Behind the Name

julie and grandma l together wishing they could be sewing, quilting and crafting together

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Grandma L

My grandmother, Louise Simmen, known lovingly as Grandma L, was a hardworking, creative, and deeply loving woman. In my eyes, she could do anything. If something needed to be sewn, fixed, or created, she knew exactly how to do it. She is the heart behind my quilting journey, and I hope one day my quilts can reflect the beauty and care she put into hers.

Grandma L learned to sew out of necessity as a young child, making clothes for herself and her sisters. She later married the love of her life, George, and together they had three children, one of them my mother. Unfortunately, my grandfather passed away while my mom was still young, leaving my grandmother to raise her young family on her own.

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Some of my fondest childhood memories are with my grandmother. She was always nearby, helping care for my sisters and me, never sitting still, always working on a project. Sewing was just one of her many talents. She also knitted, cross-stitched, embroidered, made stained glass, gardened, and was even a fantastic golfer. Everything she touched was a true masterpiece.

She made countless items for our family: prom dresses, Halloween costumes, scarves, hats, blankets, just about anything we asked for. She gave each of her eight grandchildren queen sized quilts when we became adults. This is the most treasured gift she ever gave me. Every quilt was thoughtfully designed for each of us. The quality and love stitched into every quilt was undeniable.

She tried to teach us all her skills. As kids, we enjoyed helping, but as we grew older we didn’t fully appreciate what she was sharing with us. On my own quilting journey, I wish I could have her sitting beside me, guiding me, showing me why my seams don’t line up. I would give anything to show her one of my finished quilts. I know she wouldn’t see imperfections, only the love and effort I put into each project.

When I learned I was going to be a grandmother, I chose the name Lovey instead of Grandma. As I searched for a name for my business, I wanted something that tied my grandma and me together, honoring both the past and the future. Combining our names felt like a perfect tribute to the woman who inspired me.

And that’s how Lovey Louise Fabric was born!