Heartwarmers Mercantile opened February 28, 1994 in the house John Montgomery built in 1874. The beautiful, white, two story home with a spacious covered porch, is located in what is now downtown Ojai, (pronounced O-hi), California. I rented half the downstairs for the store and Grandma Clausen lived in the rest of the house, ever since she and her husband purchased the property in 1936.

Quilt books, notions, shelves of 100% dry goods and samples, displayed to inspire, covered every inch of wall space. Tucked into every corner of the parlor, dining room, hall and even the kitchen, were dolls, teddy bears and other stuffed creatures… vintage trims, linens,; hankies, buttons, yarn, popover aprons and quilts for sale, both old and new… This comfy space was my home away from home for 11 years.

I digress..... I became a Nana for the first time on June 10th, 1994 when Marisa Rose was born. Being called Nana rates right up there with being Mom to my three children, Rob, David and Anne, and completing a quilt! Six years and one day, on June 11, 2000, I became a ‘two-time’ Nana. I had attended Marisa’s 6th Birthday Party at a park in Redondo Beach and after a day full of games, cake & ice cream, I fell asleep in a blink… when what should I hear ringing in my ear, the telephone and a voice saying, “Gregory is here!” Darn, it’s Sunday and the shop is open till 4, but I would be there in a wink to hold my 1st grandson. That was the longest day ever at the shop… 11am-4pm.

Gregory is now 6 and has lost his first tooth; Marisa, of course, a gorgeous 12 year old, is taking Home Ec. and Nana is cooking up Gourmet Fabric Food™ for quilters with discriminating tastes.

Since January, 2005, the old house has a new tenant, the store Heartwarmers Mercantile is virtual, and Nana’s dream has come true… “I’ve always wanted to make quilts in a log cabin and go to work in my slippers!” Pinch me!

Talk to you later. I must shuffle off to the “Pantry” to make a pan of “Cinnabuns”, cut some greens for several “Dinner Salads,” pop them in the fridge and make sure your order goes out in today’s mail!”

Warmly,
Nana