My Story

Where Threads Meet Heart

Hi, I’m Sam — the hands, heart, and stitches behind GMM Fiber Arts. This little business was born out of love, loss, healing, and the joy of creating something meaningful with our own two hands.

From a young age, I was lucky to learn how to sew, knit, and crochet from my grandma Mary. Her patience and creativity shaped so much of who I am. We spent hours together making hats and bags for cancer patients — a project close to both of our hearts and one that became part of my Girl Scouts Bronze Award. Years later and many, many projects later, those memories carried a new kind of weight, and meaning.

When I was going through my treatments, I had a hickman tube to make it easier for medication delivery. At the time there was no way to keep the tube safe from being pulled out between doses of meds, so medical tape became the bain of our exsitence. To avoid the pain of pulling tape off sensitive skin multiple times a day, my grandma created Sammie's Tops. A half tanktop with a velcro strip to hold the tubing, no tape required! So simple yet so revolutionary! She tried for years to patent the design to no avail.. yet she still made Sammie's Tops for families all over the United States for pennies on the dollar to keep cost minimal since most were struggling to make medical payments for their children.

I spent so much time growing up in her sewing room watching her make wall hangings, beautiful quilts, and outfits for her beloved Gertrude (her goose statue). Every time we visited she let us pick an outfit for her, she had over two dozen outfits for holidays, seasons, etc. It was always a fight between me and my sisters for whose turn it was to dress her up. She made my first communion dress which was passed down through my sisters for their first communions as well; now it's still there for when my daughter has hers someday. Pajamas, dresses, stuffed animals, halloween costumes, you name it she probably made it for us.

After losing my grandma, I couldn’t bring myself to pick up needles or a hook for a long time. Grief clouded the joy I used to feel in crafting. But with time and healing, I found my way back. I inherited one of her sewing machines, the same one she taught me everything I know about sewing on. Her sweater she wore while in the chilly basement of her sewing room now proudly hangs in my craft room watching over me. When she passed away our family went through her sewing room and found a lifetime of material stashed in every nook and cranny. We split it up evenly, and with some of my portion I made memory bears for my grandpa, my mom, and my sisters. I saw the healing after gifting these special pieces and knew this was something I wanted to keep doing for others. Now, every stitch I make honors her legacy — and the love she gave so freely.

GMM Fiber Arts is named for the way she always signed every greeting card: G.M.M.

Grandma Mary

It’s a tribute to the woman who taught me to create, to care, and to always leave room for softness.

Today, I specialize in handmade items that tell a story — from cozy everyday creations to heartfelt memorial pieces crafted from cherished clothing. I am also making Lily Margaret, our signature frog mascot made of colorful patches and plenty of heart (coming soon!). She represents creativity, comfort, and a little silliness — something my grandma and I shared in abundance.

Whether you're here for a one-of-a-kind gift, a keepsake from a loved one's clothing or blankets, or just looking to support a small business built on meaning and memory — I’m so glad you’re here.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me.

🐸🧵💚

— Samantha