About Us
BERNINA of Naperville welcomes all sewists from all aspects of creativity. Whether you are a quilter, crafter or cosplayer, we are your resource. We want to nurture your passion for garments, cosplay, quilting, home décor, fiber art and more by empowering you with the highest-quality products, education, and customer support through your sewing life. |
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A shop that encourages creativity no matter what aspect of sewing is enjoyed. Your unique sewing experience is the brainchild of Gayle and Chris Donahue. Both Gayle and Chris have had fulfilling experiences sewing, making and traveling, which has translated into the BERNINA of Naperville vibe. |
Store Hours: Tuesday - Wednesday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Thursday - Friday: 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Sunday & Monday: CLOSED |
Gayle Donahue
Co-owner, Marketer, Instructor and Floor Mopper
Just a few minutes spent with Gayle and you’d be shocked to learn that ‘creativity’ is in fact not her middle name. She simply oozes with it. It has fueled her passion in so many areas including all things sewing, writing, theatre, Cosplay and trapeze to name just a few. Gayle purchased her first BERNINA in 1995 and fell in love with the brand. In 2005, she opened her own BERNINA store, Strawberry & Rhubarb. It wasn’t long before BERNINA Corporate came calling and she sold her successful store to become a BERNINA Sales Manager and eventually the Marketing Manager of Promotions and Sponsorships. And now, with tons of experience and loads of creativity later, she and her creative cohort Chris Donahue are co-owners of BERNINA of Naperville!
Chris Donahue
Co-owner, Technician and Director of Finance
No stranger to extreme creativity himself, Chris is both driven and naturally talented in a multitude of areas including engineering, theatre, trapeze, juggling, sewing and Cosplay. His mathematical abilities were honed at the engineering mothership, Microsoft, until he retired in 2012. His keen problem-solving coupled with his creative prowess help create the spectacular Cosplay-type costumes he and Gayle continue to collaborate on. Chris’s skilled tailoring, expert maker abilities and creative ideas flourish on BERNINA machines. Come see for yourself that show-and-tell is alive and well at BERNINA of Naperville where Chris, and co-owner and creative companion Gayle Donahue, are forever made to create!
Our Team
Amy Paauwe
General Manager
Amy is a modern quilter who happens to make the most amazing bags. You will not want to miss her classes. She also loves color and helping you find just the right combinations for your projects.
John Paauwe
Director of Technical Operations, Assistant HR Manager
John is fully trained on the BERNINA line, thanks to the past few years of working with the experts at BERNINA of America. His expertise is utilized on weekends and during special events. Don't worry about that "look" he's been giving Amy–they're newlyweds!
Lynda Cooper-Boyke
Graphic Design Specialist, Longarmer
As a graphic designer, Lynda uses her creativity in the world of sewing, quilting, and embroidery. She has also found a passion for the longarm and can be found running the Q-matic.
Bonaparte Asterix Donahue (@mrbernina)
Social Media Manager
I am a Shop Dog in training with a thirst for sewing, embroidery and water (deffinitely mostly water - I love water). I have massive amounts of energy, I like long walks along the river, dog park, Menards parking lot and more.
I often respond to your concerns on social media and monitor your questions closely.