Send a Bit of Home to School with your Scholar!

Back to school is right around the corner. I remember sending my children to their first day of school with tears in my eyes---I just didn't want to let them go. There's still time to stitch a little bit of home for your child to take with them to school. We have bunches of patterns and ideas to help you complete that school supply list for that first day of school. And many of the projects can be made by beginning sewers. Here are just a few ideas:

1. A craft apron for all those messy art projects or simply take an old shirt and embellish it with your child's input. Add a name and some embroidery or decorative stitches. Make it a special cover up that shows your child's personality off---a real masterpiece to create masterpieces in.
2. At the sewing center we love to make change purses in the hoop. These great little purses are so easy and fun to make and come in a wide variety of styles to fit your child's personality. They are large enough to accommodate a bit of change and a lunch card. Pin an important phone number or other information inside. They are so easy to make you'll be stitching up several for tiny friends!
   
3. And speaking of embroidery machines, they are perfect for stitching handy labels for all those belongings. Whether it's a coat or a book bag--- a personal, stitched label shows just how special your child is to you.
4. Be sure to take a class on zippered pouches at the sewing center. The pouches are great beginning sewing projects and are absolutely perfect for gadget cases, pencil cases, and all sorts of school supplies. Use your decorative stitches and make sure to stitch a name with that built in alphabet if one came with your machine to personalize this project.
5. Pre-school and some kindergarten students still take naps and you might need to send nap time linens with your child. We have patterns and plans at the sewing center that make quilts in as little as an afternoon and  teach beginning sewing skills. Stop by the center because we are always starting up quilting classes---for embroidery and regular sewing machines---from beginner to advanced. Make something very special for your child---a piece of home to help transition from home to the excitement of the school year.

Get a Pre-loved Machine Now!

There has never been a better time to purchase a quality pre-owned sewing machine. Due to the recent Christmas in July Diamond trade up promotion we have been inundated with quality used machines. We run the pre-owned machines through our service department and make sure they receive TLC and maintenance and are in great condition; then we offer them for sale at considerable savings over new models.

And each used machine, comes with the same customer support and free instruction class as our new models. We want you to be happy with your purchase and get the most out of your sewing machine. Hurry in today to get the best selection.

These machines are priced to go and won't last long. So whether you want to upgrade at a savings or purchase a second machine or get a machine for a family member---hurry in today!       

Get Some Wheels for your Sewing Machine Today!

Have you been putting off bringing your sewing machine in for maintenance or classes because it's too heavy for you to carry? Try a set of wheels for your machine!

Whether you have a vintage Singer or Viking or a new model, we'll be able to set you up with a luggage tote on wheels to help your aching back. Pictured is our Husqvarna Viking luggage set in red. This set comes with a bag for machine storage and a bag for the embroidery unit. The bags have some additional space for supplies and feet.

We also have wonderful storage solutions for thread and other supplies. And while you're in take a look at our project totes to keep all the pieces of your projects together and organized.

Whether it's wheels for your machine or storage solutions for your sewing studio, come in and see us. We'll keep you organized and make it easy on your back.

Select Notions on Sale Now

Congratulations to all our new Designer Diamond Deluxe owners. If you haven't taken advantage of the Diamond deal hurry in. Our stock is almost gone. And don't forget to take advantage of the sale on select notions to go with your new machines---20% off!

And speaking of notions and aftermarket sewing machine accessories, you're probably wondering what you're going to need to go with your new embroidery machines. Here are a few items to consider:

• Stabilizer---Now is the time to stock up on a variety of stabilizers so that you'll have the correct one available for any project that you want to do this fall and holiday season. Whether you're monogramming gift towels, stitching an heirloom quilt, or creating that gorgeous holiday door decoration, you'll want to start your project with the correct stabilizer. Stop by our website and consider all the choices, then come into the store and take advantage of our sale. Not sure which stabilizer to use for your project? Come see us! Our experts are always here to help.

•  Needles---Be sure to change your needle often and make sure that you are using the correct needle for your project. If you own a Diamond, your machine will tell you which needle is the best for your project. Make sure you have a variety of needles on hand for trouble free sewing. View some of the choices available here. 

• Feet, feet, feet. Some of us need just a little bit more help keeping our stitches straight, our seams stitched evenly, and our quilts sandwiches unbubbled---and there's a foot to help you no matter what issues you're experiencing. As you're learning to sew and use your machine having an additional aid can take a project to spectacular. Try an aftermarket foot for your machine. We recommend the new interchangeable even feed foot to assist you in your holiday projects.     

Come see us for quality thread, extra bobbins, and quality embroidery designs that stitch out beautifully each and every time. And with 20% off select notions, there isn't a better time than now to stock up and get what you'll need to finish all those holiday gifts and decorations.

The Diamond Deals are Going Fast!

We've been celebrating Christmas in July with deals on Designer Diamond Deluxe Sewing Machines. For a limited time you can get up to 60% off the retail list price with a qualifying trade in. That's the best deal ever on the Diamond! Because the deal is so good the Diamonds have been going out the door at a brisk pace. And the deal will be over when our current stock is depleted. So don't wait--hurry in before they are all gone!

    

Top 10 Reasons to Trade your Vintage Sewing Machine in

The other day at the sewing center a customer was wondering if she should trade in her vintage model sewing machine. She was having issues with tension. Her bobbin thread was pooling underneath projects and she just wasn't quite happy with her results.

I could sympathize with her. A few years back I, too, had a vintage machine that had given me over 30 years of faithful service. It had become a member of the family. It had sewed curtains for my first home, a bathrobe for my first love, tiny dresses for my daughter, and a tiny suit coat for my son.

But one day it couldn't sew any longer. And the part was no longer made. We searched for a used part and lucked out finding one. But it was never really the same after that. It was time to move on.

What I learned is that today's machines have really changed; especially over the past 10 years. There's a learning curve, in fact, and it's better to purchase a new machine where you can get a free class so that you don't miss out on any of the new features and don't make the mistake of assuming that your new machine operates just like your old machine did. Even after reading the instruction booklet from beginning to end and watching all the instructional videos that came on the DVD, there was still bunches that I didn't know about my new machine. The changes that were made in the 30 years that I used my old machine were astronomical.

And after I learned how to use my new friend there are a few innovative features that I just can't believe I lived without like:

1. Needle positioning: On your vintage machine there was only one position to your needle---in the middle straight down your needle plate. Today's machines offer multiple needle positions. What this means is that your fabric is always moved by both the feed dogs no matter what the size of the seam. And you don't need to use your tired old eyes to watch that fading 5/8 inch mark or 1/4 inch mark on your needle plate any longer. You simply move your needle over into position and your fabric always stays in the same position---allowing you to be so much more accurate.
2. Presser foot sensing: Todays machines adjust the presser foot for the type of fabric you are using in your project. Moving slippery, silky knits through a vintage machine was a chore and results could be less than optimal---but not any more. Simply let the machine know that you have a special fabric and it adjusts the pressure for you.
3. Automatic tension: Thread the machine correctly and tension is all but taken care of for you. Tweaking of the settings allows you to perform some creative work.
4. Needle up and down: Many of today's models will stop with the needle in the down position making things like corners on collars and bindings accurate with hands free operation.
5. Automatic thread cutting: Oh my! What a modern convenience this feature is.
6. Presser foot lift: Many presser feet go up and down automatically when you step on the foot control. In addition, the presser feet have additional lift for getting thick projects underneath.
7. Additional sewing surface: If you quilt or do big projects like slip covers, blankets, or even jackets, you'll appreciate the larger sewing surface of the modern machines. No need to cram big projects through between machine arm and needle.
8. Accessories to make the day easier: The wide array of feet to solve any problem, special gadgets to add pizzazz and creativity to your projects help you make one of a kind masterpieces that you won't find anywhere else. Just stop by the sewing center during a class and you will see what I mean. There can be 10 different students with the same pattern but because of different accessories each project looks unique and original.
9. A wide variety of stitches and stitch widths and lengths: You are no longer limited to just a straight stitch and a couple of zig zags to get you through. Today's machines do a pretty good job with special stitches for knits, overlocking seams, and decorative stitching including alphabet stitches too.
10. Embroidery possibilities: Come in and take a look at the absolute magic that the embroidery  machines perform! You can even digitize your own designs with software that is available. Match a school or club logo, add a favorite flower or monogram to a store bought towel or tote and you have a one of a kind heirloom in no time at all.

Yes, I was so sad to see my trusty old vintage model go. But my new machine allows me to take my sewing to a new, more professional level. In addition, the new machine has nearly eliminated those old issues that used to frustrate me---like sewing those silky knits. And the new machine has those new features like the thread cutter that take care of those routine tasks, allowing me to concentrate on my creativity.
                             

Christmas in July just got Brighter

New Christmas in July Deals                                                                      

	Store Events |  Website | Kalamazoo Sews Blog
	Up to 60% off a Designer Diamond Deluxe? We have a limited supply of Designer Diamond Deluxe models and during our Christmas in July sale we're taking your trade in at a special allowance off the retail price of a Designer Diamond Deluxe. There's a $500 mail in rebate---never before has there been a better time to trade on up! We're loving the Sapphire 875Q for sewing everything from quilts to fall fashions and holiday decor. You will too! Until the end of the month get a free quilt kit worth over $300 with the purchase of a Sapphire 875Q. This machine has so many great features---the sewing advisor that lets you know what needle and foot to use and how to stabilize your project, an extra wide sewing surface for large projects like quilts or jackets, the selective thread cutter, and so much more. Come by and test drive a Sapphire 875Q today! Get Embroidery designs during the Christmas in July sale at myembroideries.com! Don't forget to tell them that we're your favorite store! Stock up on notions now for holiday sewing!   **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. If you've never tried a Husqvarna Viking Design package grab one on your next visit. You'll be amazed how well they stitch out on your machine. And they can be used and reused in so many ways a new design is simply a new combination! Click the picture to learn more: Share and Chat with us and check out all the gorgeous recently completed class quilts! Just see what you can do:
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