Tip of the Week

One of the challenges that beginning quilters face are those 1/4 inch seams---there isn't a whole lot of room for error.  And if the seams aren't straight and exact it can throw off the whole quilt making it difficult or nearly impossible to piece; with crooked results.

Never fear though---help is available no matter what machine you own. For those who have Husqvarna/ Viking machines---Designer Diamond, Rubys, Sapphires, and the Emerald 203 simply be sure to choose the 1/4 inch stitch and use your A or B foot.

If you have a machine that doesn't have the special 1/4 inch stitch, pay the Sewing Center a visit and pick up a 1/4 inch or Quilting foot accessory for your particular machine. They come in metal or see through plastic and will help keep those stitches at a quarter of an inch and your quilt even and accurate for a more professional result.            

Notion of the week

Our notion of the week is the Dakota Collectables Holiday Ornament Design CD. This CD makes a 20 Lace Applique Ornaments all in the hoop.
These ornaments will delight young and old alike. The possiblities are endless:

Add a set or two to your tree.

 Add one to a package for a decorative and elegant wrap.

Great Christmas gift as a set or individually for those hard to buy for office gifts.

Make one for the postman

Elegant for teachers.

Beautiful hanging in a window.

And they're so fun to make! Contact the Sewing Center now. They're going fast!  

Sewing Helpers

We just received a shipment from Floriani containing 100's of new colors of thread for you to choose from. We also have a new line of stabilizers for all uses and projects and some really great designs to add pizazz to your projects. Stop in and browse through all the new potential we just added to your holiday projects! 

Spend $25.00 at a small business like Kalamazoo Sewing Center get $25.00 back on your American Express Account from American Express. 
But you must register 
Click here to register with American Express.  

A Diamond of a Deal!

Pay a minimal amount  per month or  Husqvarna/Viking Designer Diamond! And don't forget the $500  rebate and the free luggage set!

 Through December 2, 2011 you can get 48 month interest free financing on a Designer Diamond. And there is 24 and 36 month financing on other Husqvarna/Viking models too.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Our stores will be closed all day November 24 and November 25th to allow our staff to spend time with family, friends and community for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

We look forward to serving you during your visit on Small Business Saturday, November 26th--- during our regular Saturday business hours.  Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving Holiday.

Your Friends at the Kalamazoo Sewing Center.

Tip of the Week

Has your machine been speaking a little louder than normal? Often a sewing machine tries to warn you of potential problems by becoming noisy or clunking.

If this happens, look for lint or threads that can become stuck in the bobbin area or on the hook or needle bar. You can also try a new needle.

And always use a good sewing machine oil to keep your machine oiled (if appropriate for your machine) according to your instruction booklet.

Your invitation to join us on Small Business Saturday

You are cordially invited to attend Small Business Saturday on November 26, 2011. We're going to have fun kicking off the holiday season and hope you can come and enjoy some time browsing through our store, looking at sewing machines, and grabbing some bargains.


And to help you with your holiday notions here is a coupon for you to bring for a savings on all regularly priced notions (restrictions apply):  

Click for printable version

Your Friends at the Kalamazoo Sewing Center.

Tip of the Week

Is your sewing machine covered under your homeowner's policy? What if something happens when you are transporting it to and from class? Check with your insurance agent. Some companies require a separate rider in order to cover certain machines.    

Notion of the week

This week's notion is a real time saver. The Frixion Pen is an erasable pen. It goes on smoothly and accurately and the ink stays where you want it, doesn't smear, or disappear before you need it to.

When you're done and want the ink to disappear just touch with a hot iron and voila--it disappears!

Kalamazoo Sewing Center's Manager Tabitha recommends this notion for applique.      

Tip of the Week

Today there are needles for all different sewing projects. Using the right needle for the job will make sewing easier and you'll get much better results.

For general all purpose sewing, the first thing you need to look at is the type of fabric you are going to sew. What weight is the fabric?

Needles have numbers and there are two types of numbering systems; American and European. The higher the number the heavier the fabric. A great chart comparing the two variations of  numbers can be found here.

What type of project are you working on? Use embroidery needles, stretch needles for stretchy fabrics, needles for leathers, microtex or sharp needles for synthetic leathers, denim needles, topstitching needles, and self threading/handicapped needles. There are quilting needles, and needles for heirloom sewing, and free motion sewing. And finally, there are twin needles and even triple needles for decorative and precise rows of topstitching.

All these needles have special features that perform the job professionally with ease.

Using the incorrect needle can cause problems such as skipped stitches, breaking or bending of the needle, or snagging and creating large holes in your fabric.

A more detailed online article regarding needles and needle usage can be found here.

And we're always here to help at the Kalamazoo Sewing Center. If you need assistance or advice, pack up your thread and fabric and come see us. We'll find the needle that you need for your project.    

We're on Facebook and Twitter!

Did you know that you can follow us on Twitter and Facebook so that you' never miss out on an event, class, or special deal?

And we have a calendar of events posted online on our website.

We're here to help you with your purchase of a new sewing machine, repair and oil your sewing machine, help you or a family member become a sewing aficionado, or help in any other way to make sewing easy, fun, and creative. 

Small Business Saturday ---Shop Kalamazoo Sewing Center November 26th

This November 26 is a big day for everyone at Kalamazoo Sewing Center. It’s the second annual Small Business Saturday®, when people across the country come out and shop to support their favorite local businesses. We're planning special demonstrations, events, door prizes, and deals. We'll be telling you more in the next weeks. Mark your calendar to visit us early on the 26th.

And, as an added incentive for all of you who have an American Express Card,  American Express is offering to credit the first $25.00 in purchases made in participating small businesses like Kalamazoo Sewing Center. Visit the American Express Facebook Small Business Saturday Page for details on how you can participate in this discount.

Don't forget to like us and recommend us on Facebook  so you can stay in touch and not miss any of the exciting things we're planning to help you have fun and create at Kalamazoo Sewing Center!

Your Friends at Kalamazoo Sewing Center.

Notion of the Week

So many sewing snafu's, from missed stitches to puckered seams, can be traced to an incorrect needle or a needle that should be replaced.

Today there are needles for a variety of uses. We carry needles for different fabric weights. There are also specialty needles for embroidery, sergers and other special uses.

Most importantly, keeping a sharp needle in your machine will help your machine do its best work.

Stop by the Kalamazoo Sewing Center and we'll be happy to help you find the right needle for your project.     

A Diamond of a Deal!

We are so excited to tell you about a Viking/Husqvarna Diamond promotion that goes through December 15th, 2011. The manufacturer is offering a rebate of $500.00 and a classy 2 piece set of luggage bonus with all Diamonds purchased from now until December 15th, 2011.

Our Kalamazoo Sewing Center just received a new shipment of these sewing machines in anticipation of this event.

Diamonds are the top of the line Viking/Husqvarna Sewing Machines. The machines do flawless embroidery in areas up to 14 1/4" x 13 3/4" without rehooping the work. It comes with the 5D software, 3 hoops, an array of helpful feet, and much more.

And, if you buy from the Kalamazoo Sewing Center you get our expert support and free classes with your purchase.

Hurry in to reserve your Diamond today; with this special promotion the Diamonds won't last long.