This might get lengthy, it's personal, you've been warned.
I'm very sentimental, like most moms, of my daughters clothes. Over the 4 years of her life, I've carefully packed away clothes in bins, that she's outgrown. Not only for the sentimental reasons, but for the hope that one day we'll finally get pregnant with #2, and if it's a girl, that she'd get to wear these clothes.
But my feelings began to change and decided that's no way to enjoy memories of someone, all packed up in a box. I wanted a quilt made of the clothes that made up her first year of life. I found Barbara Malm via Etsy and immediately contacted her. I was so emotional about this whole process, and nervous as all get out. Sending 50 of my only child's most meaningful clothes away to a stranger across the country, was a bit nerve racking, but Barbara was so sweet and patient.
I stuck post its on most of the clothes with little notes of what pieces I wanted most use out of etc. ( I warned her ahead of time that I was going to do this, so she didnt think I was a crazy control freak ..*wink* )
Then I packed them up and sent them over to Barbara. There was great communication between us, she really listened to what I wanted, and she also had great insight as well.
In a few short weeks, I received my quilt. I was so happy.
Then I cried.
Then I went into the ugly cry. But I wont be showing those pictures.
This quilt is about 70x70, it's huge and heavy, and so soft.
I couldnt be more pleased with her work. I highly HIGHLY recommend you check her out here.
So very lovely.
ReplyDeleteWonderful idea. I have it bookmarked! :)
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful, what a great way to preserve memories. :)
ReplyDeleteSteph, it is so beautiful. I know it must have been bittersweet, to send away what you had dreams of using again...still praying you get your #2 and that little one can play on and bundle up in big sis' quilt. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteHow sweet and beautiful! So glad you did this!
ReplyDeleteseriously made me tear up! omg that is just adorable...I have to do this for my daughter..I have saved my favorites and this is perfect! xo nancy elizabeth
ReplyDeleteNEVER have I seen pictures of someone open one of my quilts that I have made for them. I cried, too! Steph was an absolute pleasure to work with and I am truly honored that she trusted and allowed me to make this quilt for her!
ReplyDeleteI totally just cried seeing your post! So beautiful and so is that quilt! I have been wanting to do something like this for my little boy and thank you for directing me to the right place :) Beautiful post, thank you for sharing such a personal moment.
ReplyDeleteWOW!!!!! I am in love with this quilt! How perfect in every way!!
ReplyDeleteThat is the sweetest thing ever! I feel the same connection to my son's clothes.
ReplyDeleteThanks for getting me all teary eyed at work! ;)
Thanks for sharing this very personal post Steph. I pray for a baby #2 for you someday!
ReplyDeleteI hope to do this one day for my son. I like that she didn't just use the "chest" portions of the outfits. Some are the buttons, or crotch snaps, or collars...so cute!
ReplyDeleteThis made me tear up too... my daughter is 27, with to girls, and I pull things out for them to wear that were hers. Now I know what to do with them after my grand daughters are finished with them. So cool. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThis was so touching! I teared up reading your post and looking at your pictures. What a wonderful idea to preserve such precious memories! Thank you for sharing! ♥
ReplyDeleteI read your post today and have already contacted Barbara about doing one for me. I've been saving our daughter's clothes for 8+ years waiting for the perfect opportunity to do something with them. Thanks for sharing yours!
ReplyDeleteOh wow. I adore this. I will definitely be doing this. Do you mind sharing what you paid? I have clothes packed up and I think when I get the courage to unpack the boxes and look at the baby stuff again.....I'll definitely do this.
ReplyDeletethat is beautiful :)
ReplyDeletelove love love this steph!! i am totally going to do this with the clothes i have saved of sydney's.
ReplyDeletelove the pic of you opening it and i too am praying for baby #2. xxoo
What a great idea! You had me tearing up!
ReplyDeleteMy mom made both of my boys big Christmas stockings using my grandfathers old wool plaid red hunting jacket. So sweet, and such a good way to preserve memories.
OH, that makes me wanna do the ugly cry too! What a precious keepsake!
ReplyDeleteHello there, I'm your newest follower! I love that you saved your little girls clothes (I too am guilty of that!) And i cried with you, i have to admit. What a beautiful job she did making the quilt and the best thing is, you don't have to give anything up! Ahh, my heart, why didn't I think of this! Instead, I passed down a lot of my daughters clothes to family (but held on to a few) Stop by and visit me sometime -http://macaylasroom.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing what else you do!
I will remember this. This is very special and sweet.
ReplyDeleteThat quilt is just so so beautiful and full of the most wonderful memories. She did a great job of using the fabrics, but also keeping the original use of the garments intact. It just adds to the overall sentiment and reason for the quilt to exist. I love it and can see why you were so overcome with emotion when you unwrapped it. What a truly talented and creative lady. Great blog. x
ReplyDeleteIs this the cutest thing ever! Im going to pin it,, in a minute 90 other people will too.. hope this lady gets alot of business.. shes talented!
ReplyDeleteI contacted barbara after seeing this post and she made a beautiful quilt with my daughter's clothes. Thank you so much for the post. I wouldn't have known to have this memorable piece made if you haven't posted about yours.
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