A lot of children form some kind of attachment to an object that they use to go to sleep. A lovey, if you will. My lovey was a very well loved blankie that I brought everywhere with me for years. I have so many childhood photos with my blankie in my hand and my thumb in my mouth. While I no longer suck my thumb, I did sadly lose my blankie during a Disney trip. It was a traumatic day and I mourned the loss of my blankie for a long time.
These blankie quilts are largely inspired by own lovey. They are a really versatile quilt that can provide comfort and love to the children in your life for years. They might start off as nursery decor when baby is too young to have blankets in his or her crib, but can be used for years to come.
They are slender, making it easy to fold or roll up bringing with on the road. Perfect for family trips while you’re out making memories.
They wash easily if you plan to send it to daycare or preschool, but also because kids are messy.
The modern fabrics make them all the more cute and lovable.
We currently have six options for the Blankie Quilt: (1) Swanderful; (2) Surfer Girls, (3) Bumble Baby; (4) Swan-derful; (5) Wild Things, and (6) Panda Baby.
If there’s a baby bib set you’d love a matching Blankie Quilt for but don’t see that we currently offer a coordinating quilt for, please send an email to casey@caseysheilaquilts.com.
]]>Last year, I was asked to create a quilted pillow using these fabrics. We decided on a black zipper with red on the back.
The client loved it and decided her baby girl who was turning ONE needed a matching handmade quilt. I couldn’t agree more.
This handmade wholecloth quilt is a dream. (And hopefully encourages sweet dreaming and snuggling for baby girl who is officially now a toddler).
Just like the pillow, we used the red floral fabric on the front and the solid red fabric on the back. I quilted her up using diagonal lines to create elegant diamonds with an organic, coordinating yellow thread.
I used the yellow speckled fabric to create a bold binding for this modern, custom quilt. The final quilt was about 40” x 45”. The perfect size to take on the go- daycare naps or weekend adventures. But also the perfect size to hang on the crib and keep at home for imaginative play and sweet slumbers.
I’m obsessed and was so happy to create this custom quilt for the client. If you’ve been eyeing a bib set that would make the perfect handmade wholecloth quilt for the little one in your life, please send an email to casey@caseysheilaquilts.com.
This quilt may not or may not have inspired a brand new line of quilts soon to be available at Casey Sheila Quilts. Subscribe to the email newsletter to stay in the know!
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This modern children’s quilt collection was inspired by a couple of sources. First, I’ve had several requests for custom whole cloth quilts using fabrics from the bib collections. These quilts are easier to visualize- the fabrics are already there to see and can match a bib set if you wanted to give both as a gift to the baby in your life. Even if you’re gifting it to your own baby.
Second, this may not surprise you but I had a security blanket growing up. I brought it with me everywhere. Sucking on my thumb with my blanket hanging from the same hand. I still can’t sleep without a quilt or blanket on top of me even if it is a special kind of hot (think no power post hurricane in the middle of Florida summer hot).
So, I created a quilt that would be easier for a child to carry around with them but would be just as special for the child. It will be about 40” x 45”- the perfect size to bring to daycare or a nap on the go. The perfect size to drape across their little bodies at quiet time. And the perfect size to get a really good burrito roll.
I’ve probably said too much. Can’t wait to show you more! Make sure you subscribe to our email newsletters to stay in touch. Have a custom handmade quilt in mind of your own? Send an email to casey@caseysheilaquilts.com. Custom orders are currently open!
]]>Also at some point in my third trimester, I finally decided Etta’s room would be a Secret Garden theme with blacks, browns, and greens. Once I made the decision, then the fun began: picking out fabrics! I found the perfect black and white floral design for the back.
The front of the Everything Quilt has 6 patterned fabrics and 4 solid colors. I chose some moody, darker patterned fabrics and some lighter white and beiges to balance them out. This design requires a lot of cutting and sewing and then some more cutting and sewing. Did I mention cutting and sewing?
She’s four months now and it’s coming along. I sneak in some personal sewing in between making beautiful quilted heirlooms for our clients. I hope to have it done in the next few months after our two new handmade quilt collections are released! Make sure you subscribe to the newsletter to stay in touch. In the meantime, Etta happily uses her brother and sister's quilts.
Interested in a handmade quilt for the baby or child in your life? I would love to bring your quilt to life. All of our quilts are made to order and take about four to six weeks to complete. Send me an email: casey@caseysheilaquilts.com so we can connect and get started today.
]]>With the upcoming release of her four new carriers, we were excited about the idea of a matching handmade bib set. And thus, the matching Cosmos Baby Bib Set was created. The galaxy print bib in this set was designed by the Olives & Applesauce team and it has just the right kind of cuteness explosion. The pink, purple, and blue colors are stellar, if you catch my drift. I paired her design with a solid purple bib and a purple bib speckled with small dots that evoke an outer space feeling.
The three bibs in this set are available with either an Organic Fleece or Organic Terry Cloth backing. While both options are soft and safe for baby’s skin, the Fleece is softer than the Terry Cloth while the Terry Cloth is more absorbent (think summer beach wear type of material).
This is a limited edition set. Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever so make sure you grab your matching bib set when you’re purchasing your infant carrier at Olives & Applesauce.
]]>I was commissioned to make two lumbar quilted pillows and every time I look at them- I see summer! Pool, popsicles, and long summer days.
We started with the search for the perfect orange and golden yellow. We found these great bright and sunny fabrics. Then we found the perfect matching threads for quilting. Of course, they’re organic. And for the last piece of the design- we landed on a set of gorgeous long, sturdy YKK zippers.
The client already knew she wanted the pillow to be 1/3 yellow and 2/3 orange. We agreed to quilt both sides of the pillow so they could be displayed on both sides. The quilting on both sides really makes for luxurious back support.
I love that these pillows are a set. I love their simple, modern design. I love that they can be easily taken on and off the pillow inserts for washing or switching out when summer ends and fall takes over.
These colors would also make a great splash in a citrus themed nursery. Or as a companion to any of the Upside Down Quilt products- i.e., the Upside Down Quilt or the Upside Down Quilted Pillow.
I am still taking custom orders for 2022. If you’re ready to start planning the perfect quilted heirloom for your home, please send me an email at casey@caseysheilaquilts.com.
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All of my babies used their quilts as soon as we got home from the hospital. It’s a soft place for them to lay down for playtime and tummy time. Spit up is of course inevitable. I machine wash the quilts and they have all held up well. We also use them as the backdrop for their monthly photos.
My two year old now uses his quilt for pretend play. I love watching their imaginations come alive. There are many games of being a ghost, peek a boo with the baby, and pretend sleeping. Pretend sleeping is when they get all cozy on the floor with pillows, the quilts, turn off the lights, wake up 15 seconds later and do it all over again. Ah, the repetitive life of a toddler.
My four year old now uses her quilt to sleep with every night. If I’m being honest, she’s still in her crib (without the railing attached). We are waiting on some home renovations to finish before upgrading her to a big girl bed. But she delicately and purposely hangs the quilt on the side of her crib every morning. The quilt has been through so many washes at this point between spit up, messes, and night time potty training. Her children’s quilt has proven durable and soft. I will make her a bigger one when the time comes and save her baby quilt for picnics, imaginative play, and hopefully one day for her babies (should she choose to have children).
I offer custom quilts and two quilt collections right now: Wild Things and Pout Pout Fish (of course, inspired by the legendary books). They are all made to order in baby, toddler, and twin sizes. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at casey@caseysheilaquilts.com.
]]>I write this today with my two year old on my lap. As you may infer- he has completely embraced his middle child position.
My husband and I stumbled on an old TED talk from Brené Brown the other day and of course, I was captivated the entire time. One of her key mantras (if you will) was:
This phrase really hit home for me at this point in my life (I’m really behind on the Brené Brown train). Becoming a mother to three littles, today’s celebration, and all of the recent headlines has me consistently evaluating my relationship with myself, my kids, my husband, and frankly- everyone! It feels crushing at times. But when I remember we really just want to be reminded that we are worthy of love and belonging- well, it simplifies things.
So I think I’ll leave today’s note simple too: I’m so grateful for my community of strong females (which includes all of you!) who remind me and my children that we are worthy of love and belonging. You are the real MVPs. Today, I celebrate you (and myself). You too are loved and you too belong. Happy Mother’s Day.
Sending hugs and so much gratitude,
Casey
P.S. Custom Orders are officially open and underway for 2022. I recently created a set of gorgeous, citrusy, summery lumbar quilted pillows.
They were in fact inspired by the Upside Down Quilted Pillows in the Pout Pout Fish Collection. The custom pillows were 12” x 20” with sturdy YKK zippers. Send an email to casey@caseysheilaquilts.com to get started on your custom design today.
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Once I find a print that I love and that print is on a cotton fabric soft enough to put on a baby, I create a whole set around that print. The set usually includes a matching solid bib and a complementary pattern bib that doesn’t upstage the star of the set. All three bibs work well together so they can be grouped together as a set but of course, they look good independently (because obviously that’s how they’ll be worn).
Another inspiration behind the handmade baby bib sets is you! When I work on a custom, handmade children’s quilt, the client and I collaborate on the fabrics that will be used in the quilt. I often find myself ordering extra fabric (in case I make a mistake and need extra fabric and… to create a limited edition bib set!).
I mean, when the client asked for the Liberty of London Strawberry Thief fabric in this baby girl quilt- it was obvious we needed coordinating bibs for a limited release.
Other times, I get a special request for a certain theme and all of the stars align so that it makes sense to create limited release set. That’s how the Flamingo Babies Bib Set was created. After I released the Flamingo Babies Bib Set, you all asked the solid color to also be available in blue. Why not? Great idea.
Like all good things, the limited edition sets are just that- limited. They are available in smaller quantities than the rest of the bib sets. So if something catches your eye, don’t snooze. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.
If you have any questions or requests, please reach out to me at casey@caseysheilaquilts.com. I love talking inspiration and customizations. Custom orders for quilts are also open for 2022. Just send me an email at casey@caseysheilaquilts.com and I’ll walk you through the process.
]]>I paired Winnie the Pooh with the Bumble Baby Bib Set. It was an on obvious choice given Pooh’s love for honey. But, this is the first chapter book I’ve started to read with the kids. I’m grateful for a book with more sustenance for me and it brings back so many good feelings. All of the characters in the Hundred Acre Woods are so delightful and I love getting to share it with my kids. Also- they don’t have the attention span for it every night and that’s okay. On those nights, we read some tried and true Sandra Boynton.
The Swander-ful Baby Bib Set got paired with I Am Enough. This book is new to us and I could not love it more. The message is so positive and loving. It feels like giving yourself a good hug.
The Extin-kin’ Cute Baby Set was paired with Diggersaurs. Alice actually picked out this book for Dylan one day when we were at Target. He’s all about the dinosaur and truck life so I was so touched to see her pick something he would actually love.
I love me some Madeline with the Petal Baby Bib Set. I couldn’t believe Madeline hadn’t made it to a round up yet. This book brings back all the good nostalgia feelings for me. And it’s all about me, right?
For the last pairing in this round up, we have the Lamb Chop Baby Bib Set with a baby classic- Where’s the Lady Bug. This book is a basic lift the flap book but both my 4 and 2 year old still love it. Go figure.
I would love to hear some of your bedtime book recommendations! Send them my way to casey@caseysheilaquilts.com.
]]>I found the beehive fabric about two years ago. I found the lamb, dinosaurs, and flowers about a year ago. They all felt like springtime releases but morning sickness (aka all day sickness) prevented me from getting them ready for a release last year.
One of the albeit small questions that I debate over and over during release prep is how many products to include in a collection. Creating four handmade baby bib sets while caring for a newborn and two toddlers seemed ambitious but manageable. So, I chose these four modern and adorable sets.
But then I found the swan fabric. Oh the classy, elegant swan fabric. I had to include it! Picking out the solid bib for the swan set was surprisingly exciting, too. I decided on this fabric that’s a little rougher than what I normally use (but still soft enough for baby!) because it gets so deliciously soft the more it’s used.
And that’s how the Casey Sheila Quilts Spring Spit Up Collection came to be! *Baby girl inspired the name of this collection because that girl certainly has an overabundance of spit up.
As always, each set is available in either the Bandana or Long size. The Long size provides full coverage for this reflux baby of mine.
The bib sets are backed with either Organic Fleece or Organic Terry Cloth. They are both soft, but the fleece is the softer of the two while the terry cloth is the more absorbent of the two.
They come with sturdy snap closures and machine washable (my favorite part).
If you have any questions or comments, please reach out to me at casey@caseysheilaquilts.com.
]]>To celebrate two years of creating thoughtful products for you and your babes, I thought it would be fun to do a series of blog posts reflecting on the inspiration behind the different products. Today, we are taking a closer look at the inspiration behind some our handmade baby bib sets.
When I had my baby shower with Alice, I received a ton of bibs. Most of them were impractical. I felt like Goldilocks. They were too small. They didn’t hold up well in the wash. The prints were too cutesy. They had phrases I didn’t like printed on them. “Daddy’s Girl” always irked me- I’m home taking care of the baby most of the time, she better be a momma’s girl! (Happy to report- she loves us both).
After Alice, I knew what I liked in a bib- something that could easily be thrown in the washer, snaps, and had modern prints. I also loved a good set because if Alice was having a particularly spitty or drooly day, she could wear the whole set and still have them match her outfit. So, we set out to create just that.
In the beginning, I used modern fabrics I loved because if I loved them, I knew other moms would too. The OG bib release are still some of the best sellers.
Now that we offer between 25-30 different sets, I try to use modern fabrics that fill any color schemes that we might be missing. I’m always on the hunt for gender neutral options. And if they’re a beachy or bold color print that I know my fellow South Florida mamas would love, all the better.
I am still drawn to the typical girl color fabrics, but I’ll blame that on just having had another baby girl.
Selling out of a set is bittersweet- I loved those fabrics and it made me so happy to create bibs for all the special babies in your lives. It also means, I can start looking around for another set to fill that void :)
As always, if you have any questions, please send me an email: casey@caseysheilaquilts.com.
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Etta will be 2 months old already. We are doing the days and continue to adjust to being a family of 5. There have been lots and lots of snuggles, Netflix bingeing (yes, I’m still half watching), chocolate consumption, spit up, tears, and smiles. I forgot how good newborn smiles are!! I forgot how good newborns smell but also how bad old spit up smells.
While enjoying all of my babies, I’ve also been working on five new, handmade baby bib sets for a Spring launch! I think all of the sets fit in the spring theme well. I can’t wait to share more details soon- but first! A sale!
I need to clear some space for the new bib sets. And, of course, I want to celebrate the shop reopening with all of you. So! I am offering 20% off the following handmade, baby bibs: Nina Bib Set, Flamingo Babies Bib Set (both color options), Sunbabies Bib Set, and the Stellar Rainbow Babies Bib Set.
The sale will run from April 4- April 10. No code needed. Quantities on these sets are very limited so if you’ve been eyeing a set, please don’t wait. They are available with either an organic fleece or organic terry cloth back.
As always, please feel free to email me at casey@caseysheilaquilts.com with any questions, concerns, or words of encouragement ;)
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Casey Sheila Quilts started off as an exclusive modern, handmade baby quilt company. ( I have, of course, always offered our handmade bibs.) But, when I launched our Wild Things collection, the quilts were just available in baby sizes. I started off with the classic 40” x 40” and slowly offered more baby sizes: crib (30” x 50”) and the toddler size (40” x 50”).
As I worked on custom quilt orders, I realized I needed to expand our size selections. Quilts are obviously not just for babies- although it is so fun to custom design a quilt for a brand new baby!
Quality, handmade quilts are for life. A child growing out of his crib and moving to a toddler, twin or full size bed is a huge milestone. The quilts should get to grow with your children. So after your baby outgrows his baby quilt, he can still snuggle in his brand new bed with a modern, handmade children’s quilt created by yours truly.
All this to say- Casey Sheila Quilts are now available in twin/full sizes! The Pout Pout Fish Collection already has the new sizes listed. All future collections will be available in the twin/full size. And the custom quilts remain completely custom- so any size you want! Can’t wait to get creating for you and your babies (because even when they’re 12, they’re still your baby).
(And yes! I am still offering the same baby sizes as always (crib, baby, and toddler). I’m so excited about this opportunity to expand and grow with your families).
]]>Put those modern, handmade bibs on a hanger. Snap them on the hanger. Put them on the hanger right next to your burp cloths and swaddles. Make sure they’re in a place that they’re easy to grab with one hand. That way you don’t have to put a fussy baby down just to get a bib.
Organize them in a basket by the changing pad. I often change my newborns halfway through a feeding to wake them up and finish off the feed. The end of a feed is usually accompanied by some spit up so it’s nice to have them right there to throw on baby when she’s done eating. Pro of this stage idea is that you don’t have to worry about snapping them on and off. Just fold them (or throw them- no one is judging you for your bib storage) in the basket.
Place them in an over the door organizer. This keeps them out of view and easy to grab when you’re walking in and out of the room. Tip: get your toddler to
Other big storage ideas that are practical- store them in a drawer just below the changing pad. I love the idea of drawer dividers for this. Hang them on a blanket ladder. Display them on a clothes line on the wall. Hang from a command hook on the back of baby’s high chair if you use them at meal time (I would think about toddlers grabbing them and throwing them on the ground if you have toddlers in the house, too).
However you store them, make sure it’s practical for you! When you’re done using them, throw them in the wash and you’ll be ready for the next time baby needs her bib.
]]>This quilt is perhaps the most flexible of the custom designs that we offer at Casey Sheila Quilts. The first choice, like with the other custom quilts, is choosing the color scheme. It can be as minimalist or as maximalist depending on your color choices. My daughter’s first daycare baby quilt was a simple, dramatic black and white color scheme with a bold pink edge and bright, confetti fabric for the backing. I wanted it to stand out as hers while incorporating her favorite color, pink.
This custom quilt design does best with one continuous color on half of the quilt and up to six different colors on the other half.
On this beach inspired quilt, this client chose to use a subtle yellow on half the quilt with a blue ombre on the second half to create a wave like feeling.
For this Christmas inspired quilt, the gold fabric was continuous and there were two different pinks used in alternating rows. Really, there are infinite possibilities with this design.
The second choice to make is the fabric for the backing. This is entirely up to you and the theme of your quilt. I will custom order a fabric based on your choosing and get started on the quilt as soon as the fabric arrives (which includes pre-washing all of the fabric to help prevent any color transfer later on).
Just a reminder that if none of these custom designs feel right to you, I am happy to design a completely custom quilt for you. Send me an email at casey@caseysheilaquilts.com so we can get started on the quilt heirloom of your dreams.
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I was 41 weeks pregnant (Alice was born at 39 weeks and Dylan was born at 40 weeks) so going a week past my due date was unexpected. To say I was restless for her arrival would be an understatement. Although I did enjoy a big delicious milkshake each night while I impatiently waited for spontaneous labor. I had lots of strong Braxton Hicks, but nothing consistent or close together. I ultimately agreed to be induced at 41 weeks.
Despite my best efforts, spontaneous labor never happened. So on a Monday morning, B and I said see you soon to Alice and Dylan and we headed to the hospital for my induction. It’s quite odd going to have a baby during daylight hours. I got started on Pitocin and my OB broke my water. I was 3.5 CM dilated and 60% effaced that morning. An hour later, the contractions were very intense. We tried watching some of the Olympics while I labored in my room. Being hooked up to the machines made moving around difficult so we made do with the tight space.
After a while I couldn’t relax through the contractions anymore and I was worried my stress would slow down labor so I requested the epidural. That worked perfectly. After it was administered, I was 9 CM and my wonderful nurse called my OB to say it was almost time. A half hour later I was pushing and baby girl made her appearance in just 4 fast and furious hours.
Alice has been enamored with her baby sister. She loves holding her and making sure everyone washes their hands before holding Etta. Dylan says “Etta” in the cutest way possible with his tongue sticking out and gives her gentle touches.
We are adjusting to newborn life once again. I am tired and so grateful that she is here and healthy. I am kicking myself for not getting farther along on her baby quilt before she arrived but I also didn’t get Dylan’s done until after he was born, too. Second and third children, am I right?
I do, however, have all the fabric laid out for this modern, handmade baby quilt. I am going to make her a secret garden themed Everything Quilt. I can’t wait to lay it out for tummy time, monthly photos, bring it on outdoor adventures, and make all the memories with her.
]]>I met a local mom who makes exquisite macrame. I knew a collaboration with her would be perfect for this collection. I decided to quilt the front of the pillow with an elegant diamond quilting pattern. Something about that pattern is so regal.
The macrame artist then designed her own piece inspired by the Pout Pout Fish book to add on top of the quilted fabric.
The result is a stunning, collaborative handmade quilted pillow that is a perfect addition for any baby’s nursery. The quilted pillow is backed with a lilac woven cotton fabric. The pillow also has aa brass YKK zipper to take the insert out. It was a joy to work together and I know you’ll love the pillow as much as we do.
P.S. If you try to order this pillow while I'm on maternity leave (February 2022- April 2022), then it will be marked as sold out. There is a gift card option to hold you over until my leave is over.
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As it turns out, Alice is a total pink girl herself (or at least has been since she’s been able to communicate). All of her clothing has to have pink. She loves herself a pink unicorn bracelet. A pink plate? Dinner just got so much better. I do not know if my interest in pink was spurred by Alice in the womb or if all of the pink around her fostered her own interest in pink. All this to say, the pink interest has inspired many a pink handmade baby bib set here at Casey Sheila Quilts.
Out of the 25 baby bib sets we currently offer, we have 6 pink sets! Some of them are feminine and strong. Some of them are a bold pink. Some of them are a playful pink. And some of them are pure girly girl (nothing wrong with harnessing those female powers, ladies!). Without further ado, I rounded up all of our pink sets and listed them here:
Pink Surfer Girl Baby Bib Set
As with all of our bib sets, these bibs are available in either the Bandana or Long size. They come with either an Organic Fleece backing or an Organic Terry Cloth backing. They have a snap closure so baby can’t easily rip them off. And they are all handmade by yours truly. Have a question or need help narrowing down which pink set best suits your needs? Send an email to casey@caseysheilaquilts.com.
Also, if you're looking to make a purchase while I am on maternity leave (February- April 2022), please know the bibs are currently marked as sold out but you can still purchase a gift card.
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I cannot tell you how much fun I had. Both mommas were due while I expected to be on maternity leave. I had already turned all of our stock to 0 for the leave so there’s no way anyone could make a purchase until April (after their babies were due). Although it’s common to use bibs at meal times when solids first start getting introduced, bibs are also really helpful in the beginning to catch spit up and drool. By keeping baby’s skin dry, you can help prevent the skin from getting irritated with all the moisture in those adorable neck folds. (Also, the spit up milk starts to stink if they’re not cleaned right away. Ha! The things you learn as a mom).
For the first expecting momma, I got to make one of our original bib sets! The Sun Babies Bib Set. It’s a bold, gender neutral set. I love the little sun faces and the coordinating two bibs. She registered for the bandana style in organic fleece.
For the second expecting momma, I got to make the Turtle Dude Baby Bib Set. Another bold, gender neutral set. The bright orange and adorable turtles are great reminders of the beach and connecting with nature. I always like the reminder that the world is bigger than a 10 pm, 12 am, 3 am,, 4:30 AM, and 6:00 AM wake up to eat and burp.
After making the bibs, I marked the bibs as purchased on the registries and boxed them all up! I love the mom community and relished in this opportunity to help a new momma. Who’s registry will I tackle next?! Send me an email at casey@caseysheilaquilts.com if you know of someone registered for my products and maybe I’ll be able to fulfill that request too. Also, a reminder that gift cards are still available while I’m on leave.
]]>This is one of my favorite custom baby quilts to make. You get to select five different colors for the triangles and any kind of backing of your choice! We had a specific color palette in mind for this quilt and ended up finding the perfect backing choice on spoonflower.com.
I quilted this Raindance quilt in diamond shapes with a cream thread. I love the subtle pop from the shape, texture, and color of the thread on the back. The cream is just delicate enough to complement the bold colors on the front.
I had some extra fabric from binding all three layers together (top, batting, and backing). In fact, I often over measure this part and have extra fabric. It’s been a struggle because I don’t want to throw out the fabric, but I didn’t know how to re-use it. I finally figured out I could wrap the quilts up with the extra fabric. I think the end result looks authentic, handmade, and personal. And it keeps fabric out of wasteland. An all around win.
I would love to help you create the baby quilt of your dreams for you or a momma in your life. Please send an email to me at casey@caseysheilaquilts.com.
]]>Do small businesses (aka one woman shows) get maternity leave? I struggled with this decision for a while. A big part of my business is reminding you that I’m here so when you decide on purchasing a handmade baby bib, a quilted pillow, or a handmade baby quilt- you’ll think of Casey Sheila Quilts. That includes creating new collections, producing content, SEO work, and engaging with the community. My business, however, is actually quite physical (yes, believe it or not!).
It takes me approximately 2 hours to create a bib set, 6-8 hours to create a quilted pillow, and 30-50 hours to create a quilt. That time requires a lot of standing, a lot of going back and forth from my sewing desk to my cutting desk. And a lot of other physical gymnastics that happen behind the scenes. So after giving birth to baby girl, I need some time to physically recover before jumping back in. Not to mention the time that I think my family needs to begin adjusting to being a family of five. I have currently marked all of my products as sold out. But, it’s temporary.
I do have actual, business plans for Casey Sheila Quilts in 2022. I have fabric ready to go for what will hopefully be a spring launch of baby bibs in April. I’ve started designing the next quilt and pillow collection. I’m planning for more pop-up market appearances. And of course, a fall and holiday bib collection release.
I’m hoping to be back and connecting with all of you in April 2022. I may have another blog post coming to introduce you to our girl and several other blog posts that I was able to get together before baby girl made her way here.
Sending you my best. Thank you for your continued support and love. I can’t tell you how much it means to me and my family.
-Casey
]]>After three babies and selling my own handmade baby bibs for two years, I know what I like in a bib. Here are my musts:
Casey Sheila Quilts baby bibs of course do all that. And they’re handmade by yours truly so you can be confident that you’re getting a well-made item that directly supports this small, family business.
Our bibs do require you to make a few decisions. I’m sorry! But every baby is different so we need to cover (literally) their needs. The first decision you have to make is which set! We have sorted the bibs based on gender (girl, boy, gender neutral) to help you navigate the options. You can find the different options in the drop down menu.
The second decision you have to make is about sizing. Does the bandana size or the long size better fit your family’s needs? The long size has the most coverage. I usually recommend the long for babies who have a lot of spit up, if your baby’s spit up goes everywhere and you need more coverage, or if baby is older and you plan on mainly using the bibs at meal time. The long bib sizes come with two different snaps (no velcro on any of our bibs!) so they can grow and adapt to fit baby as baby grows. The bandana has one snap and provides plenty of coverage for the average baby.
The third and last decision you have to make about our bibs is the backing material. Does the organic fleece or organic Terry Cloth better suit your family’s needs? The fleece is softer than the Terry cloth. The Terry cloth is more absorbent than the fleece. This can be a tough balance to strike. All of my babies had crazy drool and often developed irritation on their necks. The Terry cloth absorbed most of the drool but sometimes their skin needed the softness of the fleece. The fleece feels like a luxuriously soft sweater.
If you’re purchasing our bibs a gift for someone else, you can get a few different options so momma and baby can try them all out. If you’re registering for yourself and still have no idea what you want to try, send me an email at casey@caseysheilaquilts.com. I’m happy to chat and talk about what might work best. If you know exactly what you want, go ahead and add us to your baby registry (you can use Babylist and basically add anything from any website!). I have a dream of sending off a free set to a momma who has registered for us- if that’s you, send me an email so I can check out your registry.
Most importantly, whether you’re a momma or supporting a momma- remember you’re doing a great job.
]]>The client picked the coordinating red fabric for the back of the pillow. A brilliant choice.
We then used the yellow speckled fabric for the bottom with a study black zipper. The bronze zipper is YKK and glides very smoothly. Easy for taking on and off the pillow insert. Our pillows do come with an insert, but if you have the perfect insert in mind, then I am happy to adjust the price to come without the insert. Just let me know at casey@caseysheilaquilts.com.
The resulting pillow for baby girl’s floral nursery is strikingly beautiful and practical. The pillow can be used for back support during those late night feedings, for pretend naps when baby becomes a toddler (or fingers crossed, a real nap!), or any kind of play that baby imagines. The pillow is an heirloom that be used to create memories for years to come. Hopefully one day, baby girl can pass it on to the next generation. Now she just needs a matching Casey Sheila Quilts quilt.
]]>This set is filled with deep reds and yellows. They inspire hope at the end of a long winter that spring is indeed coming. Just hang on for that next season, momma. They come with a plastic snap closure so baby can’t easily rip them off. Like all of our bibs, they are available in either a bandana or long form. You also get to choose if you want them backed with organic fleece or organic terry cloth. While the terry cloth is more absorbent, the fleece is a bit softer and therefore easier on a sensitive baby’s skin.
The Nina Bib Set was inspired by a custom quilt I created for baby Nina. This set is feminine and strong. Soft pink flowers paired with independent succulents. This is a limited set so once it’s sold out, it’s gone for good.
These bib sets are great from the newborn stage to the toddler stage. They make great drool and spit up catchers. They protect baby’s skin from those red, gnarly drool rashes. They also catch purees and food once baby is old enough for solids. Truly a must have baby registry item.
You can always add a matching, custom pillow or quilt with your bib order. I’d love to bring your vision to life. Just send me an email at casey@caseysheilaquilts.com. And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter so you can be the first to know when our new products launch.
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From the balcony on the second floor, you can see the beautiful beach waters and sand. Often times, you can see baby sea turtles hatching and heading to the water. The parents have 8 grand children- 4 girls and 4 boys. It was only fitting the quilt had 8 hatchlings to represent their grandchildren.
The client designed the quilt himself. It’s full of rich colors that fit together perfectly. I’ll be honest. The quilt took me about twice as long as a custom quilt normally takes me to make even though the client designed it himself.
Shortly after I took on the commission, I got pregnant and spent the next few months nauseous in bed. I never experienced the second trimester energy boost although the nausea let up thankfully. So, slowly I got back to work. Lots of cutting and math errors led to more cutting. Luckily, most everything is fixable in a quilt! One of the quilting magical wonders.
After 4 or 5 months, we finally had a quilt ready to be gifted. The client sent me a photo of the quilt on the balcony that served as the inspiration and it looked right at home. A true heirloom that will be generously enjoyed for years to come.
Looking for your own custom handmade quilt? Email me at casey@caseysheilaquilts.com. I’d love to bring your vision to life.
]]>As I packed up Christmas last year, I dreamed of a matching quilt. As I started to prep for the holidays this year, I pulled out the fabrics. I had plenty left to make a quilt and started right away. I coordinated the quilt with the pillows by using the same gold and pink Christmas tree fabrics. I also included a light pink and dark pink.
I used the Nostalgia Quilt design to make a pink ombre quilt. Like all of the Casey Sheila Quilts custom quilt designs, it’s so versatile. The result is always something truly unique and custom. I used the gold fabric on the front. I then backed the quilt with the pink Christmas tree fabric. The quilt is a lap quilt- so about 45” x 60”.
Alice, my pink obsessed girl, was as thrilled with the final product as I was. I got to make something else for myself! A true heirloom that will last for years and years. I spent many nights during this holiday season lounging on the couch with my quilt wrapped around my shoulders and a matching pillow behind me for support.
Next year, I may attempt a tree skirt. I feel like that’s the last missing piece to my coordinated Christmas decor, but I’m sure I’ll think of something else next year. Quilts are like Pringles, am I right?
Hope you all had a magical holiday season with time to rest, reflect, and enjoy family.
Looking for your own custom holiday quilted heirloom? Email me at casey@caseysheilaquilts.com. I’d love to bring your vision to life.
]]>First up, we have the Lit Baby Bib Set with Stick Man by Julia Donaldson (illustrated by Axel Scheffler). If I’m being honest, this book is a little stressful for me to read as the papa stick man gets separated from his family and attempts to get back home to his family. Spoiler alert: he’s successful and even makes it in time before the holidays! Despite the stress, I included this book because it’s one of my kids’ favorites.
Next, we paired the Beary Merry Baby Bib Set with Together by Heather Stricter (illustrated by Martha Ratcliff). A sweet book about family and connection during this season. An idea I can definitely get behind especially with all of the distractions and hardships that also accompany this busy time of year.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss seemed like a classic that must be included. The Grinch is paired with the Tropical Holiday Baby Bib Set. I mentioned in a previous post that this bib set was inspired by my mom’s “grinch-y” attitude to do away with the holidays and just go to Aruba for all of December. Seemed like this was a pair meant to be.
Our Challah Baby Bib Set is paired with Freddie the Farting Snowman by Jane Bexley. I think kids just really love a good fart joke. While it is not my favorite, the cute little giggles coming from my kids as we read are my favorite.
The fifth and final bib set, Holi-Baby Bib Set, is paired with Little Penguins by Cynthia Rylant (illustrated by Christian Robinson). I love this book for my youngest. The words and sentences are short- perfect for someone with a short attention span just beginning to experiment with word mimicking.
Just a reminder that all of our Casey Sheila Quilts bibs are handmade and can be back with either organic fleece or organic terry cloth. The holiday bibs come with a bright fleece (as opposed to a cream organic fleece used on the non-holiday bib sets). Hope you enjoy some of these book suggestions and feel free to send me an email with your family’s favorite books to read during this season: casey@caseysheilaquilts.com.
]]>These are our five top picks for our handmade baby bibs, but you can find all of our gender neutral baby bibs under the bib section of our menu.
Our first pick is is the Panda Baby Bib Set. The grey is light and the pandas are so adorable. There’s a dark grey bib in the set with white spots and I just love that one as a neutral for any outfit.
Our next pick is the Taco Baby Bib Set. All babies need tacos in their life. Rather, baby’s caretakers need tacos (and maybe margaritas). The suns and bright turquoise bibs in this set make this set so bright and cheery.
The Donut & Sprinkles Baby Bib Set is a cult classic for a reason. Donuts are always in season. My favorite treat on the weekends when Alice was a newborn was a fresh batch of donuts. Nutella icing was a must.
Apple Bottom Babies Bib Set is one of my personal favorites, and not just because of the clever name. The bright green always lifts my mood and I love those fresh apples.
And for a holiday pick, we had to go with the Tropical Holiday Baby Bib Set. Every baby needs palm trees and gold stars.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at casey@caseysheilaquilts.com. We love to recommend baby books to go with our bib sets if you’re looking to gift a bib set this holiday season!
]]>These are our five top picks for our modern, handmade baby bibs, but you can find all of our baby girl bibs under the bib section in our menu.
Without further ado, our first pick is is the Surfer Girl Baby Bib Set. This set is all things pink, fierce, and independent. Miss I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T.
Our next pick is the Sandy Baby Bib Set. All things beachy and chill. Perfect for the observant baby girl in your life. Those big, sweet eyes watching and taking in everything you do.
You can’t go wrong with the Nina Baby Bib Set. A limited set released earlier this summer that is all things girly and feminine. Pink and floral, but with a side of sass in the spikes succulents can be found in one of the prints. Once this set is sold out, it’s gone forever.
While we’re on the floral route, Les Fleurs Babies Bib Set is a personal favorite. She’s soft with a strong punch. The bold reds and yellows in this set spice the usual delicate flower print.
And for a festive pink set, be sure to check out the Beary Merry Babies Bib Set. Love the cute polar bears carrying Christmas trees. Pink plaid and a “Merry” fabric print fill out this fun, festive set.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at casey@caseysheilaquilts.com. Can’t wait to make a set for the baby girl in your life!
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