Author Archives: Carol Dean Jones, Author, Quilting Cozy series

Deana’s Comfy Quilts

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).

We have five winners!

At today’s drawing, five lucky followers were chosen to be the recipients of the first two books in the Quilting Cozy series signed by the author.

The winners have been notified by email, so check your email inboxes and see if you are one of the winners.

For those of you who did not win, there will be more drawing in the next few months so stay tuned.

I hope everyone has a joyful July 4th. It is nice being able to be with friends and family again, although we are still doing so cautiously.

My very best wishes to all and thank you for staying in touch.

Carol

Frayed Edges: A Quilting Cozy (Book 12)

The 12th book in the Quilting Cozy series will be released in a couple of weeks (June 25th) and is available for pre-order on C&T-Publishing’s-website, and on Amazon in print and eBook format. It will also be available at books stores and quilt shops around the country.

Because it is being released this month, C&T asked me to provide a narrative for their June blog. I thought, as followers of my blog, you might like to read it. It will tell you about the new book and, if you are new to the series, it will give you an overview of my Quilting Cozy mystery series. (See link below.)

Stay tuned for information about the 2-book give-away (with 5 winners!) which will appear in my blog the same day the new book is released: June 25, 2021.

My very best wishes to all my followers.

Carol

Click here to read the blog I wrote for C&T’s June newsletter

QUILTS FOR BABY & TODDLER

It’s been almost a year since we bought that first supply of toilet paper and disinfectant while hoping we bought enough to last a few months. Who would have thought we’d be using that disinfectant and wearing masks a year later.

We’ve learned a great deal since that day nearly a year ago and our lives are changed in many ways. Regretfully, some have lost loved ones and we pray for them and their families. Some struggle to pay the mortgage having lost jobs and businesses. Many are unable to visit their relatives, particularly the elderly ones, while others find themselves spending more time at home with their family. Board games have been pulled out of the closet, families rediscover the joy of eating meals together, and we’ve learned how pleasant a simple walk can be. Our lives are forever changed.

I knew I’d be homebound for the duration and would need a way to spend my time and I thought about baby quilts. They are small projects and offer opportunity to try out patterns and new skills. For example, just last night I hemmed my first quilt successfully by machine (after numerous unsuccessful attempts). When you look at the pictures you will see some with lovely intricate quilting patterns and I’ll have to admit that all of those went out to my friend and long-arm quilter. I just can’t seem to get free-motion quilting no matter how many YouTubes I watch!

I thought one of the advantages of this project would be making a dent in my stash. But as it turned out, I ended up ADDING to my stash instead of reducing it. I explored all of my favorite online fabric stores for child-friendly fabrics and found dozens that I couldn’t resist. So I will stop rambling now and show you some of the results of my past year in the quilt room:

This is one of my early straight line quilting. I got better with time — still waiting for the learning curve to kick in.

The next three are flannel, front and back. Incredibly soft.

Then I started thinking about the slightly older child who was watching all these gifts coming in for the new baby and it occurred to me that I should offer something for that child. Thus the ‘I Spy’ collection (which has turned out to be the most fun of all!) Friends jumped right in to help me by giving me piles of scraps with pictures for my I Spy blocks.

I’m using this fabric on the back of all the I Spy quilts just for a little added interest. Of course, being a repeating design, Washington state appears just SOUTH of Arizona, but that will be a teacher’s problem to resolve some day.

I still don’t know what I’m going to do with these quilts. I have about twenty-five at this point. I was going to open an Etsy shop but quilts lose so much of their charm in photos. Quilts need to be touched and fondled. Some of the ones above are flannel and are so-o-o soft. I think I would like to try having a table at a craft show once it’s safe to be out in the world.

If anyone knows how I can accept credit cards at a craft table, please drop me a line at QuiltingCozy@gmail.com and let me know. I see lots of ads but don’t have any idea how to decide what would be best for the few and intermittent sales I would be making. Your personal experience would be appreciated.

These may well end up being donations. As long as they end up wrapped around a baby, I’ll be happy.

Take care, my dear friends. Be safe and keep quilting (or reading). If you haven’t signed up for the full set drawing, please go back to the previous blog and sign up. Comments on this blog don’t get counted for the drawing but I hope you’ll leave comments here too. As you know, I love hearing from each and every one of you! Best wishes to all. Carol

FREE BOOKS! (signed by author)

First I want to welcome all my new followers! It is so nice to see new faces on my blog. (Well, at least I see many new names!). I apologize to my regular followers for the long period of silence through the holidays. I think this strange new world is getting to everyone. I hope you and yours are well and that you’ve found ways to deal with the changes in our day-to-day life.

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SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR

SPECIAL NOTICE: Bernie of Needle & Foot is offering Quilting Cozy books (signed by the author, Carol Dean Jones) at the Black Friday Sale Price of $11.89 with Free Shipping. Hurry over to her website to take advantage of this excellent price.

The Needle & Foot website is currently carrying signed copies of the books from the Quilting Cozy series. You can purchase them from Needle & Foot not only at a lower price than most other outlets, but they are signed by the author!

I also encourage you to scroll around the Needle & Foot website. In addition to the books, she carries a wide selection of high quality fabric, fun notions, handmade wooden magnetic pin bowls, and unique quilt patterns. This is a five-star Etsy shop which values quality and customer service. I was delighted when asked to provide signed books for their customers.

Take care everyone and please visit Needle & Foot even if you aren’t looking for my books. You’ll be amazed!

Best wishes, Carol