Jeannie R. Kretsinger, seamstress, designer, and author, has been sharing her love of sewing for four decades. After graduating from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science in Home-economics, she taught in the public schools for many years as a home-economics teacher. Since 1975, Jeannie has been the owner of Jeannie's Just Sew Shop, a specialty sewing store and education center, located in Byron, Illinois. It is here that she draws on her background in teaching to encourage seamstresses of all levels. Jeannie's customers and friends will tell you that she is an amazing woman. Her knowledge in the world of sewing is outstanding. Her teaching skills are fabulous. And, many of her creations are inspiring. It is because of the support of these people that Jeannie chose to publish her patterns and designs. Some of her patterns have come about because of necessity, others out of inspiration. Thanks to the help of many, including daughter Heidi, Jeannie is now sharing her ideas with the world. Jeannie believes it is the support of her family and friends, and the strength provided by her faith and trust in God, that has allowed her to become the woman she is today. Her parents taught her to reach for the stars and achieve. In many ways she is like her father, she not only dreams big but she chases her dreams. She is also like her mother, caring and sensitive, always reaching to meet the needs of others. Her husband Jerry has supported her in every way, the most visible is working as her chief sewing machine technician. Her children have also been a part of her business throughout the years. Today, daughter Heidi lives with her husband, United States Air Force Major Trent Thomas, and son's Benjamin, Stephen, and Jonathan, in Anchorage, Alaska. Heidi helps with the publication of Jeannie's patterns and publicity. Her son Ken is a security guard at Byron's Nuclear Power Plant. Ken's wife Wendy along with son Caden are actively involved in the business. More often than not it is Wendy who you will talk to on the telephone or ring up your sale when you visit downtown Byron.