New Classes at Kalamazoo Sewing Center

We've just added a new quilting and embroidery class to our schedule---the Wildflower Embroidered Quilt. In this class you'll create a beautiful quilt that features the gorgeous wildflowers growing in the Michigan woods like Jack in the Pulpit, Trillium, and Coneflower. We are so excited to offer this long awaited class. It begins in August but you must register in advance so come see us as soon as possible to register before the class is filled up.

There's a great sale on Singer Sewing Machines. We have some great models that great gifts for Father's Day---men are really getting into sewing today! A sewing machine also makes a great wedding or baby shower gift---it's the gift that keeps on giving and will give years of service. Give the Singer tradition of excellence and the recipient even gets a free class to learn how to use the new gift!

 And don't forget about the Hoop Sister's Feathered Star Quilt Class. Call today---the spots are going fast on this great quilt!

Sewing Machine Issues? Try this...

The other day I was sewing out an embroidery design on a piece of ribbon that I was going to attach to a quilt as a label. All of the sudden, half way through stitching out the design my normally well behaved machine gave a clunking noise and, after stopping the stitching, and examining my project I found a birds nest that could have accommodated an ostrich underneath my project.

So, as many of us who enjoy sewing, I started the process of troubleshooting. I first checked the threading---making sure that the thread hadn't become caught coming off the spool or come out of the lifter arm on the topside. I examined the bobbin thread and made sure that it was properly threaded and flowing out of where it should be.

Then I examined the needle and realized I hadn't changed out the needle from a large quilting project that I'd worked on last. Well, no wonder my poor machine was experiencing technical difficulties! Not only was the needle the wrong kind for my current project, but the needle was dull from all that quilting. I changed to an embroidery needle of the proper sized for the close woven ribbon and had no other problems after that.

Today's sewing machines do wonderful things. And they are very sophisticated and designed to work with the tools we have available today. That means that a home sewing enthusiast needs to brush up on the needles and feet that are available and when and how to use them.

Vintage machines like Grandma and Mom used could, and often did, go years on the same needle. (Although running on the same needle for years is not something I would recommend---those poor machines are not at their best with an old, dull needle.) In fact quite frequently we have customers come into the sewing center and brag that the same needle has been in the machine for years. But the modern machines that handle tension control and automatic adjustments for you need to have good sharp needles that should be swapped out after each project, sooner for those large quilting projects.

And today's needle assortments come in all sizes for all different uses. We have specialized needles not only for embroidery, but for delicates, denim, stretch knits, quilting, and others. Each of these needle types have a special design making them a solution for their designated purpose. For example, a Microtex needle has a specially designed tiny, sharp point to get through those delicate, sheer fabrics---a solution that wasn't available to Grandma's vintage machine.

So if you're having issues with your machine, after checking the threading, try another needle.  Head over  to our website to check out all the types of needles we have available. Come see us in the store to stock up so you'll have plenty of needles on hand for your next sewing projects.

Sizzling deals and projects at Kalamazoo Sewing Center

Sizzling hot deals and projects just for you!                                                                                        

	Store Events |  Website | Kalamazoo Sews Blog
	Get a free H|Class 100Q with the purchase of a Designer Diamond Deluxe! Our summer of sizzling deals is heating way up with this deal---a free machine---that's a $499 deal! 24 equal monthly payment 0% financing!  Get a Designer Topaz, a Sapphire 875Q, or select editions of 5D Embroidery software for 24 equal monthly payment 0% financing My Embroideries---50% off!   Don't forget to tell them that we're your favorite store! Join us for a class: Join us to make a wall hanging or quilt with this long awaited exclusive Hoop Sister's design; Feathered Star! Learn new techniques. Enjoy some sewing time with other enthusiasts. Share ideas on colors, styles, and techniques. Won't drop by to sign up today? Wednesday, June 12th at 1 PM and June 15th at 10 AM. **Please see store for complete details for all as additional restrictions may apply.	Kalamazoo Sewing Center: 5401 Portage Rd., Suite 6 Portage, MI 49002 (269)342-5808 Fax: (269) 342-0456 email: mail@kalamazoosews.com Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30-5:30, Saturday 9:30-1 Closed Sunday Class schedule is subject to change. Please give us a call if the weather is inclement. Having issues with your sewing machine? Whether it's bobbin thread in the wrong place or thread breakage---the first order of business is the needle. Use the right kind for your project and a new needle with each new project. View all the options by clicking the picture: Get the free monthly project---a humbug bag! Click the picture: Share and Chat with us:
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A Sewing Machine for the Bride and Groom

One of our customer's husbands bought a sewing machine for his wife last Christmas. The wife was in recently and had just one complaint; she couldn't use her gift because her husband was using it all the time. Every house needs a sewing machine if only to make repairs to those last minute catastrophes---when a button pops off or a seam rips. And if you're going to a wedding (or baby)  shower this summer why not by pass that extra toaster (that's sure to be a duplicate or triplicate) and give something that's sure to be an original gift---something that will come in handy for years to come---a sewing machine.

We have many good, beginning sewing machines in stock and they all come with free classes---convenient times for the bride and groom to come in and learn how to sew a button or seam. Here are a few models that we recommend:

There are really nice Singer Sewing Machines starting as low as $99. A sturdy frame made of metal, with a free arm, and three needle positions the Singer 8280 is a good, basic beginning sewing model that will perform most of the basic tasks. And priced at around $99 this sewing machine would provide the bride and groom with a machine to handle those emergency repairs.

Singer 8280

Another great basic model is the Singer Talent 3323. This machine has a heavy duty metal frame and some special stitches and also comes with a free accessory pack that includes an even feed foot so that even heavy or slippery fabrics can be sewn evenly through the machine---a great tool for stitching up those jeans or delicate items.

Singer Talent 3323

  
For those couples that may wish to sew home décor, fashion, or even add part time income to the household, consider the Singer 9960. The Singer 9960 has all the modern features and is the best Singer regular sewing model. With 600 stitches, 25 needle positions for accurate sewing, a wide array of accessories, this sewing machine will provide a lifetime of great use. It's the sewing machine of choice that our staff takes home. And at around just $499 it's an affordable gift that will keep on giving every year the couple enjoys together.

Singer 9960 Quantum

From our Husqvarna Viking line we have some exciting choices too. For instance we have the handy, portable H|Class 100Q. This Sewing Machine is full of Husqvarna Viking features like 20 built in stitches, drop feed, adjustable presser foot pressure for heavy projects, and needle up and down. This compact machine stores well to be available whenever it's needed.

Husqvarna Viking H|Class 100Q

 Or give the happy couple to be a vote of confidence with an Anniversary model. The 140C is an electronic model with 145 stitches, and the exclusive Husqvarna Viking Sewing Advisor built right into the machine. The Sewing Advisor is just like having your own personal sewing expert available to show you the proper settings, feet, and accessories for your project. This model was designed to celebrate Husqvarna Viking's 140th anniversary of helping home sewers create heirlooms. What a wonderful gift to give for a couple starting off a new life together!

Husqvarna Viking 140C

 And finally, there are some really spectacular embroidery machines in the Husqvarna Viking line. The Husqvarna Viking Topaz, for example, has won the Consumers Digest Best Buy Award once again for quality and value. If you can afford to spend a bit more on that special couple "to be" consider a sewing machine that is sure to dazzle and a gift that will really stand out in the crowd. But, most importantly your gift will provide the young couple a tool to begin a future together.

Husqvarna Viking Topaz--- a Consumers Digest Best Buy!

No matter which machine you give, when you give the gift of a sewing machine you're giving a tool to build a future: future home, future family, to sew and create heirlooms to pass down to the next generation. For more information on all our sewing machines visit our web site. And come see us in the store today! 

      

Memorial Day Sale through May 31st!

If you've considered upgrading your current sewing machine to an embroidery machine, you may want to come in and take advantage of our 0% financing for up to 5 years on Designer Diamond Deluxe and Designer Ruby Deluxe Sewing machines.

These machines have big embroidery areas, longer arms for quilting, and sport the exclusive Husqvarna Viking sewing advisor that is like having a supportive, helpful assistant in your sewing room nudging you to make all the right decisions to bring a new level of professionalism to your sewing.

Take the guess work out of sewing and put the fun and creativity into your sewing with one of these great machines. And now you can bring them home today with small equal monthly payments spread out over up to 5 years at no extra cost!

And as always, our machines come with all the support you need to get going with a free class and after sale support. We want you to be dazzled by your purchase.

***Please see store for all the details as restrictions do apply!  

Perfect Piping with the Groovin Piping Tool!

Piping is easy and much more economical to stitch yourself. Perfect application to your project depends on a perfect seam allowance. And now there is a handy tool to help you get that seam allowance absolutely perfect.

Called the Groovin Piping Trimming Tool---this gadget is so easy to use. After you stitch the piping, simply feed it into the groove in this tool, then trim to the appropriate seam allowance. Perfect piping every time!

Come into the sewing center and get your little piping helper today, then proceed to this gorgeous quilt project and test out this handy tool!

Click for instructions to make this patriotic quilt by Susan K. Cleveland!

     

Sew Dad Something Spectacular Just for Him!

There is still time to get out the sewing machines, arm them with fabric and thread and sew Dad a gift he'll always treasure for Father's Day. And to get the creativity flowing here are a few of our favorites for Father's Day:

How about an apron for that barbeque chef? We've got plenty of design ideas---throw in a handy hand towel to match and in an afternoon you could have the perfect gift!

And speaking of chefs is your father's favorite kitchen tool a Kitchen Aide? Perhaps a cover in his favorite complementary kitchen color would be a handy gift. Be sure to include a handy pocket to stow a cook book or attachment.

And Dad's love gadgets! And gadgets need carriers and holders. And with your sewing machine you can add a monogram or other embellishment that makes the gift personal---just for your special Dad. Did Dad serve in the Armed Forces? Add a navy, army, or marine embellishment for personalization.

And what Dad wouldn't just love a handmade quilt or pillow for that summer siesta? Even young children will be excited to help with a quilt project that can be done in as little as an afternoon. Make a memory quilt encompassing squares that represent special memories that kids and grandchildren have with Dad or Grandpa. Digitize hands and names or even family portraits. The possibilities are endless. And the end result is a gift that is all you and Dad. A gift that will be treasured always---that was made with love.