About Jerry Grenata

Brother Ambassador and Educator

Jerry Granata has had a love of art since he was a child and it has taken him in many directions. He served 21 years in the Armed Forces of the United States as a U.S. Navy musician serving in such places as Naples, Italy; Seattle, Washington;Washington D.C; and Chicago, Illinois. His musical journey has given him the opportunity to perform as a pit musician in many theatres on Broadway in New York. He has also performed for several U.S. Presidents and Heads of State at the White House, as well as many celebrities such as Bob Hope, Brook Shields, Tony Bennett, Diana Ross, Styx, and many others.

His interest in the fine arts led him to studies in drawing, design, and oil painting. He has explored and enjoyed all sewing techniques including garment construction, costumes, embellishing, heirloom sewing, hand and machine embroidery, quilt piecing, appliqué, and free-motion quilting. He has also appeared on The Quilt Show with Alex Anderson and Ricky Tims, and Fons & Porters Love of Quilting. Jerry brings a passion for quilting, sewing, and teaching, with a dash of humor, to all levels from beginner to advanced. His diverse background can be found woven in his local, regional, national, and international award winning quilts.

About Barbara Mikolajczyk

Brother Ambassador and Educator

It was obvious at an early age, Barb would sew and teach. She won her 1st sewing award at age 12 while directing theatrical shows in the neighborhood. In College she landed a job, working in the costume department. The rest is history which includes 40 years of experience and memories in the Theatre and Home Decor areas. During her career in education, Barb was the chairman of a Fine Arts Department. She found herself drawn to the set design and costuming areas.

After leaving education she started her own business in Interior Design. Barb started sewing and embroidering for her Grandchildren and fell in love with all the Brother Brand sewing machines. Now Barb is a National renowned Educator for Brother Sewing Machines. Barb says she is blessed, to have the opportunity to combine my love of teaching and sewing as an Educator for Brother.

About Louis Carney

Brother Ambassador and Educator

Louis Carney began his sewing career at the early age of 12 in his hometown of Kansas City, Missouri, where he studied tailoring, design and visual merchandising in advanced curriculum in prep school. After college, he began his career in the sewing machine industry, which included working with stores in Chicago and New York City where he now resides.

Teaching, a favorite part of everyday life, has afforded him the gift of travel. He has taught in all 50 states, Mexico and lectured in London. With a focus on interiors, his special attention to detail, congenial class atmosphere & beautiful samples make his classes always fill to capacity. His familiarity with machine products and industry knowledge ensures a fun time to be had by all. Design influence utilizing embroidery software, segers/coverstitches and long-arm quilting is the latest of his ventures, focusing on detailed elements. He co-authored a book entitled Creative Sewing Techniques by Machine, published by AQS in 2010.

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