It all started innocent enough-a simple trip to the fabric store with kids in tow. My seven year old daughter, Kate, had volunteered to help me make a new baby blanket for the newest arrival in our family, her cousin Drew.

For Kate, like most children, help is a relative term. Little did I know, however, the importance Kate would place on the design of Drew’sblanket. Nothing is so contagious as the enthusiasm of a child.

Kate searched high and low for the right fabric, and I was fast losing patience when suddenly, her eyes grew big and large. We gazed at four children lying on top of a roll of fabric known as Minky Dot (or Minkee Dot). Each child was grinning ear to ear while rubbing their cheeks up and down against the soft, smooth feel of the dotted fabric.

Someone once said a child’s talent to create stems from their ignorance of alternatives. Kate decided this fabric was perfect not only for Drew but suggested we make a big Mommie blanketas well.

At first, I laughed, but after touching the fabric over and over again, I soon came to realize Kate was absolutely right. Everyone, whether young or old, deserves something that pampers them from time to time. Something warm and cozy to snuggle up in. Something to change the mood. Or something simply to comfort us.

One child’s inspiration soon became a business. Together, Kate and I set out to design premium, custom-crafted blankets with these special powers. Minky Dink Designs was born. And I am sure I don’t need to tell you who came up with our name. Just ask Kate