Who We Are

The idea for Loose Ends came about when the founders, Jennifer Simonic and Masey Kaplan, both avid knitters, realized they had a shared experience: Friends would often ask them to finish blankets, sweaters, or other projects left undone by deceased loved ones. They always do so enthusiastically, understanding what it feels like to wear something a loved one has made. 

Loose Ends was established in May 2023 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit.

Jen Simonic
Co-Founder, Director of Partnerships & Community Outreach

Jen has been knitting since she was six years old. Her grandmother taught her with steel needles from WWII used for bandage-making. She was the weirdo that knit under the desk in 6th grade. The first piece she finished for someone else was a sweater that a friend’s mom was making for her dad. That mom said “If I finish it he’ll leave me. You finish it and give it to someone who needs love.” Jen lives with her family in Seattle, WA. They love her even though her stash is taking over the house.

Masey Kaplan
Co-Founder, Executive Director

Masey’s background is in graphic design, entrepreneurship, and marketing for nonprofits. Knitting carried her through the pandemic, as she ravenously stitched below the Zoom line, where no one could see. She learned to crochet before kindergarten, learned to knit at the age of 15, re-learned knitting in her 20s, and has not stopped, even for a day. When she dies, her family knows to check the little book next to her bed, where they’ll find an illustrated guide to every project she’s making, and who gets what.

Angelica Eling
Project Manager

Angelica learned to love the fiber arts when she was taught crochet by her beloved "Graminator" (her maternal grandmother) at age 5. Not to be outdone, her Gram (paternal grandmother) taught her to knit a few short years later. She's not put down her needles and hooks ever since! Since losing Graminator at the start of the COVID pandemic and watching her Gram lose the ability to knit, it's become clear to her how unfinished projects can be important pieces of the loved ones we've lost. She could not be more thrilled to be part of the Loose Ends family and to help play matchmaker for crafters and unfinished treasures.