Katherine Letherby

Katherine first opened the business in 1986 under the name Moor Silks and Quilts. Not long after, she discovered BERNINA sewing machines and has never looked back. As a hands-on owner, Katherine is closely involved in every aspect of Quilt Direct and personally leads most of the BERNINA Mastery Classes. A passionate quilter and horse rider, she only wishes there were more hours in the day and days in the week.

Linzi Upton

Award-winning quilter Linzi is queen of the long arms! She carries out our edge-to-edge service, finishing quilt tops for customers all around the UK. Linzi also presents many of our classes, particularly about the long arms and overlockers. A keen DIYer, Linzi can't pass up an upcycling project. Originally from Aberdeenshire, Linzi moved to Devon in 2024 and brought a little piece of Scotland with her - Scottie dog Nessie!

Karen Purdew

As our AccuQuilt specialist, Karen regularly presents classes on innovative and inspiring ways to use the dies, and the Qubes in particular. She loves to inspire customers to use the dies for a variety of patchworking and quilting techniques. When not in the studio (or in her garden), Karen can often be found demonstrating AccuQuilt at quilt shows around the UK and to local quilt groups.

Jo Masters

An expert in machine embroidery and bag-making, Jo presents classes on those subjects in our studio. You'll recognise her easily - she always wears purple! Jo works with brands like OESD, By Annie and Moda, and runs the Facebook group 'Sew with Jo'.

Charlie Avent

If you have a question about Bernina sewing machines, Charlie is the one to ask. When she's not on the phone with customers, she's in the studio demonstrating a choice of machines for them. Charlie is also our go-to person for questions about thread, and many other products. Katherine taught her all she knows!

Sue Main

If you've attended any of the classes at Quilt Direct, from online presentations to residential retreats, then thank Sue - she organises them all. Sue is also team leader in the office, making sure everything runs smoothly and that everyone's birthdays are celebrated with cake! She has always loved the water (and has even been a scuba diving instructor), so outside of the office Sue takes any opportunity to be on, in, or under the sea.

Ali Beament

The data wizard behind the scenes at Quilt Direct, Ali oversees our purchasing, forecasting and implementation of all new systems. As the company’s longest-standing team member, her historical knowledge is invaluable. Ali also brings a creative flair to the studios as our in-house florist - you will see her beautiful floral arrangements around the studios. Outside the office, Ali enjoys gardening and spending time with her horses and her spaniel.

Graham Heard

Heading up our warehouse is Graham, well known for his dry sense of humour. He makes sure every order is picked promptly and correctly, and that everything is ready for the courier to collect at the end of the day. Graham also looks after all things logistical, serving as our reliable muscle man both in the studios and when we are away at shows. Outside of work hours, Graham is a skilled dry stone wall builder and has created the most wonderful garden at his home in Dartmoor.

Nick Gear

Nick is Quilt Direct's in-house servicing technician, trained by BERNINA and by Rick the BERNINA Doctor. As part of our in-house servicing team, Nick specialises in looking after the newer BERNINA models. With his calm, methodical approach and ever-growing expertise, your machine is in safe hands. When he is not in the workshop, Nick is busy on his farm with a particular interest in rare fleeces. He shows his sheep at country shows and also runs his own brewery.

Clair Wellsbury-Nye

Freelance consultant Clair is our marketing manager. She works with all members of our team to arrange promotions for the various brands and subject areas they specialise in.