About Sew Original
Sew Original opened in October 2002, in Boone, North Carolina.
Co-owners Melinda Rose and Shirley Bailey worked together and decided to combine their skills and love for sewing - and Bernina! - into an exciting, welcoming, and fun establishment.
A little over a year later, the partners opened their second location in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Sew Original has a goal of providing inspiration, education, and the best products on the market.
? Sew Original offers a variety of classes and private lessons for both children and adults. And, where you buy is just as important as what you buy. Your Machine Mastery classes are free when you buy your Bernina from Sew Original. ?
Co-owners Melinda Rose and Shirley Bailey worked together and decided to combine their skills and love for sewing - and Bernina! - into an exciting, welcoming, and fun establishment.
A little over a year later, the partners opened their second location in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Sew Original has a goal of providing inspiration, education, and the best products on the market.
? Sew Original offers a variety of classes and private lessons for both children and adults. And, where you buy is just as important as what you buy. Your Machine Mastery classes are free when you buy your Bernina from Sew Original. ?
Sew Original proudly carries the full line of Bernina Sewing and Embroidery Machines, Sergers, Software, and Accessories. We also carry a wide selection of fabrics, threads, kits, books, quilting patterns, notions and supplies, as well as sewing cabinets by Horn and Arrow.
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Meet Our Staff
Sew Original, Boone, NC
Melinda Rose, Co-Owner
As co-owner of Sew Original, Melinda oversees the daily operations of the Boone store. She has been sewing since she was six years old, learning from her grandmothers, who were both sewers – mostly out of necessity.
Her Granny Lineberger was a great quilt maker and Melinda would often go with her to a local Lutheran Church where six to eight ladies sat around a quilting frame hand quilting beautiful creations. This exposure to quilting helped Melinda realize that she probably didn’t have the patience or time to devote to hand quilting, but it gave her great appreciation for those who do hand quilt.
Melinda enjoys all types of sewing, including creating unique garments for herself, as well as home décor, and some quilting. She fondly recalls, “When my children were young, they had two new smocked outfits each month!”
But, despite experience with garment making, Melinda says even the simplest things can sometimes go terribly wrong. She recalls that just a few years after Sew Original opened, the store employees were to have a pajama party. Many of the staff, including Melinda, decided to make their own pajamas – simple, right? The first staff member made hers, but they didn’t turn out right. Following that unfortunate trend, another staff member made the same mistake, and then even Melinda’s turned out wrong. Shocked that something so simple could turn into such a sewing blunder, they were all further bewildered when Melinda’s daughter, Jennifer – who doesn’t sew – walk into the party wearing a perfect set of store-bought pajamas!
A few years ago, Melinda had the amazing experience of visiting the Bernina factories in Switzerland and Thailand. “It was truly incredible to see our ‘babies’ being built from start to finish,” she said.
In 2022, Melinda, who had been widowed for several years, married a wonderful man, Theo, who hails from Greece. She later sold her house, where she had lived for over 40 years, and she and Theo then bought a new home in Little River, South Carolina. “Yes, I commute five hours to work,” she quipped. Melinda and Theo love to travel and plan to soon visit his birthplace in Greece.
“I just want to say that I have the best team and the best customers in the country,” added Melinda.
As co-owner of Sew Original, Melinda oversees the daily operations of the Boone store. She has been sewing since she was six years old, learning from her grandmothers, who were both sewers – mostly out of necessity.
Her Granny Lineberger was a great quilt maker and Melinda would often go with her to a local Lutheran Church where six to eight ladies sat around a quilting frame hand quilting beautiful creations. This exposure to quilting helped Melinda realize that she probably didn’t have the patience or time to devote to hand quilting, but it gave her great appreciation for those who do hand quilt.
Melinda enjoys all types of sewing, including creating unique garments for herself, as well as home décor, and some quilting. She fondly recalls, “When my children were young, they had two new smocked outfits each month!”
But, despite experience with garment making, Melinda says even the simplest things can sometimes go terribly wrong. She recalls that just a few years after Sew Original opened, the store employees were to have a pajama party. Many of the staff, including Melinda, decided to make their own pajamas – simple, right? The first staff member made hers, but they didn’t turn out right. Following that unfortunate trend, another staff member made the same mistake, and then even Melinda’s turned out wrong. Shocked that something so simple could turn into such a sewing blunder, they were all further bewildered when Melinda’s daughter, Jennifer – who doesn’t sew – walk into the party wearing a perfect set of store-bought pajamas!
A few years ago, Melinda had the amazing experience of visiting the Bernina factories in Switzerland and Thailand. “It was truly incredible to see our ‘babies’ being built from start to finish,” she said.
In 2022, Melinda, who had been widowed for several years, married a wonderful man, Theo, who hails from Greece. She later sold her house, where she had lived for over 40 years, and she and Theo then bought a new home in Little River, South Carolina. “Yes, I commute five hours to work,” she quipped. Melinda and Theo love to travel and plan to soon visit his birthplace in Greece.
“I just want to say that I have the best team and the best customers in the country,” added Melinda.
Patty Blanton
Patty has been sewing for most of her life. “My mom taught me to sew when I was about eight years old. I have done garment sewing, counted cross stitch, knitting, and crochet. My latest passion is making rope bowls.
Patty also loves to quilt. “The first quilt I made was for the Bicentennial,” said Patty. “I love making quilts, especially landscapes and foundation quilting, both regular and paper piecing.”
Patty can often be found teaching a sewing or quilting class. “Teaching has always been my first love. It is so much fun to see people doing things they didn’t think they could do. It pleases me to see the things that people create.”
"I also love learning new techniques and sharing them with others," says Patty. "I hope I never lose the desire to learn or the enthusiasm to share what I learn with others."
Patty has been sewing for most of her life. “My mom taught me to sew when I was about eight years old. I have done garment sewing, counted cross stitch, knitting, and crochet. My latest passion is making rope bowls.
Patty also loves to quilt. “The first quilt I made was for the Bicentennial,” said Patty. “I love making quilts, especially landscapes and foundation quilting, both regular and paper piecing.”
Patty can often be found teaching a sewing or quilting class. “Teaching has always been my first love. It is so much fun to see people doing things they didn’t think they could do. It pleases me to see the things that people create.”
"I also love learning new techniques and sharing them with others," says Patty. "I hope I never lose the desire to learn or the enthusiasm to share what I learn with others."
Susan Briggs
Susan got her start sewing in 9th grade home economics class. She said her mom encouraged and instructed her at home as well. “I’ve loved sewing and needle arts ever since then,” says Susan.
Her earliest joy was sewing garments, but she says her new passion is sewing quilts, table runners, and wall hangings.
Susan says Bernina believes in consumer education. “The mastery classes are a must to enable a new Bernina owner to learn about their machines.”
Susan got her start sewing in 9th grade home economics class. She said her mom encouraged and instructed her at home as well. “I’ve loved sewing and needle arts ever since then,” says Susan.
Her earliest joy was sewing garments, but she says her new passion is sewing quilts, table runners, and wall hangings.
Susan says Bernina believes in consumer education. “The mastery classes are a must to enable a new Bernina owner to learn about their machines.”
Brenda Hemingway Brown
Like many dedicated sewists, Brenda got her start by learning from her mom. “I got my first sewing machine at age 10. Making doll clothes are earliest sewing memories.”
While her favorite things to sew are bags and garments, Brenda also enjoys quilting. She recounts a time, while practicing free-motion quilting, that her machine began to struggle. Upon closer examination she discovered that her pattern bag had managed to work its way under her project and was now partially stitched to the back of her quilt. “I have a permanent reminder of this because my pattern has holes where I removed the stitches,” quipped Brenda.
In addition to sewing, Brenda is an avid fly fisher, loves to travel, knit, and paint. About her family life, Brenda says, “I have two wonderful children, one happy husband, and three cute Cairn terriers.”
She came to Sew Original to purchase a sewing machine, and later became an employee. “I have found my happy place,” says Brenda.
Like many dedicated sewists, Brenda got her start by learning from her mom. “I got my first sewing machine at age 10. Making doll clothes are earliest sewing memories.”
While her favorite things to sew are bags and garments, Brenda also enjoys quilting. She recounts a time, while practicing free-motion quilting, that her machine began to struggle. Upon closer examination she discovered that her pattern bag had managed to work its way under her project and was now partially stitched to the back of her quilt. “I have a permanent reminder of this because my pattern has holes where I removed the stitches,” quipped Brenda.
In addition to sewing, Brenda is an avid fly fisher, loves to travel, knit, and paint. About her family life, Brenda says, “I have two wonderful children, one happy husband, and three cute Cairn terriers.”
She came to Sew Original to purchase a sewing machine, and later became an employee. “I have found my happy place,” says Brenda.
Peggy Cerchione
Known as "Miss Peggy," she teaches Kids Classes, Kids Camp, and Machine Mastery.
"I've been sewing since I was five and haven't quite grown up yet," quips Peggy.
Known as "Miss Peggy," she teaches Kids Classes, Kids Camp, and Machine Mastery.
"I've been sewing since I was five and haven't quite grown up yet," quips Peggy.
Vanessa Clark
Vanessa has worked for Sew Original since 2012; however, you may only see her during the summer and fall as she only works during the holiday seasons. Even though she lives in Alabama, close to her grand babies, she stays involved doing creating the store’s weekly emails and other social media efforts.
Vanessa finds herself in the sewing room every day. She is proficient in quilting, embroidery, cross stitch, making garments with the serger, and has a long arm quilting service. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and she loves helping her customers.
Vanessa has worked for Sew Original since 2012; however, you may only see her during the summer and fall as she only works during the holiday seasons. Even though she lives in Alabama, close to her grand babies, she stays involved doing creating the store’s weekly emails and other social media efforts.
Vanessa finds herself in the sewing room every day. She is proficient in quilting, embroidery, cross stitch, making garments with the serger, and has a long arm quilting service. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and she loves helping her customers.
Valerie Dunlap
Valerie got her start sewing clothes as a teenager. She later went on to make her own maternity clothes when she was expecting her sons. She took a break from sewing for a number of years, but returned to the craft when she made a baby quilt for her first grandchild.
Says Valerie, “I came to Sew Original to buy my first Bernina machine and to learn to quilt. Now, I work here!”
Valerie got her start sewing clothes as a teenager. She later went on to make her own maternity clothes when she was expecting her sons. She took a break from sewing for a number of years, but returned to the craft when she made a baby quilt for her first grandchild.
Says Valerie, “I came to Sew Original to buy my first Bernina machine and to learn to quilt. Now, I work here!”
Kathy Heisler
Kathy Heisler serves as manager of the Sew Original store in Boone.
At age 9, Kathy's mother began teaching her to make clothes and crafts. She also enjoys quilting. "A friend of mine introduced me to quilting in the 1980s, and I've been hooked ever since," says Kathy.
Kathy has worked with the Sew Original team since 2018. "I love the Sew Original team; we are a family," she says. "My number one mission for this store is to make every customer’s experience extraordinary."
? Kathy left Sew Original in 2023, but soon came back. "I tried to retire," she mused. "Maybe one day. Or, maybe not!" she quipped.
Kathy Heisler serves as manager of the Sew Original store in Boone.
At age 9, Kathy's mother began teaching her to make clothes and crafts. She also enjoys quilting. "A friend of mine introduced me to quilting in the 1980s, and I've been hooked ever since," says Kathy.
Kathy has worked with the Sew Original team since 2018. "I love the Sew Original team; we are a family," she says. "My number one mission for this store is to make every customer’s experience extraordinary."
? Kathy left Sew Original in 2023, but soon came back. "I tried to retire," she mused. "Maybe one day. Or, maybe not!" she quipped.
Sue Hicks
? “I got my start in sewing in Home Economics class in junior high,” says Sue. “I made a lot of my clothes when I was in high school.”
Sue took a break from sewing until 2006, when she bought her first Bernina machine from Sew Original. “I am partial to quilting, especially paper piecing. I also love to quilt on the long arm,” she explains.
Along with quilting, Sue enjoys cross stitch, making fused glass projects, and playing golf.
? “I got my start in sewing in Home Economics class in junior high,” says Sue. “I made a lot of my clothes when I was in high school.”
Sue took a break from sewing until 2006, when she bought her first Bernina machine from Sew Original. “I am partial to quilting, especially paper piecing. I also love to quilt on the long arm,” she explains.
Along with quilting, Sue enjoys cross stitch, making fused glass projects, and playing golf.
Sally Hills
? Sally Hills was introduced to sewing during her middle school years in Home Economics class. Her first patchwork pillow was made in 4H club as a gift for her grandmother.
Shortly after finishing college, Sally took a quilting class at a local quilt shop and has been piecing ever since. Sally also enjoys English paper piecing and applique.
? Sally Hills was introduced to sewing during her middle school years in Home Economics class. Her first patchwork pillow was made in 4H club as a gift for her grandmother.
Shortly after finishing college, Sally took a quilting class at a local quilt shop and has been piecing ever since. Sally also enjoys English paper piecing and applique.
Tim Jones
? Tim Jones spent 38 years at Blue Ridge Energies in Boone as a crew leader. After retirement, Tim was looking for something to fill his free time. He attended training in Chicago to begin his journey at Sew Original Boone as their Authorized Bernina Repair Technician.
Tim enjoys troubleshooting the sewing machines and finding solutions for the machines on his work bench. Tim uses his previous skills as a crew leader to figure out problems with Bernina, Singer, and other brands of machines.
Tim says the best parts of his job are working with the customers, addressing their concerns, and getting them back to sewing as quickly as possible.
? Tim Jones spent 38 years at Blue Ridge Energies in Boone as a crew leader. After retirement, Tim was looking for something to fill his free time. He attended training in Chicago to begin his journey at Sew Original Boone as their Authorized Bernina Repair Technician.
Tim enjoys troubleshooting the sewing machines and finding solutions for the machines on his work bench. Tim uses his previous skills as a crew leader to figure out problems with Bernina, Singer, and other brands of machines.
Tim says the best parts of his job are working with the customers, addressing their concerns, and getting them back to sewing as quickly as possible.
Becky Lowe
Becky Lowe started sewing as a young girl, learning from her mom and the 4-H Club. Becky continued her love of sewing in high school, and then into college where she pursued a degree in textiles and clothing.
"I am now learning to quilt and I love the process, from choosing the fabric to putting it all together," says Becky. "I love fabric and my Bernina, as well as taking classes at Sew Original. I have learned so much from all the wonderful teachers."
Along with sewing, Becky loves to travel, hang out with family and friends, and most of all spend time with her sweet grand daughter.
Becky Lowe started sewing as a young girl, learning from her mom and the 4-H Club. Becky continued her love of sewing in high school, and then into college where she pursued a degree in textiles and clothing.
"I am now learning to quilt and I love the process, from choosing the fabric to putting it all together," says Becky. "I love fabric and my Bernina, as well as taking classes at Sew Original. I have learned so much from all the wonderful teachers."
Along with sewing, Becky loves to travel, hang out with family and friends, and most of all spend time with her sweet grand daughter.
Colleen Murray
Colleen’s mom introduced her to sewing. She then began to hone her skills by sewing in middle school. Colleen has worked many years with cross stitch, plus she enjoys a variety of other sewing and craft projects.
Her current favorite sewing arena is machine embroidery. “I love my embroidery machine,” says Colleen. “There are so many in-the-hoop projects that can be done on the machine.”
Colleen hails from Michigan. She is married with two sons.
Colleen’s mom introduced her to sewing. She then began to hone her skills by sewing in middle school. Colleen has worked many years with cross stitch, plus she enjoys a variety of other sewing and craft projects.
Her current favorite sewing arena is machine embroidery. “I love my embroidery machine,” says Colleen. “There are so many in-the-hoop projects that can be done on the machine.”
Colleen hails from Michigan. She is married with two sons.
Sew Original, Winston-Salem, NC
Shirley Bailey, Co-Owner
? As co-owner of Sew Original, Shirley oversees the day-to-day operations of the Winston-Salem store. Shirley has been sewing for most of her life. Her mother was an avid seamstress, so she was exposed to sewing at an early age. Sadly, however, at age 11, Shirley lost her mother. Her grandmother stepped in and taught Shirley to sew using her grandmother’s treadle sewing machine. While Shirley enjoys all aspects of crafting with needle and thread, she is especially fond of smocking and heirloom sewing.
? About her early days at Sew Original, Shirley recounts an amusing story of “mistaken identity.” In 2002, when Shirley and her business partner, Melinda Rose, had just opened the Sew Original store in Boone, North Carolina, Shirley had stopped by the store early one morning to quickly gather her supplies and teaching tools for a mastery class she was teaching that morning at a local quilt shop. During the class Shirley noticed the shop owner kept addressing her as Alice. Later, after the class was over, the shop owner said, “Alice, I’d like to take you to lunch.” “That sounds lovely,” Shirley replied, “but my name is Shirley.” The shop owner responded quizzically, “But your name tag says Alice.” It was at that moment Shirley realized that earlier that morning she had mistakenly grabbed the name tag of one of her employees and had dutifully taught that morning’s class carefully disguised as Alice!
Says Shirley about her time at Sew Original, “It is such a joy to be co-owner of Sew Original. My favorite part as an owner is the contact I have with all our amazing and wonderful customers.”
? As co-owner of Sew Original, Shirley oversees the day-to-day operations of the Winston-Salem store. Shirley has been sewing for most of her life. Her mother was an avid seamstress, so she was exposed to sewing at an early age. Sadly, however, at age 11, Shirley lost her mother. Her grandmother stepped in and taught Shirley to sew using her grandmother’s treadle sewing machine. While Shirley enjoys all aspects of crafting with needle and thread, she is especially fond of smocking and heirloom sewing.
? About her early days at Sew Original, Shirley recounts an amusing story of “mistaken identity.” In 2002, when Shirley and her business partner, Melinda Rose, had just opened the Sew Original store in Boone, North Carolina, Shirley had stopped by the store early one morning to quickly gather her supplies and teaching tools for a mastery class she was teaching that morning at a local quilt shop. During the class Shirley noticed the shop owner kept addressing her as Alice. Later, after the class was over, the shop owner said, “Alice, I’d like to take you to lunch.” “That sounds lovely,” Shirley replied, “but my name is Shirley.” The shop owner responded quizzically, “But your name tag says Alice.” It was at that moment Shirley realized that earlier that morning she had mistakenly grabbed the name tag of one of her employees and had dutifully taught that morning’s class carefully disguised as Alice!
Says Shirley about her time at Sew Original, “It is such a joy to be co-owner of Sew Original. My favorite part as an owner is the contact I have with all our amazing and wonderful customers.”
Holly Alloway
Having grown up in Ohio, Holly says, “I got to the South as fast as I could.” But, while in Ohio, she was exposed to sewing by her mother, grandmother, and great aunt. “My grandmother and my great aunt sewed to support themselves. They could make marvelous garments without using patterns. My mother sewed all the clothes for me, my two sisters, and herself. I did a little hand sewing and embroidery as a child. I remember sewing buttons to a piece of fabric and before I knew it, I had sewn buttons and cloth to my skirt! Later, I did the usual home economics classes in middle school and high school.”
Holly loves piecing quilts. She also loves the challenge of trying a new pattern, tool, or technique and seeing if it is going to come out right. “I love new rulers or tools and trying them. I LOVE RULERS! They call me the ruler queen at the store,” quips Holly. “There are so many new patterns, tools, and techniques. I’m not sure how anyone could ever be bored.” Holly loves discovering new things on the internet. She admits that she often finds herself looking for new ideas on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook when she should be sewing.
Holly often teaches classes at Sew Original, including numerous Block of the Month programs. “It makes me so happy when I see any of my students finish one of the quilts. Even though I may not have finished mine!”
Besides quilting, Holly loves to read and, having once worked in a cross-stitch store, she loves to do counted cross-stitch embroidery.
Having grown up in Ohio, Holly says, “I got to the South as fast as I could.” But, while in Ohio, she was exposed to sewing by her mother, grandmother, and great aunt. “My grandmother and my great aunt sewed to support themselves. They could make marvelous garments without using patterns. My mother sewed all the clothes for me, my two sisters, and herself. I did a little hand sewing and embroidery as a child. I remember sewing buttons to a piece of fabric and before I knew it, I had sewn buttons and cloth to my skirt! Later, I did the usual home economics classes in middle school and high school.”
Holly loves piecing quilts. She also loves the challenge of trying a new pattern, tool, or technique and seeing if it is going to come out right. “I love new rulers or tools and trying them. I LOVE RULERS! They call me the ruler queen at the store,” quips Holly. “There are so many new patterns, tools, and techniques. I’m not sure how anyone could ever be bored.” Holly loves discovering new things on the internet. She admits that she often finds herself looking for new ideas on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook when she should be sewing.
Holly often teaches classes at Sew Original, including numerous Block of the Month programs. “It makes me so happy when I see any of my students finish one of the quilts. Even though I may not have finished mine!”
Besides quilting, Holly loves to read and, having once worked in a cross-stitch store, she loves to do counted cross-stitch embroidery.
? Dan Low
As a retired engineer with 30+ years in industrial sales and service, and as one who is always looking for a chance to learn something new, Dan gladly joined the staff of Sew Original Winston Salem as their Authorized Bernina Repair Technician.
The things Dan likes most about his job as technician are the challenges of finding solutions and fixing problems. “As the machine technician for Sew Original Winston-Salem, I’m able to use all the skills and knowledge gained over a lifetime. I have always enjoyed tinkering, inventing, innovating, and being a jack-of-all-trades. As a technician, you need to be able to figure out how things work, not only for Bernina products but for all types of machines. I love to learn new things; how things work, what causes problems, and then learning out how to fix them.”
Then, there are the oddities Dan sometimes runs across while repairing machines: pet food/kibble, breath mints, and even a mummified mouse! But, oddities aside, Dan has some Blog Posts with tips for keeping your sewing machine in tip-top shape.
As a retired engineer with 30+ years in industrial sales and service, and as one who is always looking for a chance to learn something new, Dan gladly joined the staff of Sew Original Winston Salem as their Authorized Bernina Repair Technician.
The things Dan likes most about his job as technician are the challenges of finding solutions and fixing problems. “As the machine technician for Sew Original Winston-Salem, I’m able to use all the skills and knowledge gained over a lifetime. I have always enjoyed tinkering, inventing, innovating, and being a jack-of-all-trades. As a technician, you need to be able to figure out how things work, not only for Bernina products but for all types of machines. I love to learn new things; how things work, what causes problems, and then learning out how to fix them.”
Then, there are the oddities Dan sometimes runs across while repairing machines: pet food/kibble, breath mints, and even a mummified mouse! But, oddities aside, Dan has some Blog Posts with tips for keeping your sewing machine in tip-top shape.
Judi Low
A home economics class her freshman year in high school set Judi on a long and successful path with needle and thread. For many years she made garments, with part of that time working in a tailor’s shop tailoring suits and professional garments. In more recent years, she has moved away from garments and now enjoys making quilts (several of which have won quilt show blue ribbons) and all types of bags.
Judi often teaches classes at Sew Original, where she encourages students to closely read the class summary and understand what they are making, and which types of fabrics are recommended for the project. Judi has seen some “really interesting” fabrics used on projects that probably should have been made with a different type of fabric – like a polyester handbag that was designed for cotton fabric. But, she says, “They leave happy, having learned the techniques.”
“Sew Original is a great place to work and hang out,” says Judi. “If I lived a bit closer, I would probably find myself there even on my off days.”
A home economics class her freshman year in high school set Judi on a long and successful path with needle and thread. For many years she made garments, with part of that time working in a tailor’s shop tailoring suits and professional garments. In more recent years, she has moved away from garments and now enjoys making quilts (several of which have won quilt show blue ribbons) and all types of bags.
Judi often teaches classes at Sew Original, where she encourages students to closely read the class summary and understand what they are making, and which types of fabrics are recommended for the project. Judi has seen some “really interesting” fabrics used on projects that probably should have been made with a different type of fabric – like a polyester handbag that was designed for cotton fabric. But, she says, “They leave happy, having learned the techniques.”
“Sew Original is a great place to work and hang out,” says Judi. “If I lived a bit closer, I would probably find myself there even on my off days.”
Cyndy MacGregor
Both of Cyndy’s grandmothers and her mother sewed, knitted, and crocheted, so it was only natural that she learned to sew from an early age. She continued to hone her sewing skills through Girl Scouts, 4-H, and Home Economics classes in school.
While Cyndy says she started out sewing garments, which included many of her own clothes in high school, her current favorite thing to sew is embroidery. As a gift from her husband for their 25th anniversary, she received her first Bernina machine, which sewed and did embroidery. And from that moment on, she knew embroidery was it! She’s a big fan of Kimberbell products, describing herself as Sew Original’s “Kimberbell Queen!” She is aways eager to help with questions about machine embroidery and Kimberbell products.
Despite being at Sew Original for several years now, Cyndy, who describes herself as “vertically challenged,” had doubts about things working out at first. Not long after starting work at Sew Original, she was helping a customer with her fabric purchase. Reaching to a top shelf for a bolt of fabric, Cyndy said, “Two bolts of fabric came tumbling down off the shelf and clunked my lady on the head! I was mortified and certain my time at Sew Original would be over.” Thankfully, everyone got a chuckle out of the event and, many years later, Cyndy is still here.
Both of Cyndy’s grandmothers and her mother sewed, knitted, and crocheted, so it was only natural that she learned to sew from an early age. She continued to hone her sewing skills through Girl Scouts, 4-H, and Home Economics classes in school.
While Cyndy says she started out sewing garments, which included many of her own clothes in high school, her current favorite thing to sew is embroidery. As a gift from her husband for their 25th anniversary, she received her first Bernina machine, which sewed and did embroidery. And from that moment on, she knew embroidery was it! She’s a big fan of Kimberbell products, describing herself as Sew Original’s “Kimberbell Queen!” She is aways eager to help with questions about machine embroidery and Kimberbell products.
Despite being at Sew Original for several years now, Cyndy, who describes herself as “vertically challenged,” had doubts about things working out at first. Not long after starting work at Sew Original, she was helping a customer with her fabric purchase. Reaching to a top shelf for a bolt of fabric, Cyndy said, “Two bolts of fabric came tumbling down off the shelf and clunked my lady on the head! I was mortified and certain my time at Sew Original would be over.” Thankfully, everyone got a chuckle out of the event and, many years later, Cyndy is still here.
Laura Patridge
Laura began sewing in home economics class her freshman year of high school. Her favorite thing to sew is quilts.
Always quick with a joke or witticism, Laura recounts the time she went with her daughter for her daughter’s first pregnancy ultrasound. While they waited, Laura worked on some hand applique that she had brought with her. When it came time for them to go in for the procedure, Laura stood up and discovered a new design on her jeans: she had stitched the applique piece to her pants leg!
Laura began sewing in home economics class her freshman year of high school. Her favorite thing to sew is quilts.
Always quick with a joke or witticism, Laura recounts the time she went with her daughter for her daughter’s first pregnancy ultrasound. While they waited, Laura worked on some hand applique that she had brought with her. When it came time for them to go in for the procedure, Laura stood up and discovered a new design on her jeans: she had stitched the applique piece to her pants leg!
Muriel Riggs
Growing up with a grandma, great aunts, and mother who sewed, knitted, and crocheted, Muriel was destined to follow in their footsteps. She started out sewing doll dresses, plus clothes for herself by the time she was in the 6th grade.
Muriel is a retired art teacher of 25 years and loves anything that is artefare , which in Italian, means to do or create something skillfully.
When asked to share a funny story about her life at Sew Original, she recounts one of the first classes she attended in which she quickly grabbed what she thought was a bobbin of white thread, then sewed several quilting blocks. Upon pressing them with a steam iron, she was startled to see the blocks falling apart. The moral, she says is, “Don’t use water soluble thread in your bobbin!”
Growing up with a grandma, great aunts, and mother who sewed, knitted, and crocheted, Muriel was destined to follow in their footsteps. She started out sewing doll dresses, plus clothes for herself by the time she was in the 6th grade.
Muriel is a retired art teacher of 25 years and loves anything that is artefare , which in Italian, means to do or create something skillfully.
When asked to share a funny story about her life at Sew Original, she recounts one of the first classes she attended in which she quickly grabbed what she thought was a bobbin of white thread, then sewed several quilting blocks. Upon pressing them with a steam iron, she was startled to see the blocks falling apart. The moral, she says is, “Don’t use water soluble thread in your bobbin!”
