Sister's Choice Quilts

My interests are quilting, reading, cooking, family, decorating, and matters of style. I post regular quilting tutorials and book reviews of current fiction.

If You’re Happy and You Know It, Clap Your Hands

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Isn't this just the happiest little quilt?  The colors just sing out to me and the quilt is telling me it needs to go to a child.  Wouldn't it be a sunny addition to a child's bedroom?  The feeling is not specifically juvenile, but young and cheerful all the same.  Yup, it needs to be in a child's room.  The problem is, I don't really know any small children.

Give me your advice—-my son in law's brother and wife are expecting a baby girl in a few months, and I was thinking of giving it to them as a baby gift.  Now, the quilt is twin sized, way too big for a crib, but don't you think they could hold on to it and use it later when the baby gets a Big Girl Bed?  Or Mommy and Daddy could wrap it around themselves when they get up to do those 2:00 AM feedings.

I think it is fun and a bit different than the typical baby gift.  What do you think?

Here is a close up of the blocks:

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This was made entirely from my stash (except for the black polka dot).  The fabrics are a couple of old American Jane collections Cherries Jubillee and Apple Pie, plus some other odd bits I had.  The pattern is called Gypsy Girl and is from Heather Mulder Petersen's book Fat Quarter Five.

70 responses to “If You’re Happy and You Know It, Clap Your Hands”

  1. Oh for sure give it to your son in law’s brother. The baby will grow so fast and this is a great gift for their family. You are right, this put a smile on my face!

  2. Oh for sure give it to your son in law’s brother. The baby will grow so fast and this is a great gift for their family. You are right, this put a smile on my face!

  3. Congratulations on your new job! I just love American Jane fabrics. I think they’ll be getting so many baby clothes and blankets that they can enjoy your quilt past the toddler years.

  4. Congratulations on your new job! I just love American Jane fabrics. I think they’ll be getting so many baby clothes and blankets that they can enjoy your quilt past the toddler years.

  15. ADORABLE! By all means give it now. It could be a wall-hanging now – a bed quilt later…Beautifully done. What a lucky baby!

  16. ADORABLE! By all means give it now. It could be a wall-hanging now – a bed quilt later…Beautifully done. What a lucky baby!

  19. Absolutely, give it to them as a baby gift! It is perfect! A refreshing change from the typical baby quilts. One that can be used and loved for years and years! :~)

  20. Absolutely, give it to them as a baby gift! It is perfect! A refreshing change from the typical baby quilts. One that can be used and loved for years and years! :~)

  23. I love this quilt!! The colors are great! Lucky baby–she’ll ‘grow into it!’
    I just finished buying the fabric to make a Gypsy Girl quilt–can’t wait to get started!!

  24. I love this quilt!! The colors are great! Lucky baby–she’ll ‘grow into it!’
    I just finished buying the fabric to make a Gypsy Girl quilt–can’t wait to get started!!

  25. Oh it’s a perfect gift for a new baby. I love quilts for little ones that can be used and grow with them. There’s too much love stitched into quilts for them to only be used in infancy *s*

  26. Oh it’s a perfect gift for a new baby. I love quilts for little ones that can be used and grow with them. There’s too much love stitched into quilts for them to only be used in infancy *s*

  29. Well if you are not sure what to do with it, you could send it to a big girl…..ME! I love Ameican Jane fabrics and your quilt is so “happy”. It would make me smile everyday!
    But, I think that the family will enjoy it! They will get lots of use out of it (I know that I would). It’s perfect to throw on the floor and let the baby play on it.

  30. Well if you are not sure what to do with it, you could send it to a big girl…..ME! I love Ameican Jane fabrics and your quilt is so “happy”. It would make me smile everyday!
    But, I think that the family will enjoy it! They will get lots of use out of it (I know that I would). It’s perfect to throw on the floor and let the baby play on it.

  31. It’s perfect for the baby…I always make them big so they can put them on the floor for tummy time. All of them that I’ve given the mom’s have always said how much they loved them because they covered so much of the floor and they didn’t roll off.

  32. It’s perfect for the baby…I always make them big so they can put them on the floor for tummy time. All of them that I’ve given the mom’s have always said how much they loved them because they covered so much of the floor and they didn’t roll off.

  33. Nicole, as I read through the posts I noticed that Wendy suggested it could even be a wall hanging until the baby was older. What a great idea!!! It is so bright and cheerful I can just see the baby lying in the crib and looking at all the vibrant colors. I agree it would make a wonderful gift. Besides, that baby will be in a twin bed before you blink.

  34. Nicole, as I read through the posts I noticed that Wendy suggested it could even be a wall hanging until the baby was older. What a great idea!!! It is so bright and cheerful I can just see the baby lying in the crib and looking at all the vibrant colors. I agree it would make a wonderful gift. Besides, that baby will be in a twin bed before you blink.

  35. What a wonderful quilt! Yes, definitely give it to the new baby when he/she arrives! I’m sure it will be appreciated!
    Lurking Linda

  36. What a wonderful quilt! Yes, definitely give it to the new baby when he/she arrives! I’m sure it will be appreciated!
    Lurking Linda

  43. I think actual baby quilts are a waste. Today’s parent do not use them so unless they are going to hang it on a wall it is a waste. They are advised now to let the baby sleep with no blankets whatsoever. The twin one is a great idea.
    I’ve been mulling over patterns for my grandson’s 2 quilts (he’s getting bunk beds) for his second birthday in April and this is one of the patterns I love. Now seeing it all made up I may have to try this pattern. Great quilt!

  44. I think actual baby quilts are a waste. Today’s parent do not use them so unless they are going to hang it on a wall it is a waste. They are advised now to let the baby sleep with no blankets whatsoever. The twin one is a great idea.
    I’ve been mulling over patterns for my grandson’s 2 quilts (he’s getting bunk beds) for his second birthday in April and this is one of the patterns I love. Now seeing it all made up I may have to try this pattern. Great quilt!

  45. Love the way you put this together! Funny, I just had those yellow and white polka dots out yesterday! I am thinking of using them as the setting triangles for my flea market fancy log cabin. This is quite a nice gift if you ask me, they will love it, in fact they will probably add “Nicole” to the baby’s name! And congrats on the new job…sounds perfect! So happy when things go right! Pam in Chico

  46. Love the way you put this together! Funny, I just had those yellow and white polka dots out yesterday! I am thinking of using them as the setting triangles for my flea market fancy log cabin. This is quite a nice gift if you ask me, they will love it, in fact they will probably add “Nicole” to the baby’s name! And congrats on the new job…sounds perfect! So happy when things go right! Pam in Chico

  47. Absolutely, it would make a great gift for any young person. I personally like “baby quilts” that can go to college with the kid.
    In fact, you know anybody graduating from high school and going on to college? That would be a good gift recipient idea. As long as they appreciate it, anyway.
    I’m doing a Gypsy Girl with all lavender prints. I like it, but I think yours is cheerier.

  48. Absolutely, it would make a great gift for any young person. I personally like “baby quilts” that can go to college with the kid.
    In fact, you know anybody graduating from high school and going on to college? That would be a good gift recipient idea. As long as they appreciate it, anyway.
    I’m doing a Gypsy Girl with all lavender prints. I like it, but I think yours is cheerier.

  49. It’s gorgeous and it is definitely a “happy quilt”. And for that reason, it would make a most-treasured gift for the new parents for all the reasons/uses you suggested. Besides, who cares if is doesn’t have a specific purpose or use already designated ~ it’s a gorgeous quilt and it’s a gift! They’re going to love it, and they’re going to love you even more for giving it to them! 🙂

  50. It’s gorgeous and it is definitely a “happy quilt”. And for that reason, it would make a most-treasured gift for the new parents for all the reasons/uses you suggested. Besides, who cares if is doesn’t have a specific purpose or use already designated ~ it’s a gorgeous quilt and it’s a gift! They’re going to love it, and they’re going to love you even more for giving it to them! 🙂

  51. Its gorgeous! It would make the perfect gift for the baby girl; it could even be used as a play mat until she is bigger.

  52. Its gorgeous! It would make the perfect gift for the baby girl; it could even be used as a play mat until she is bigger.

  57. Love this quilt. I believe that baby quilts should be larger so the child can continue to use the quilt while growing up. Those teeny, tiny baby quilts don’t do it for me. I’m sure the parents will love this quilt!

  58. Love this quilt. I believe that baby quilts should be larger so the child can continue to use the quilt while growing up. Those teeny, tiny baby quilts don’t do it for me. I’m sure the parents will love this quilt!

  61. I’m sorry, but you can’t be serious! Why would you doubt giving that as a gift? They would be honored, and you’re right– it’s perfect for so many things– the babies bed some day, cuddling w/ baby, etc….. Anything handmade is so heartfelt and perfect to mark such a special occasion. If you change your mind, I’m having twins soon and w/ two baby showers coming up, it would be much appreciated around here (ha ha ha….) because I fear my sewing days are over for a while! I kind of remember you showing just the blocks before, but will you share again the block patter for that quilt? Thanks a bunch and happy giving!!!!!!!!! 🙂

  62. I’m sorry, but you can’t be serious! Why would you doubt giving that as a gift? They would be honored, and you’re right– it’s perfect for so many things– the babies bed some day, cuddling w/ baby, etc….. Anything handmade is so heartfelt and perfect to mark such a special occasion. If you change your mind, I’m having twins soon and w/ two baby showers coming up, it would be much appreciated around here (ha ha ha….) because I fear my sewing days are over for a while! I kind of remember you showing just the blocks before, but will you share again the block patter for that quilt? Thanks a bunch and happy giving!!!!!!!!! 🙂

  63. I thoroughly enjoy reading your blog. I am amazed and impressed with how much you get done! It is truly inspiring! I only wish I was a daughter-in-law or some other relative so that I too could receive one of your beautiful quilts!
    I am sure they will love it, and I agree with the other who say it is better than a baby quilt.
    Congratulations on the new job!
    Happy sewing!

  64. I thoroughly enjoy reading your blog. I am amazed and impressed with how much you get done! It is truly inspiring! I only wish I was a daughter-in-law or some other relative so that I too could receive one of your beautiful quilts!
    I am sure they will love it, and I agree with the other who say it is better than a baby quilt.
    Congratulations on the new job!
    Happy sewing!

  67. Perfect gift for a baby. They don’t stay small long (so I’m told). My baby spends most of his time on a quilt on the floor – so the size doesn’t matter. (He sleeps in a “sleep sack” after he kicked off one to many quilts.)
    Some parents fear that quilts will smother the baby & don’t use them in the crib at all.

  68. Perfect gift for a baby. They don’t stay small long (so I’m told). My baby spends most of his time on a quilt on the floor – so the size doesn’t matter. (He sleeps in a “sleep sack” after he kicked off one to many quilts.)
    Some parents fear that quilts will smother the baby & don’t use them in the crib at all.