Creating Sentimental Keepsakes, One Blanket at a Time
Donna’s Denim | MD of Peace #135
Discovering a passion for sewing at a young age, Donna Haakenson, 76,
has become widely known for her cozy creations—specifically her denim blankets.
Sourcing her materials from friends, neighbours, garage sales and second-hand stores, Haakenson uses 100 percent cotton denim to create one-of-a-kind blankets that last a lifetime.
“My love for sewing came naturally. I grew up watching my mom sew, and when I was 16, I made my first skirt,” said Haakenson. “I instantly became hooked and haven’t stopped since.”
Her first blanket, crafted for the arrival of her granddaughter, also served as a carriage cover. Composed of two-inch denim squares, it was initially a challenge for Haakenson, but it ignited a lifelong passion.
“I was inspired in the early ‘90s by a local lady who used to make jackets out of denim patches, which I thought looked cool,” said Haakenson. “I decided I would try to make blankets the same way, and the rest is history.”
The blankets she makes now are much larger, consisting of bigger denim squares, buttery soft backings and personalized patterns that she finds intriguing. In most cases she finds inspiration from Pinterest boards or attempts to create a pattern to fit the person the project is being made for.
“I try not to make the same pattern or blanket twice, and I like to match the pattern on top to the backing of the blanket, which is usually a certain colour and texture,” said Haakenson. “Every blanket ends up different due to the colours of the denim.”
What started out as a leisurely hobby turned into a more serious one shortly after she retired in 2021.
Having made mountains of blankets for various people and for fundraisers, Haakenson’s family encouraged her to finally put a price tag on them and sell her works of art locally.
“It was nerve-racking to offer them for sale, but it has turned out better than I expected,” said Haakenson. “Pure Life Wellness in Grimshaw stocks them when I have some available, and people can also contact me directly to purchase one.”
Offering local pick up only, Haakenson cannot ship them prepaid due to their size and weight. It’s something that comes with the territory of making this type of handmade item.
“My blankets are comparable to a weighted blanket, so shipping them isn’t ideal. I don’t recommend it because it drastically adds to the cost,” said Haakenson.
Customers can request custom blankets and send specific patterns to Haakenson to recreate as well as choose the size and length they prefer.
“I’ve made baby blankets, lap blankets, wheelchair blankets that wrap around the customer’s feet, full-size bedding blankets and more,” said Haakenson. “The only kind I haven’t made is a true queen or king size blanket because it would take up more space than I have right now.”
From start to finish, the process of constructing a blanket from scratch takes Haakenson several days.
Once she receives or sources the denim, she takes the jeans apart and cuts them into squares and a desired pattern.
After everything is cut, she lays each piece onto the backing to assess how it will look and often asks family members for feedback before sewing.
Sewing usually takes about two days, depending on how much time Haakenson can commit to each project. After purchasing new backing blankets, Haakenson pre-washes them to avoid shrinkage and sews them onto the denim pattern last.
“Once everything is together, I wash the blanket to make sure it doesn’t come apart, and I check for loose seams,” said Haakenson. “Then it goes out to a happy customer.”
Often referred to as a labour of love, Haakenson is truly in her happy place when crafting her comfortable creations and believes the many hours of hard work are always worth it.
“My favourite part is seeing them finished and the joy and happiness on customers’ faces when they receive them,” said Haakenson.
Haakenson’s blankets are warm, durable and completely washable and dryer safe.
“Some customers get blankets made from materials of loved ones,” said Haakenson. “Some get them as gifts or purchase them for themselves. They’re often referred to as a ‘portable hug.’”
Haakenson has received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback from customers over the years and is always happy to hear how people are enjoying their blankets.
“A lot of people use them while camping or outdoors because they hold up beautifully, and they often send me pictures of them,” said Haakenson. “They become pretty special to each person.”
Excited to keep bringing new ideas to life, Haakenson also plans to continue donating blankets to great local causes such as fundraisers for the Stollery Children’s Hospital and the silent auction for the Lac Cardinal Pioneer Village Museum.
“I do this for many reasons, especially because I enjoy sewing and being creative,” said Haakenson. “I love that my blankets are in so many households, the furthest being in Quebec, and I don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon.”
Words and Photography by Dani Wearden
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