Meet Our Staff
Shop Owner Mary began hand embroidery projects at age 5, and made her first quilt at 12. She comes by it naturally, learning from her mother, Helen, who was an avid sewer, weaver, appliquer and bobbin-lace maker. Mary lives with her husband of 39 years, Buddy, at Lake Monticello outside of Charlottesville.
Dan has over 40 years of service and repair experience and has been with Cottonwood over 10 years. His vast knowledge allows him to service all makes of sewing machines, sergers, and industrial sewing machines. He is a long-term resident of Charlottesville.
Michelle grew up in Northern Albemarle where she now resides with her husband and three children. She has a collection of antique and vintage sewing machines of all makes! One of her favorite things about working at Cottonwood is meeting different customers and helping select fabric. 2021 brought new opportunities and Michele has now completed the Tech program and will be joining our Tech team!
Sandra has been quilting, sewing, and knitting for40 years. Small projects for family and friends are her specialty, keeping her creative during her husbands Army career that took them to Germany twice, Korea, and six different states! She is the mother of five children, who are now grown, and grandmother of 4, including the newest addition in New Zealand!
Andrea began working in November 2021. She is originally from Waynesboro but has lived in Charlottesville for the past 11 years. She began sewing when she was 18 years old. Andrea started quilting in 2020 and has now made many beautiful quilts. When not working or quilting she enjoys gardening and playing with her dog and 4 cats.
Robin received her first sewing machine at the age of twelve and learned basic skills from her mother and grandmother. This knowledge came in handy while raising her four children, doing special projects such as making curtains for the house, and creating Halloween costumes for the kids. Robin bought her first Bernina 13 years ago and took classes to learn to quilt. She now owns four Berninas, teaches quilting and has worked at Cottonwood for over10 years.