitting at my computer pretending to work. What a perfect, perfect idea for those precious memories! I love it!
And yes, you've inspired me. And I don't even own a sewing machine. But by God, I'm going to get one and learn how to QUILT!!!
That is beautiful and inspiring and I can't wait to see more of your work.
love the post, the idea & your finished product! beautiful.
This is beautiful. I have been meaning to make a quilt for my sister from our late mother's clothes, but I have been so intimidated by the prospect of cutting and figuring out how to organize the patterns. This was just the inspiration I needed to get started; and now I know I will do the same for my daughter when she is older. I look forward to reading more about your creative adventures; I always love a good Thursday Morning Wood.
Are you freaking kidding me? That's the most loving and adorable thing I've heard in a long time. I'm single with a job and a cat and can't picture pulling this off. Well done. That thing is totally going to go off to college with her.
I have been wanting to do that - make a remembrance quilt - ever since Emilia was still in swaddling blankets. I kept all the blankets and clothes and t-shirts that I particularly like, and have them in a box so that I might, someday, do exactly this. And then do one for Jasper.
If, that is, I ever learn to sew. Otherwise, they'll both one day be receiving boxes full of fabric and old baby tees.
Oh, I LOVE it. Couldn't think of a better way to use those old clothes. She will have this forever, guaranteed.
Wood, that is really beautiful! What a fantastic way to repurpose and remember favorite baby clothes. I love it! You are an inspiration. I love the idea of being crafty, I just sometimes do not know where to start. I'm looking foward to looking at any upcoming projects!
Wow. That is really beautiful and awesome. I am learning to sew and currently engaged in a torrid love (and sometimes hate) affair with zippers, but now I have a long term goal: quilt.
My mother has made four quilts for me: one for my bed when I was younger, one for my bed when I went away to college, and two wall-hangings. She also finished a quilt my great-grandmother started, and the great-aunt who asked her to finish it gave it to me.
These are my most precious possessions, and some of the best things my mother has done for me (besides, you know, giving me life and helping me become an independent, healthy human being). Even now, as a grown-up woman, with my own house and partner and cats, snuggling under a bed quilt my mom made me is one of the best feelings.
Juniper will get this.
I tried to do this and failed miserably. Looking at your lovely quilt I am a little mournful. I should have sought some help, like you did. I look forward to seeing more crafts.
It's gorgeous and perfect.
It's perfect! I've been wanting to do a quilt like this for my son but the thought quilting something was too intimidating. Thanks for the inspiration.
Ohh, how incredibly wonderful! This is such a great idea. I wonder if it's too late for me to figure out something for my 13 year old daughter... Really, beautiful Wood.
awesome idea, and beautiful project, but i can't help but wondering why you didn't wait to cut it all up. say, let gram use some of that stuff? i guess that means you're not planning on having more kids?
I think you underestimate your self and your sewing skills. I've been sewing my whole life but have been too intimidated to try a quilt, and here you go making one AND sewing halloween costumes? It's wonderful, you should be proud and please do post about your crafts!
I've got one of those craft, life blogs, but trust me, I'm no more talented than you. That's kind of the point.
This blanket is fantastic. And my daughter's clothes are in the box in the basement. I think she'd flip out if I cut up her stuff.
I have wanted to do the same thing with The Dictator's clothing as well. Although I can not see having the patience to do it. Thankfully there are far more talented people on Etsy that will turn his clothing and receiveing blankets into something nice.....
That's a great idea, especially for those baby clothes that got stained or otherwise unsuitable for donation.
The stained and torn ones are usually the favorites anyway, because karma seems to work that way.
Nice work on the quilt, and on the kids (as usual)!
Congratulations on your quilt! Love, love, LOVE. You're inspiring me — I filched the hospital gown I wore when Charlie was born and, yes, one of those blankets. Perhaps it is finally time.
Wood, your thoughtfulness, creativity and execution are inspiring. The quilt is beautiful, and so is the image of Juniper and Gram snuggled up together under the blanket. You are a one good mama.
Yay! there's always room for more crafting on the internet--especially stuff as cool as that quilt. I love it! I also love to quilt but I took my kid's clothes to goodwill, oops!
How weird. The one thing that really stood out in the Dwell spread about the Mies place was Toby Barlow's quilt. It's gorgeous, and I totally want one, although the cost I saw online is a mite steeper than I can swing. Compliment your neighbor for me, and tell her to let me know if the price comes down a smidge.
Your quilt is stunning too, of course, but I know it's priceless.
Wood, this quilt is so great. My mom made me a doll quilt (for my life-sized handmade Raggedy Ann doll) when I was 3 and I still have it (21 moves later).
I think it would be great to talk about handmade stuff. I am really into knitting and sewing and I read a lot of craft blogs. This will be fun - we'll learn stuff, but maybe we can teach YOU stuff, too! I love the internets. Everyone can learn anything.
This is so beautiful! I love it when you write.
Oooooooo! Thanks so much for posting this! I have a huge bin of tiny clothes from both of my children that I have been saving for "when I take up quilting". Any day now.
What a fabulous idea! My mum made my husband and I a quilt using old fabrics so I can sit in bed and look at the dress I had when I was 12, and a shirt my brother had when he was 6 - right up to the skirt I made for my university graduation. My three year old daughter Hazel loves to look at the fabrics too and yet it'd never occurred to me to use her old baby clothes for one. Quilting is one of my big crafting ambitions when I have the time, and as soon as I stop getting all squishy over how small Hazel's clothes used to be I will definitely contemplate making a quilt from them for her. Thanks for a great post and yes, would love to hear about your crafting successes
Beautiful, Wood. Just beautiful.
That is amazing, and something I have always wanted to do for my daughter. You have definitely given me hope that I will be able to do it someday.
Oooh, what a GREAT idea, and beautifully executed. Crap, now I have to get a sewing machine. Thanks a lot.
Thanks, everyone. You are all really kind. If anyone is considering making a quilt like this and wants tips on getting started, send me an email I'll tell you what I figured out. At the very least when I reveal my complete inexperience in the email, it should give you the confidence you need to get started.
asdf;j: most of the clothes I cut up were dresses or things gram couldn't use. Other things, though, were just so associated in my mind with baby Juniper that I wanted them to be in her quilt. Don't worry -- between gifts and his dad's thrift store habit, Gram has no shortage of clothes. And of course I'm already looking forward to making a quilt for him in a few years.
it's just beautiful. i would love to do that for my daughter. i'll be emailing you, since i haven't sewed since 10th grade home ec class.
The quilt is so beautiful that my heart aches for reasons that would be inappropriate to share in the comments section of your blog.
Would you mind, Wood, sharing the type of sewing machine you have, at some point? I really need a new one, seeing as how my mother got custody of mine when my parents got divorced (and no, that isn't fair at all) and I don't know what to get because all of the new fangled machines these days practically do the sewing for you. Too many choices leave me paralyzed at the fabric store.
I love seeing these kind of projects! I look forward to seeing more of your sewing endeavors. You know, even if they are not perfect, so what... most of us aren't. We want to see pictures!
What a GREAT idea. I have a feeling that you're going to get a bunch of emails wanting to know what you did right and wrong, so why not just post it to the blog? It would save you the hassle of emailing all of us clueless quilting wanna-bes.
i love the quilt, great job. i am still waiting for a family friend to finish a preemie clothes quilt for the triplets (me).
One of the things on my 43 things list is to make a quilt, someday.
This is just beautiful! I mean the idea of turning a kid's clothing into this keepsake is freaking brilliant! I just wish I had a kid I could do that with lol.
Wonderful job and a great idea. I'm wishing now I hadn't sent most of my son's baby clothes to Goodwill. Oh well...
Consider me inspired....
I come from a long line of quilting women...who does INCREDIBLE work...in fact, all of the blankets in our house are quilts....no, really.
But the process of taking scissors to fabric scares the shit out of me...that and I am also convinced that my sewing machine hates me...
But this post...these pictures...make me want to try it.
thanks Wood...keep the good stuff coming!
The closest to artistic I can get is that I can lay out an okay scrapbooking page. But I know, beyond any shadow of a doubt, that I.WANT.TO.QUILT.
I visited a quilting shop in Tucson last April, and OH! The colors!!! The fabric!!! OH!
When I retire, I will quilt.
So cool!
You're an inspiration! I would love to read more about your projects - I'm most definitely in the "don't know how to sew a button hole" category, and would love the advice.
Please, please, please share how you made this! I want to do the same. It looks great- and seems like the perfect winter project for those of us who live in the midwest and need a lot of activities to keep us from going insane during those frigid months. Phew. That was a long sentence. Please?
It's beautiful!
Oh WOW! Thank you for the inspiration. Beautiful work of art.
how freakin awesome are you? love it. xo.
Thanks Wood! I just bought my very first sewing machine last weekend but have been feeling too intimidated to do anything with it yet..your quilt is gorgeous so hopefully will help get my butt in gear.
I totally agree with you. Better in a quilt that is loved, touched, used-than in a box. Looking forward to seeing more stuff...
That is such a great idea.
amazing, wood! it looks so perfect and i look forward to seeing more of your creations here. juniper will love this quilt forever.
I'm that person who doesn't know how to use a pattern or sew a buttonhole!! I would love to learn to do this, and this post was a great inspiration.
That is a great idea. Wow, and you're obviously much more patient than I am!
YAY! That would be fun to see more of your creations. And seriously, they just love it when you make something just for them.
Beautiful idea and finished product. I am both amazed and inspired that you found the time to work on this with all else you have to keep you busy. Can't wait to see more of your creations.
Wood: the finished quilt is so beautiful--and special too. Of course Juniper loves it. What child wouldn't? I look forward to seeing what else you dabble in.
Oh I love this, Wood. I too am just getting through the survival of second kid stage and feeling creative. You make me want to make my little one something. I made a quilt on top of the ubiquitous receiving blanket for my older one: http://flickr.com/photos/sophial...drum/133436406/
This quilt is amazing and beautiful. I would love an email about how you got started. Thanks.
wood. awesome. i have kids as you and jim do. same age. same sex. been wanting to do quilt for sometime. your post inspires me. thank you.
How fabulous and special, I am truly impressed by what you put together. I am not inspired to get going on some my own projects. Thank you.
That should be "now inspired"
What a beautiful way to remember all those special moments!
My grandmother and my mom used to make a lot of my clothes when I was a kid- the finished product usually got passed down, but there were scraps left over. A few years ago, my grandmother made a quilt top for me out of those scraps. My mom quilted it. It is one of my favorite things, something that I would snatch and run with if there was ever a fire, something that I cram in the car if there is ever a hurricane evacuation.
Juniper is going to love that quilt for years and years to come.
Thanks for sharing! I am a first year legal associate, with a 4month old baby that stays home with her daddy. I haven't cooked dinner since she was born - even though I used to love cooking. And sometimes I can't even muster enough energy to make my own coffee and instead I buy overpriced coffee on the way to work. So all this to say, thanks for cutting yourself a break and giving some of us permission to do the same!
I came to your blog from a link on Washington Monthly, a political blog, to Jim's post about Jane Cooper School.
That post was heartbreaking; but reading some of the other posts here was wonderful. I've bookmarked your blog, and will be visiting again.
Detroit has always been a special place for me since I visited here for a brief time, working in the 1990's. Also, my husband was a child in Highland Park, and has memories of the city.
Thank you!
The quilt is beautiful--as is the tale of how quickly Juniper fell in love with it. We're expecting our first now, and I'd love to do this someday.
I look forward to more crafty posts from you. Keep it up!
what a fabulous idea ...
So inspired! I love Juniper's quilt and I like you, cannot cut in a straight line, but the last post from your husband inpired me to make stuffed animals for my friends kids for the holidays. So far, they are very homeade looking, but hopefully that will be part of their appeal and God willing, they will get better over time. Americans should be able to make stuff and grow stuff. Thanks to you both for the push!
Thank you for posting this. You give me hope! The quilt is a wonderful idea, I'm going to start a stash just for that purpose.
This is lovely! You did such a nice job and I love the mix of colors and textures.
@Holly- quilting is so much easier than you would think! next time you're browsing the web, start sewing instead.... honestly if you can sew a somewhat straight line, you can make a quilt!
It's beautiful.. and I love that it becomes a story telling quilt.. such a nice idea.
This quilt is absolutely incredible, and I am so inspired. Thank you for sharing.
One of the coolest baby quilt ideas I've seen! Love the Michigan mitt too! Nice work.
My wife sews and teaches sewing in Atlanta. Her website is here:
www.prettyjaneclothing.com
This is beautiful. Thank you for sharing your creativity and hand made projects. It is very inspiring to me as a beginning seamstress.
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