Bernina Design Workshop Team

Stefanie Julien, Owner

The roots of Bernina Design Workshop sprouted out of a little room on the 2nd floor of our home in Salem Massachusetts in 1989. My home based business was called Stefanie's Stitchery, so that I could stay home and raise my daughters Zoe, and Hannah. I designed and fabricated costumes, garments, bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses. I also did alterations for the neighborhood. I began sewing draperies and window treatments, and soon my business was 90% decorating. In September of 1995 I opened my first shop, The Interior Design Workshop, home of Stefanie's Stitchery. In 2001, I upgraded to a larger location in the Historic District of Salem.  I particularly enjoy historic window treatments. Through the years I have done subcontract work for various designers, the Peabody Essex Museum and was recognized for my contribution to the Salem City Hall restoration project. I participated in the Joseph Story JCC Designer Showhouse in 2002 in conjunction with a decorative painter. In 2005 we moved to a historic house in Danvers. In 2007, I teamed up with a staging redesigner, to participate in the Historic Salem Inc. House Tour. I decided to combine my 19 years of experience in sewing, the admiration of BERNINA sewing machines, my love of textiles and success at interior decorating to open a new shop in Topsfield, Massachusetts called BERNINA Design Workshop.

Our team is made up of a great group of talented and experienced folks!  I would like to introduce you to:

Glenda and Dave who take good care of the store when I need help.

Carol  Wadsworth Magic Jacket Class Instructor. You can contact Carol at ctcatnip375@yahoo.com or 781-342-9944. Carol has been sewing for fifty years. She attended college in Southern California majoring in Commercial Art. She has been teaching construction of the Magic Jacket for seven years along with creating over 100 jackets for private customers. Carol believes a class should be fun as well as educational! There's lots of laughter and creativity in her classes!

Lorna Allen took her first sewing class at the age of fourteen when she was in school.  Her love of sewing didn’t really take off until 1988 when she had purchased her first Bernina sewing machine. She has since collected many sewing machines as she wanted to expand her horizons. She has done a variety of sewing projects from home dec, quilts, embroidery, small alterations, clothing for herself and doll clothes for many size dolls for which she has a passion. You can reach Lorna at the store, 978-887-2009.

Jean Pilsbury resident quilt expert. To reach Jean, you can leave a message at the store, 978-887-2009.

Dawn Metcalf has been sewing since the 7th grade. She runs classses on making quilted handbags.

Janet Stone teaches the Hunter Star Quilt Class. You can find more information about Janet at her website www.eleganceinstitches.com.