About

Sew Original opened in October of 2002 in Boone, North Carolina. 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, they opened up their second location in Winston-Salem. Our goal is to provide inspiration, education, and the best products on the market. We offer a huge variety of classes and private lessons for both children and adults. We have always felt that where you buy is just as important as what you buy. At Sew Original, Machine Mastery classes are free when you buy your Bernina from us. 

Melinda Rose

Co-Owner

I have been sewing since I was six- garment designing and creating are my favorites. I love traveling, meeting new people, but most of all spending time with my family, especially my 4 grandchildren, known as the Fab Four. I am privileged to have the finest staff and customers in the world!

Kathy Hill

Manager

I have been sewing and crafting since I was a young girl, and in the 80s I began quilting. I really enjoy learning new techniques and sharing the joy of sewing with others.

​Vanessa Clark

I have a longarm quilting service and specialize in sergers and  garment construction. I have a passion for anything having to do with fabric.

Patty Blanton

Jolene McKenzie

I've been working part time at Sew Original for several years and teaching several quilting classes. I love learning new techniques and sharing them with others. I hope I never lose the desire to learn or the enthusiasm to share what I learn with others. 

I'm a new member of the Boone staff, but I really enjoy the wonderful customers and co-workers. I'm far from a skilled sewist, but am always amazed at the creativity of the ladies who teach the classes.

Colleen Murray

My mom showed me how to sew when I was a little girl. I have always been crafty and liked working with my hands, whether it was sewing, cross stitching, or making something out of wood. I got my first embroidery machine in 2002, a Bernina 165, and I now also own a 770 for larger projects.

Faye Williams

I have been at Sew Original since I retired from teaching.  I started sewing during junior high school and then progressed to making garments. After retiring, I have learned to quilt and to use the embroidery software.  I enjoy doing both and putting the two techniques together. When I am not sewing, I enjoy being with my family and traveling.  The customers at Sew Original are great and I really enjoy working with them.

Susan Briggs

I am a retired school teacher and was the first employee at Sew Original. I enjoy quilting, asking a bazillion questions, and being with my two grandsons.

Peggy Cerchione

I am known as "Miss Peggy", and I teach Kids Classes, Kids Camp, and Machine Mastery. I've been sewing since I was five and haven't quite grown up yet!

Marilyn Wright

I have taught history in North Carolina for 31 years. I am a mother of two daughters and have two grandsons, and have worked at Sew Original for several years now. I specialize in art quilts and love to travel.​​

Janet Benoy

I learned to sew when I was 9 watching my mother make my clothes. My love of quilting came from my grandmother. I'm a licensed massage therapist, and my daughter now runs that business. I'm a retired military spouse of 36 years, and have 2 daughters and 5 grandchildren. Worked at Sew Original many years ago, and am happy to be back. 

Becky Shippy

I come from a family of crafting ladies- we do all kinds of things. My sister and I like to sew. I came to the mountains about ten years ago and have been working at Sew Original ever since. I enjoy teaching beginning quilting, and various piecing projects.