Redlands Sewing Center

Teachers and Staff

	Mary Jensen Mary learned to sew when her mother gave her a needle, thread, and scraps of fabric and told her when she could handle those, she could use a sewing machine. So, at about eight years old Mary began using her mother’s machine to make doll clothes, and was soon making most of her own clothes. She discovered quilting a few years ago, and now considers quilts her favorite thing to create. Over the last 17 years Mary has been working in the sewing machine industry, teaching classes and selling machines, and was even an Educator for Bernina of America for four years. Teaching is really where her heart lies, and she is excited to be back at Redlands Sewing Center, helping others learn to be their creative best.
	Michelle Telesio You may not know it but Michelle Telesio has been a part of Redlands Sewing Center since 2004. You may not see her too often because she is hard at work in our office. Michelle has been teaching our Kids Camp and Kids Club classes since 2003. She also conducts our Brother and Babylock machine and software classes. With her degree in Fashion Design and over 35 years of sewing experience, Michelle is also the instructor for our beginning sewing classes.
	Linda Jacobs Linda is a native of San Bernardino, has been married to husband Bill for over 47 years, and ha a wonderful daughter who shares her love of sewing. Working for Redlands Sewing Center since 1995, Linda has become our resident expert for all things Janome. She teaches new owner classes for Janome sewing and embroidery machines, specialty feet, and software. Linda has over 40 years of sewing experience in a variety of specialty fields including wearable art garments and handbags, leather vests and custom ties for men.
	Cindy Michaels Cindy’s love of sewing began at the age of eight, when her mother put a needle and embroidery threads into her hand. After finishing school and a career in the banking industry, she decided to be a stay-at-home mom. While raising four children, Cindy began teaching all the women in the neighborhood how to sew. This grew into a new career, and as the children grew up, she began teaching for Redlands Sewing Center. While working in Redlands Sewing Center both as a teacher and sales person, Cindy discovered her love of all things Bernina. Six years ago she began her travels with Bernina of America as a Sales Trainer and Education Consultant, and now does Free-lance teaching and sales for Bernina dealers around the US. Cindy has been published in Through The Needle magazine, and teaches and speaks on a wide variety of sewing and embroidery topics throughout the country.
	Dot Levy Dot started sewing when she watched her Mom and Grandmother creating many clothes and household items. After a few doll clothes made by hand she got to use her Grandmother’s Damascus Grand treadle sewing machine. Easy to learn on, a beautiful straight stitch and reverse was needle down using the hand wheel, swivel the fabric around, and stitch the other direction. “ I will have that machine some day, but Mom still has it, so I’m in no hurry.” She’s been a school teacher for many years, and now uses her love of teaching and helping others learn with her classes. “ I was going to be a home EC teacher, but you had to follow the directions, so I taught elementary school.” Most of her sewing is garment creation and embellishment. Home dec is also lots of fun for Dot.