First Posted: 2/18/2015
LIMA — When she asked what her purpose in life should be, God answered Mary Lou Jones’ question in a way she didn’t expect.
“He said ‘start a business,’” she said. Thus was born For the Love of Quilts.
The quilting supply and gift store is located at 115 N. Elizabeth St. and, though it officially opened in October, Jones held a grand opening event and ribbon cutting Thursday.
“Everything just fell into place,” Jones said. After she heard God’s purpose for her life about seven years ago, she began to come out of the depression she had fallen into due to losses in her family.
“I’ve come a long way,” she said. “I didn’t ever think it would pan out. To be here today, it’s wow. It’s awesome.”
The approximately 1,100-square-foot space holds about 525 bolts of widely varied fabric, a selection Jones hopes to expand.
It also offers other quilting supplies, quilt-related gifts and handmade items. Some products include quilting patterns, Elida Candle Co. products, handmade casserole covers, purses, quilt-related jewelry and more.
Jones, 56, started quilting when her son was deployed with the military to take her mind off him being gone.
“I started doing it, and I really liked it,” she said. Now, what she likes most about what was once a hobby is that it allows her to be her own boss.
She previously worked at another fabric store and used to hear people say, “‘I wish we had more quilting shops,” she said. “People just weren’t satisfied with what is here.”
The business will also offer classes, a quilting club, and Jones makes quilts to order.
The store’s hours at 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday.
