Since I was staying home during the pandemic and since I had all the quilts I could use in my house or give away to my kids, I decided to make baby quilts to pass the time. I did a blog somewhere along the way and shared some of those quilts with you and asked if you had any suggestions as to what I could do with this rapidly growing pile of quilts.
You gave me some great idea. I have given some to friends as gifts, donated some to groups serving children, and passed some to organizations such as the local Volunteer Fire Department to be used as fund raisers. Then I began looking into outlets for selling some of them (considering I’m still making them and the pile is still growing).
I tried having a table at several craft shows, but I found at my age (83) it was difficult physically. I will continue to attend a few local ones, but I needed a different venue.
I looked into putting them on Etsy but there were already hundreds of baby quilts listed. A friend who sells concrete animal statues (ItsConcrete) told me about Bonanza. Bonanza is similar in concept to Etsy but is newer and certainly not as well known. But their concept is simple: Just open a shop and don’t pay anything until you sell and then you pay them a percentage. I decided to give it a try.
So here I am: Deana’s Comfy Quilts.
Please take a look. Now, I know that many of my readers and followers are quilters themselves but I’m asking you to please help me spread the word. If you know any one planning to attend a baby shower or who is about to become a grandmother or just needs a little quilt please send them this link.
https://www.bonanza.com/booths/Deana2424
I have broadened the category from just baby quilts because I discovered that these little quilts (approx. 38″x48″) are great as lap robes as well. I use one on my recliner watching television and a friend’s husband is using one over his knees in his wheelchair. Once I realized this broader use, I have added patterns and fabrics more appropriate for adults.
When I was selling at a craft fair last year, a shopper bought one to be used as a wall hanging and I added that category as well.
I only have eight of my quilts posted on Bonanza at this time, but I have more to add within the next few weeks. Thank you for taking a look and please let me know if you have any suggestions.
I would love to know what folks have been working on and if you’ve had a chance to read #12 (Frayed Edges) of the Quilting Cozy series, I’d love to hear from you. I’ve had lots of requests that I continue the series. You aren’t getting tired of them? Maybe I should start a new series instead? Let me know what you think. Leave a message below or drop me an email at QuiltingCozy@gmail.com. I love hearing from you.
Don’t forget to stop by my shop on Bonanza: Deana’s Comfy Quilts
Thank you for spending time with me today.
Carol Dean (And “Deana” was the nickname my grandfather gave me 80-some years ago).
A Quilting Cozy Series - Carol Dean Jones 
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I have enjoyed following the antics and adventures of Sarah and Sophie…and yes, I want more! Your quilts are amazing and anyone lucky enough to have one will treasure it. Good luck with your new venue.
Thank you, Paula. I’m glad you have enjoyed the series. I’ve had a great time writing it. I miss my characters!
I absolutely love all of your books and the characters seem so real to me. I have all of the books in the series.
Hi Jerri, Thank you for letting me know that you’ve enjoyed my books. The characters have become very real to me as well. Someone suggested I write about the pandemic in their retirement village but I didn’t want Sarah and Sophie to go through that. They have such an ideal life so I saved them from that stress!
Hi Carol, I just looked at the quilts you have posted and I’m wishing I knew a baby who needs one right now. Love them, especially the pinwheel one and I think you have priced them well! Hope Bonanza turns out to be a good outlet for you!
Book#12 is on my kindle now and I’ll be starting it in a couple of days. Looking forward to a quiet day and a good read.
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Hi Wanda. So glad you like my baby quilts. I think the pinwheel is very striking with the bright red and white contrast. I am having lots of fun making these and I hope they eventually sell. There have been lots of ‘views’ recorded. I hope you enjoy Faded Edges. Have a great summer.
Your quilts look wonderful on that new site and I do hope people take advantage of your super reasonable prices to get one or more as gifts – after all – Christmas isn’t that far away (eeeek!). Seriously everyone, I’m Carol’s sister Pam and I have many of Carol’s beautiful quilts decorating my home – she designs and makes every one of them with love. I’m very proud of her being a wonderful quilter AND a talented author. Help her spread the word about Bonanza – I wasn’t familiar with it until SHE joined up!
Pam Kimmell
Hi Sister, thank you for your lovely and TOTALLY UNBIASED review of by Bonanza site, my quilts, and my books! But the talent obviously runs in the family — just look at those delightful daily blogs you do and your incredible poetry (you make it look so easy!). Seriously, I appreciate all your kind words and thank you for helping to spread the word. Hugs
Carol, love, love, loved Frayed Edges your newest Cozy book. I will be in line for your next book! I hope you continue the storyline of our very special friends. Your quilts are beautiful. Best of luck in the new selling space. An avid fan!!
Dawn Lunn
I’m so glad you loved Frayed Edges. Lots of folks who aren’t quilters don’t know about that incredible network which attempts to track down lost or stolen quilts. It was fun researching. As for more books…Dawn, that may well be the end of the series. Now, that’s not definite…but it just seems like a good stopping place. We’ll see. I very much appreciate your kind words and hope you will stay in touch.
Beautiful work! Good luck with your new venture. Love the nickname your granddad gave you!
Thank you, Dianna. I appreciate your support. I am happy that I found a way to continue enjoying quilting without making big, cumbersome quilts. These small ones are such fun to design and make. And, of course, they keep me going to quilt shops which is one of my favorite things to do!!
Hope you’re having a great summer.