In 1978, Barb MacKellar began knitting heirloom-quality baby blankets as a hobby to soothe her nerves as her oldest son spent countless hours in the hospital, receiving treatment for a congenital heart condition. Thankfully, Barb’s son grew and flourished as did her hobby. As many of her friends welcomed babies to their families, Barb knitted blankets for each new addition. Then friends of friends started asking for blankets of their own. When strangers started calling her house, requesting to speak to “The Blanket Lady,” a business was born.
In the late 1990’s, Barb moved her knitting machines out of her basement and into her husband’s company’s manufacturing facility in Rochester Hills, MI where she continues to work today as a division of MacKellar Associates, Inc. Today, people from all over the world, who received blankets as babies, are now ordering them for their own children. After 37 years, The Blanket Lady continues to hand-finish each custom blanket, taking as much pride in the blankets made today as those knitted decades ago.
Not only is Barb passionate about her knitting and giving back to the community, she always read books to her children, and now grandchildren. “Reading books is another passion of mine,” stated Barb. The Blanket Lady’s hope was to team with a Michigan author on the pairing of a blanket and a book, and was inspired to learn of Kristy Kurjan and her children’s book, “Nap-A-Roo.”
“I was thrilled when The Blanket Lady reached out to me,” stated Kristy. “The blankets are absolutely beautiful and I am honored to partner up on a pure Michigan gift package.” In just a few months of communications, both Kristy and The Blanket Lady team agreed that the color pallet on the “Nap-A-Roo” book cover would pair beautifully with a chevron blanket utilizing the “sunflower and chive” color scheme. A match was made.
About Book-n-Blankee
It’s nap time! This “sunflower and chive” chevron blanket is paired with an engaging picture book, Nap-a-Roo, making sleepy time special for children and parents alike. Add a “first name” personalization to make this a custom keepsake (up to 9 letters). Blanket dimensions are approximately 28” by 51” and made with our premium 100% acrylic yarn, hand-finished with love. The chevron blanket is completely machine washable and dryer safe. This “nap time” package is a perfect gift for a baby shower, or your favorite toddler to cuddle with...indoors or out! Michigan Author, Kristy Kurjan, is based out of Traverse City. Her most recent book, Nap-a-Roo, has received national awards including the 2015 Silver IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award for Best Picture Book (0-3).
- Cost $48
- Additional $5 for Embroidery
- Gift Wrap Optional
- Delivery 2-3 weeks
About The Blanket Lady
The Blanket Lady, a division of MacKellar Associates, is a manufacturer of custom blankets (and accessories) ranging in a variety of sizes and colors to suit a specific need. The custom-themed blankets are double-sided, reversible and knit from 100% acrylic yarn. Customers can personalize the blanket to celebrate a birth, wedding, anniversary, graduation or even a favorite college or sports team! Over 30 colors are available to choose from – sizes vary from baby-sized blankets measuring 25” x 46” to adult-sized blankets measuring 48” x 66”. Blankets are machine washable and dryer acceptable. Baby gift sets can be purchased to include unique (and embroidered) coordinating accessories from baby bibs and hooded towels to plush bears and baby booties! For additional information and/or ordering online, please visit www.blanketlady.com, “Like Us” on Facebook or “Follow Us” on Twitter.
Submitted by : igdmaster on