By Heather Posey
Staff Writer
In a world of new-age, top- of-the-line technology, many people are trading in their traditional hobbies for more current, trendy pastimes. Local Long Beach store Sew Vac Limited though aims to bring back the simple pleasures of quilting and sewing that will leave anyone with a needle in stitches.
Located at 1762 Clark Avenue in Long Beach, Sew Vac has spent nearly 30 years catering to the selling, maintenance and repair of household sewing machines and vacuums.
“We started out in an 800-square-foot location with Bernina and Elna sewing machines, and Royal, Eureka and Sanitiare, vacuums,” says Sew Vac owner and founder Scott Noble on the store’s Web site. “At the time, these brands represented our simple plan, which is to sell the very best sewing and vacuum products available.”
And though the brands may have changed, Noble’s plan did not. Today, Sew Vac carries major sewing machine brands Janome and Bernina as well as Miele and Riccar brand vacuums. The store also provides customers with a variety of fabrics, machine accessories and appliances such as desks and sewing cabinets.
Sew Vac’s products have caught up with the advantages of the digital age with some higher-end machines featuring a touch screen where users can preview their design before a single stitch is made. A modern spin on the traditional craft, they also carry basic models at competitive prices for the beginning sewers and novelty machines for children.
“So even if you have a young daughter who may want to sew, people can come in here and get something for less than $100,” said Noble.
Prices on sewing machines can range from $50 into the thousands, depending on the brand and its features. But for those just getting into sewing, Sew Vac, along with the Long Beach Parks and Recreation Department, has developed numerous sewing, quilting and embroidery classes where students can learn to make anything from a small quilt to an apron, skirt or sweater.
“Here people can learn where to cut on a pattern. We provide machines for them so they don’t have to go buy their own, and we also have clubs here if they want to build on the skills they learned in the classes,” said store manager Joyce Showe.
Classes begin every two months with club meetings for sewing and quilting held monthly. Though sewing is an essential factor in business, Noble notes that the store still does dedicate themselves to vacuum repair and sales, servicing any household vacuum and sewing machine and helping customers find the best vacuum for their floors.
Sew Vac is so grateful to their customers that they are hosting their annual customer appreciation day sale and celebration this Sunday, Jan. 13 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
For information on Sew Vac Limited, call (562) 498-6684 or visit www.sewvacltd.com.
