Interview with Bubbe of Bubbe's Blankies!

By Earl

Today we're featuring our favorite seamstress and creative genius: the Bubbe (our Bubbe) behind the handmade quilt business, Bubbe's Blankies!

So, Bubbe, how long have you been embroidering and quilting?

I started embroidering my overalls in high school because my mom had old floss and I liked making my denims more "girly".  When my first baby (Ms. Mommy) came along I wanted her to have beautiful blankets on her bed, and cute homemade dolls to play with.  I realized I could handle the boredom of watching TV if I had handwork, so I started to sew baby quilts to gift and sell at the Purple Pocket, a now extinct handcrafts shop in downtown Spokane.  I sold quite a few.  When Petunia and Earl came along two years ago, I had to make THEM quilts, and just sort of kept on making them.  They are now for sale through my blog.  

Can you tell us a little bit more about the quilt making process? 

It takes me from 4-12 hours to hand-embroider a square, averaging about 6 hours per square.  Sometimes I start with pictures, but often a fabric will inspire the design.  I recently found lovely cloth with animals in tutus, so Auntie Amelia and I drew pictures to go with it (this quilt is available at Autumn's Loft).  Currently I'm creating dinosaurs to go with some great green fabrics, and planning a farm-themed quilt, but no fabric's appeared for that one yet!  I don't think red gingham would be quite the thing, and denim is too heavy.   Each crib quilt takes at least 10 embroidered squares.  The batting is medium-weight, hand tied with yarn.  I don't like the sewing so much, but that might have to do with the fact that I recently sewed 4 together in one weekend!

Thanks for sitting down and talking with us, Bubbe!

Below are a few of our favorite Bubbe's Blankies, hand crafted for us by Bubbe and Auntie Amelia. First up is Hank's deliciously cozy, flannel, Sesame Street themed toddler quilt. Isn't that Elmo square adorable?!

The next two are Petunia's and my very own, complimentary quilts (click the images for a larger view)!

I may not be feeling my greatest in this photo, but at least I'm wrapped in the friendly warmth of my quilt. Ms. Mommy took a close-up of her favorite square to show the exquisite embroidery detail.

Want one of your own? How could you not after seeing ours! Bubbe is now taking custom orders- just email her at bubbesblankies{at}gmail{dot}com.