The Sewing Machine Shop Experience

If you "like" us, you know that Jaime and I have been hanging out in local sewing machine shops, asking a million questions, learning a ton and basically becoming total groupies in awe of these experts!

I found myself in Arlington Sewing Machine Supply because I needed an introduction to the line of Brother Embroidery/Sewing Machines (if that perks up your ears, you are a clever kitty) but I learned so much more. That got me thinking, besides the opportunity to hang out with these insanely fun experts in all things machine sewing/embroidery/quilting, what are the reasons to do your shopping at a small business sewing machine dealer?

Owner Carla and Jacinda (sans Jumpsuit) talking thread.

Expertise and Support. If you visit a shop to purchase a machine, the sales people will know the machines that they offer intimately. They only sell machines that they know to be superior products. They can guide you through which features you will need for the type and level of sewing you do. Their goal isn't to sell you the most expensive machine but the machine that best suits you. They want to build a relationship. They told me that they can tell whether or not you will use decorative stitches by your personality. Being a person who uses them quite often, I wasn't sure I wanted to know how exactly they could tell.

Free Labor. If you buy your machine from a dealer, they typically offer free service for a length of time. Now, any new machine, no matter where you buy it, has a guarantee, but a year of free service would go beyond factory defects. It would include instances such as; your needle bending and puncturing your bobbin casing because you sewed through too many paper coloring books with a dull needle, for example. And if they are a REALLY GOOD dealer, they will say that they see this type of thing all the time and you shouldn't feel stupid. THAT'S good customer service.

Training. Machine shops will also offer free classes on how to operate any purchased machine and supporting notions/supplies, as well as, opportunities to sign up for additional classes, clubs and events to take your skills to the next level.

Current Technology. Sometimes when you buy a sewing machine online or from a bigger store, you will buy an outdated model unknowingly. There is nothing wrong with saving some cash by getting a good deal on an older (or used) machine, I have a 1960's Kenmore that I adore, but you want to know what you are getting. Machine shops want to have the newest machines on the floor and make room for them by offering great deals on an older models,  except you will know exactly what you are getting.

On-Site Repairs. The fact that Arlington does has their own technicians on site is AWESOME! Not only do you know where your machine is but you can be confident that it isn't being damaged in transport. You also have the opportunity to ask the technician questions. But most importantly, if you stop in with an urgent quick-fix, they can usually take care of it right away!


Eye Candy. It's so much fun to browse! There are new patterns, notions, tools and gadgets that you might never know to look for. It's so much fun to be able to pick up a package, check it out and ask an expert a few question before buying.

So what do you think? Are you ready to become a Machine Shop groupie too?