It all started with a burp cloth. Then we designed blankets,… then bibs… then towels… then hats… then pillows… then T-shirts… then blankets for adults… and children…and teens… and thus, we became The Polka Dot Tot. It was so much fun to design that we didn’t know where to stop! We loved being a one-stop-shop for baby items but what our customers really loved were our blankets. We heard time and time again stories of children who couldn’t sleep without their lovey or a child who could only be soothed by their blankee. We took our blankets to some gift expos and people oohed and aahed as they felt our fabrics. The most common comments we got were that our blankets were the softest and most beautiful blankets they had ever seen. The most snuggly… the most luxurious… and… can you make that baby blanket in an adult size?…and thus, we became Posh Blankets.
We have so many customers who contact us and request custom fabric combinations for their blankets. There are endless possibilities so we decided to let you, the customer, become the designer. Only you know what you like and what would look best in your home or exactly what that perfect gift would be. Whether you are designing your own blanket today or shopping from one of our designs, our hope is that you find exactly what you have been looking for. We love to hear stories about the babies, children, and adults whose lives have been just a little bit better because of one of our Posh Blankets, so keep them coming. We hope to brighten your day too!
Our FabricsWe have literally spent years searching for our fabrics. We have been to stores, searched on-line, ordered samples, and tested different combinations. We believe that we have come up with the best selection of fabrics that are not only beautiful, but are also easy to care for. We know that every mom is a busy mom, and no one has time to worry about a blanket that can’t be washed easily or that shouldn’t get dirty. All of our fabrics are machine washable and able to be machine dried. Each blanket must get a stamp of approval from our focus groups (aka mommies and babies).
Our MissionOur passion is blankets. We feel equally passionately that a mom who wants to stay home with her children should have opportunities to make money and utilize her creativity, which is why all of our blankets are handmade by moms and grandmas right here in Iowa. Each blanket we make is special and unique because it is made with love by a mom, not in a factory overseas.
Katie Koester
Katie is the founder of The Polka Dot Tot and has taken it into its new identity as Posh Blankets. She has spent countless hours researching the fabrics used by Posh Blankets and has hand chosen each and every one that is available. Katie was a teacher for seven years before starting The Polka Dot Tot. Her most important job is being married to her wonderful husband, Steve and being a mother to her three beautiful daughters; Grace, Sophie, and Ellie.
Phyllis Koester
Phyllis joined The Polka Dot Tot in its early stages and has been the inspiration behind many of our most unique designs. She has been a lifelong seamstress, sewing for her four boys when they were young. She finds sewing for her 11 granddaughters to be a bit more fun. Phyllis and her husband Darrell keep busy visiting their 15 grandchildren who live all across the country. Recently retired, Phyllis has had more time to devote to making Posh Blankets.
Nancy Smith
Nancy was one of the original designers at The Polka Dot Tot. She learned to sew as a child and comes from a family with many talented seamstresses going back several generations. Nancy and her husband Tim have three children and five grandchildren and spend much of their free time helping care for their grandchildren. A blanket that she made for one of her granddaughters was the inspiration to add blankets to The Polka Dot Tot’s product line.
Kristen Severs
Kristen joined Posh Blankets as our marketing representative. A background in marketing for a large, well-known publisher gave her great experience. Kristen is married to Mark has three beautiful daughters, Isabelle, Felicity, and Gabbi. Kristen is also a seamstress so combining her knowledge of marketing and sewing has been a wonderful combination for Posh Blankets.
