The Sewing Machine Place

I have been taking my machines to Chris yearly for cleaning and tune-up since the store was in Daly City (many years). The machines are my livelihood, so he understands they must be in proper working order and will work to get them in and out quickly. I won't let anyone else work on them! A tune-up isn't cheap, but a necessary expense to keep them in good working order.

I bought a Babylock Imagine serger a few years ago from Angi. I had done some research and knew that machine was what I wanted. She really knows that line of machines and helped me with any questions I had. She didn't have any in stock when I ordered mine, so she let me borrow one until mine came in.

I just took a class on using the serger, the teacher was from Babylock - it was really good. I'm excited to take a class from Suzy Furrer (Apparel Arts).

A small unassuming store at the edge of Millbrae Boardwalk.

Walked in with my old clunker mechanical Singer sewing machine (one that isn't old enough to be vintage/good one, but old enough to be a clunker) for a badly needed tune up... and while talking to Angie on the annoyances and issues I'm having with the machine, realized that much of my grief with the sewing machine performance would be eliminated if I buy a new machine.

So when that idea was suggested, I asked if she can show me some models. Instead of showing me the top-of-the-line model first, she showed me a Baby Lock model that is comparable to mine, but I figured, if I'm getting a new one, might as well get something that I REALLY can use. So I kept asking, "what does the model above this offer?". Ended up splurging on an entry-level electronic model Baby Lock machine. It was on sale to boot :)

All this time, Angie only made a suggestion that if I'm spending so much on tuning an old clunker that is frustrating to use, that I might be better off considering getting a newer one. She was not pushy, nor aggressive. Just helpful, supplying information I can use, to open my eyes on the latest sewing machine technology (and wow, they are an eye-opener!). I don't think she intended to make a new sale off this, but I'm glad she offered her suggestions, and allowed me to play with the new store display models for a prolonged time. I LOVE my new machine. I'm just starting to learn quilting, and this new machine has made piecing the top much easier and fun. Having a good machine made me realize how horrible my old one was! A day after the purchase, my old one went into the garage, waiting to be picked up by a donation truck.

They offered free 1-yr upgrade trade-in (if I decide the model I bought wasn't quite good enough, I can trade it in), and they are also full repair service shop, so basically "if you have any warranty issues, just bring it in, and we'll handle it." Cool. Free equipment personal teaching sessions (just call ahead to make sure Angie is around to help). They also have quilting and sewing classes. Some notions and embroidery threads. They also stock many of the BabyLock presser feet, and is also willing to special-order one they dont' have in stock. The prices of the BabyLock feet seem quite reasonable, comparing to what I see on the internet (you pay premium for the brand name, but otherwise the price is quite competitive)

Was glad to be able to support a local store instead of doing the internet thing, and very happy to find a store that is friendly and capable near by in case i do run into issues (so far no issues!)

I bought my Babylock "Maria" here a few years ago and always come here for accessories like my 1/4" and walking foot, sewing machine needles, Mettler thread. I'll coming here for sure to get a hidden zipper foot and a free motion quilting foot or when I decide I need to upgrade my dependable machine. I also never hesitate to recommend this shop to other friends needing their sewing machine to be checked and worked on--excellent service!