Caillou Quilt

I do not intend to use this blog just to promote my sewing creations but I can't pass up an opportunity to talk about special projects I am working on. I just finished a custom quilt order and I would love to share that with you.

A few weeks ago I was in the Etsy forums (where I spend a little too much time) and there was a post from a woman seeking a blanket with Caillou on it. For those who may not know, Caillou is a cartoon on PBS aimed at young children and preschoolers. My own children love it. I love a custom project so I immediately Googled for Caillou fabric. My thought was to get the fabric, back it with something super soft and create a simple blanket for the customer. Well, apparently, they don't make fabric with Caillou on it. Who knew?

Plan "B". I have an embroidery machine so I searched for Caillou embroidery designs and found a grouping of them for a very reasonable price. I contacted the woman in the forum and explained to her that I did not see any fabric but I did find the embroidery designs and let her know that if she was interested in a custom made item, I would love to talk with her about it.

After talking back and fourth, she decided that a custom quilt would be perfect for her daughter and she wanted ME to make it. I was thrilled. I started my Etsy shop to primarily sell my quilts and they have somehow taken a back burner to my other items. I was hungry for a new quilt project and this was just the kind of thing I was wanting to make.

I sent her pictures through out the processes and we ended up chatting quite regularly about the quilt. I loved being able to show her the process and talk about different ideas with her.

Here is the initial quilt block with some fabrics held as samples.

Then the completed blocks. Each one took about an hour to complete.


Then the blocks with some pieced framing. I love the way the framing highlights the image.

Then finally the finished product! I backed it with a chenille type material for extra softness and I love the way that feels. The quilt is on it's way to it's new home and I hope she loves it as much as I loved making it for her!