Drum roll, please... It's Sewing Arts!

 Evening, folks! Or morning, more likely by the time you get this. My best plans to write more frequently keep getting squashed by the need to sleep. But before I nod off, thought I'd pop in with a howdy-do. Let's see...what haven't we been doing? First things first, when you have a chance, please stop by and offer up a warm welcome to Tabi Farnsworth and Paige Saxby. Tabi started with us a few weeks ago, and is absolutely a delight to have working with us. Paige joins us for the summer an

The Sumner Newsletter is Done!

With a day to spare... Hi, folks! Just under the May wire, classes are full steam ahead for the summer trimester, May through August. We should have hard copies of the scheule at the shop tomorrow, but you can also download a pdf of the entire summer schedule just by clicking on the Newsletter link at the top right of our home page, www.SewingArtsCenter.com. Lots of favorites returning to the schedule and a slew of new offerings, too. We revisit our Patern Drafting PD101A this trimester, and Son

Happy Birthday Sewing Arts!

Hi, folks! Guess what? It's hard to believe, but 10 years ago April Fool's Day, Bay Cities Sewing Machine Company became what you now know as Sewing Arts Center. It's our Birthday! April 1, 2000 was one of the most exciting and at the same time most terrifying days of my life. The afternoon before, Barbara and Fred Kasprinski handed me the keys to the shop they had nurtured since 1971 and Barbara's father before them since 1955. We signed paperwork. They hugged me, walked out, and I stood in th

A Summer Wind Blows at Sewing Arts

 Spring has sproinged, and it appears that summer has already arrived, too! Happy day, folks! I keep falling off the side of the world, and before I set myself to crawling back up the side and into another pile of paper, thought I'd catch you up. First, we've remodeled...I know...so newsworthy... but the shop does look quite fabulous, if I do say so myself! We now have two classroom spaces, so look forward to a summer schedule packed with even more classes to take! (And yes, I'm madly work

Super Bolt Sunday Sale!

 It is entirely beyond me how February got here so FAST! Hi, folks! Hope you're all doing really well in this newly christened year. We hit the ground running and haven't stopped. So, I'm multi-tasking while I type this -- running in place on the treadmill (or as a friend of mine calls it, the "dreadmill".) We'll see how it goes! (I keep thinking the treadmill would be much more entertaining if it were built like a hamster wheel...) Let's see, what's up. First off, classes are in

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like the New Year at Sewing Arts

Evening folks! I cannot believe that the number "18" is staring back at me from the December calendar. In less than two weeks, 2010 will be here! And with 2010, the winter trimester commences. And finally, it's plotted, printed, and plugged in! At the upper right of the website, you can print your very own copy of our course offerings for the winter trimester commencing January 1st, 2010 and concluding April 30, 2010. Lots of new classes on board, and some old favorites are peaking t

It's December at Sewing Arts

And we've decorated! So, it's all quite festive. So, just a few things to tell you. First: We're going to hit our 100,000th sale tomorrow - probably first thing in the morning! And the person who ends up having the 100,000th sale is going to be quite surprised, too, to find out that they're going to receive an extraordinary gift certificate! And, it'll launch our 100,000th Sale SALE! Everything in the shop will be on sale for the next 1000 sales! Lots of great incentives, lots of great prices,

Brother Amps It Up At Sewing Arts

Hi, folks! Just in from Brother (OK...I'm a few days behind), but some AWESOME deals through the end of the month! Thought you might like to know... The holidays will be here before you know it. It's a great time to invest in the creative sewing genius and dreams of someone you cherish. And now, you can save some money doing it! See you soon! Russell and the Sewing Arts Gang  

100,000 Reasons to be Grateful at Sewing Arts

Good day, folks! I hope the day finds you well. Of course, as usual, I have way too much to say about probably way too little. but as usual, there’s lots going on!   First, in just a few hundred more sales, projected to hit just about the first of December, we’ll hit our 100,000th sale! Can you believe it? It’s an amazing number to me, and hard to believe that we’ve hit the tender key on the register almost 100,000 times! Of course, we’re going to have to hav

and Sew on...and Sew on... at Sewing Arts!

Morning folks! Well, the winds certainly found us, didn't they? Wowsers... Just a couple of things to let you know about today before my day gets away from me. To all you who joined me for the Metropolitan Master Chorale soiree - thanks! It was great to see you. And it appears that several of you have already scheduled auditions - bravo! Anyone else that's interested, it's not too late. Check them out at www.MetropolitanMasterChorale.org. Quite a few of you took advantage of our floor model ca

Those Who Know Sew at Sewing Arts

Hi, folks! Isn't it an absolutely breathtakingly beautifully scrumptious day? If you haven't been outside, drag yourself away from your computer screen and take a walk around the block. This is the sort of day for which people move to Southern California! Cool, breezy, blue skies... fall is coming! Hope you're all swell! With the holidays fast approaching, lots of folks are sewing. Just a quick little reminder if you're gearing up for holiday sewing, it's a very good idea to bring your machine

Creative Sewing Geniuses Everywhere!

Good morning folks! Winter is in the air, and it’s going to rain… be still my heart! It’s a glorious day. (Sounds kind of like something you’d hear from Morticia of the Addams Family…) As much as I love sunshine, I adore the rain. For some bizarre reason, all of a sudden all I want to do is sew. Funny, I still don’t want to cook… However you feel about the weather, I hope the day is smiling on you! I haven’t sat down to write you since before

psssst.... It's Becky at Sewing Arts

Hi, everyone! I don't get a chance to sneak up on Russell's blog, but he left yesterday for vacation.. I figured since he's gone, I'd get your ear for a second and let you know that while he's gone we'd have some of that proverbial "while the cat's away" fun. So, while he's gone, let's have a sale! I haven't had time to think too much about it, but come on over! We'll make you some incredible deals on sewing machines, cabinets, fabrics and notions. And, this weekend only, when you purc

Sewing Arts Center's Highly Anticipated...

Newsletter is here! Uploaded for your delight and pleasure, you can download your very own copy in pdf format from the home page at www.SewingArtsCenter.com! Believe it or not, there are 33 new classes this trimester! (That's what took me so long!) Lots to keep your sewing, and sewing, and sewing... There's several new "studio" classes - our new Stitch Cafe hosted by Barbara Lillis for hand embroiders that'll meet twice monthly. Whether your a novice or an aficionado, it's a great pla

Project Runway Debuts...

  It's all very exciting, and we're equally excited because we thought it might be great fun to have Project Runway nights at Sewing Arts. I mean, watching Project Runway with a bunch of people who sew who have lots to say about lots of things related to sewing -- watching us watch Project Runway will be just as much fun if not even moreso (perhaps a reality show in the making...)   Anyway, we just had Direct TV installed so that we could invite you over for Project Runway nights. J

Sewing Arts Center - It's All VERY Exciting!

Hi, folks! It’s my semi-kind-of-regular-every-other-week-or-so attempt to keep you up to date with all the news that’s “sew” important at Sewing Arts… (It’s been a long day…my brain hurts…be kind…) There’s TONS to tell you, so I’ll try to be brief – capturing just the highlights in 10,0000 words or less... First, the new fall class schedule isn’t done…just yet… (Nothing like cramming it in just befor

August Is Nearly Here...

Afternoon, kids! How's the day treating you? It's cooking here... Been crazy busy! Lots of machines - lots of cabinets - lots of lots of... Just a couple of quick reminders... This Sunday, August 2nd, we're unveiling our new Generations 12-needle table-top embroidery machine. Our Generations representative, Neil Kelly, will be on hand to answer questions and to demonstrate the machine and Generations' automatic digitizing embroidery software. Even if you have no idea what I'm talking about, com

July is going...going...going...

How is possible that summer has finally hit and summer is almost over? I need 48 hour days... Hi, folks! My quasi-regular round-up of all the news that's fit for print at Sewing Arts. First and foremost, yep, we're still here, and have been busy as all get out! Thanks! We've also been busy re-organizing and re-re-organizing what's been re-organized. It's colorful, but it'll be beautiful when it's all done. (Done...what an interesting concept...) In any event, just a few things upon which to bri

Christmas in July? Why Wait?

Hi, folks! I'm going to see if I can get out of the way of my fingers to type today! Just a couple of things today before I forget: We'll be closed for the holiday this weekend - Saturday and Sunday. We'll be open on Friday, July 3rd, but will close early on Friday for the holiday. So, Friday hours will be 10 AM to 3 PM. As you're most likely aware, we're in the final days of our liquidation sale. Day by day the shop is taking on a new look, and it's looking pretty darned nice! There's still f

On the Hoooommmmeeee Stretch at Sewing Arts

Morning folks! I'm a little concerned, as it's already 10:30 and I'm only on my 2nd cup of coffee... I'm slacking off... Lots going on! Our Rock Paper Scissors camps are full speed ahead! As I type, there are 10 newbies sewing up a storm! There are still spaces left in a couple of the camps toward the end of summer, so if you've been on the fence, it's likely you'll want to jump soon! Some of you may have noticed that we launched an early morning Fast Track series for our beginning sewing clas

We're Over the Hump at Sewing Arts

Hi, folks! I'm writing this while I sleep so bear with me if a few zzzzzzz's pop in every one in awhile... Hope you're all having a swell day! The hump of the month past just a couple of days ago, so we're in the home stretch of our liquidation event. The shop looks really different! There's still lots gobs of deals to be had, and the discount this week is 20% off on sewing machine accessories, notions and fabrics. If you pay CASH, we'll give you an additional 10% off on accessories, notions an

It's Crazy Crazy Crazy at Sewing Arts

OMG. TPIAPS... As hip and youthful as I am, I really don't know how to text or what all the abbreviations stand for. In this case, OMG - it's apparent. TPIAPS? This place is a pig sty! (I got here at 5 this morning to start cleaning... I'll need 6 more weeks...) Morning folks! Hope the day finds you well! We have been absolutely swamped! By the end of the month, there'll only be two spools of thread left to inventory! Though I also must admit, I didn't remember all these orders I placed earlier

It's the Best of Times at Sewing Arts!

Hi, folks. 12 seconds to sit down to bring you up to speed... I'm bushed! It's been great to see so many faces stopping by! By the end of month, if we're really lucky, we'll only have a couple of spools of thread to inventory - and that simply because they were squirrelled away where we couldn't find 'em! But I had to let you in on another Husqvarna Viking special just in, a week after convention (by the way, there's FINALLY a flat-felled foot for the Viking! Don't worry - I ordered oodles...).

Sewing Arts - We've Given It Our Best

Hi, folks. Yep, the news is out! We've begun liquidating our ENTIRE inventory! What does this mean for you? Well, first, it means you’re going to save a bunch of money on a bunch of inventory that we are compelled to move quickly. We are selling EVERYTHING at hugely discounted prices – sewing, quilting and embroidery machines, embroidery software, machine accessories, cabinetry, ironing systems, fabrics, threads and our expansive inventory of notions. We also have a large inventory

The Fun Continues at Sewing Arts

Hi, folks! 8 of you were quick on your feet and took advantage of Viking's incredible Designer SE LE half price package this past weekend! Wow! I was equally surprised by the number of folks who called me today to see if they could get in on it (seems like they don't immediately pop open my emails... I'm almost hurt...) I just got off the phone with my Viking sales rep, and he's been able to get approval to extend the offer through this Saturday! (So, yes, Toni, Jack, Jean, Veronica, Sarah and R

This News Just In From Husqvarna Viking!

I know... it's my second email this week. But I just got off the phone with Viking minutes ago, and this deal - well it's absolutely a no-brainer if you're looking for a new sewing machine. We are dedicated & focused on keeping you up to date, sewing and quilting on the best, and even embroidering at large! Call this crazy but we are stepping way out there with this next offer just in from Husqvarna Viking. I mean, my fingers are still burning, it's so right there! We are getting this FABUL

Summer is closing in FAST at Sewing Arts!

Hi, folks! Yep, summer is in full swing at Sewing Arts! And it's apparent that many of you have just begun to realize that summer is almost here and school is almost out. Just today, we had 18 enrollments for summer classes of which 11 were for our Rock Paper Scissors studio sessions for children this summer! Don't worry - there's still space in most, but not for long at this rate! Just a couple of bits for you today. First, we're honored to have Frank Lutterloh of Lutterloh Systems fly in fro

It's Almost Mother's Day Around the Country AND at Sewing Arts!

Hi, folks! Hope the week is already smiling upon you! This email serves simply as your "head's up" on one of the most important days of the year...Mother's Day. This coming Sunday. All day long. And do NOT, under any circumstance, buy mom dish towels... (It's a childhood memory seared into my head. No, I didn't buy them, the boyfriend did. He didn't weather the relationship very long after that...) And don't be naive - get her what she wants, even if she says she doesn't "really&

If You Were Here, You'd Be Sewing!

Yep, it's true. If you were at Sewing Arts Center, you'd be sewing! And there certainly has been a gaggle of folks joining us for a remarkable line-up of classes at Sewing Arts! This trimester, folks have already taken the plunge with hand embroidery classes, are stitching it up in Becky's advanced ThreadWorks TW1C class, are feverish for quilting classes (once the quilting bug gets you...a couple of spaces are still available in QuiltWorks QW1A that begins next Thursday) and sewing it up in all

It's a Beautiful Day! At Sewing Arts Center

Hi, folks! Hope the day is treating you well! Looks like it's going to be an absolutely awesome weekend! Days like today are the days for which people move to Southern California! So, lots to catch you up on and only 300 words -- or so -- in which to do it... First things first, I know this is late notice, but if you are thinking of getting your machine serviced soon, Ted will be in on Monday and then out on vacation for TWO WEEKS (and he didn't ask...hmmm...) So, scurry in with it on Saturday

It's Our Birthday! It's Our Birthday! It's Our Birthday!

Yep, indeed! It's our 9th birthday! April Fool's Day 2000, Bay Cities Sewing Machine Company, in business since 1955, became Sewing Arts Center! My my my my my my my my my! Who knew 9 years would fly by like that! I still remember signing the paperwork, Barbara and Fred saying good-bye, and me standing there in the shop thinking "what have I done?" Of course, we're celebrating with a SALE starting Thursday, April 2nd and going through this Saturday, April 4th. You'll find  discou

The Luck of the Irish Be With You!

Happy St Patrick's Day, folks! Not lots to report today (even so, I'm able to fill a page...), but wanted to bring you a couple of updates. The first (and it's very exciting), my rooftop vegetable garden seeds are all planted and simply waiting to burst forth from their little cubes of dirt - 3 types of tomatoes, cukes, saucer squash, crookneck squash, zucchini, eggplant, radish (just because they're fun to grow), watermelon and cantaloupe sprinkled with some basil and spearmint. There will be P

OK, Russell...Compose Yourself...

Hi, folks! Sewing Arts here. Been awhile since I’ve sat still long enough to compose myself let alone one of my epics… Here goes! First, you might receive this twice… I most often send this off through our in-house system, but we’re in the process of finally setting up to send through the website. After this email, if you’d like to receive my missives, go to our website, www.SewingArtsCenter.com. On the right side of the Home Page, enter your email address and cl

A Yard of Fabric And A Spool of Thread Is All It Takes...

Hi, folks! Can you believe in just a few weeks 2009 will be upon us? And in just a few months, it will be 9 years since I bought the shop and 54 years since Sewing Arts Center began as Bay Cities Sewing Machine Company in 1955 on the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica… Wow! Lots of people and history have passed through this shop! First, a big ol’ THANK YOU! to all of you who’ve brought in gifts and gift cards (even a bicycle!) for our adopted families as well as shoes fo

It's Always Thanksgiving at Sewing Arts!

Hi, kids! It is absolutely astonishing that Thanksgiving is a WEEK away... When I was just a wee bit younger a day seemed like a year and now, a year seems like a day. Anyway, I digress...as usual... So, some things to share with you... (And if you're in a hurry, read the last couple of paragraphs first, then work your way through to the peas...wait...I love peas...work your way through...to...oh...never mind...) I told you several weeks ago that I had a secret th

A Few Days After...

Good evening, folks! 11/11 already... Great numbers! I'm not certain why, but it's not unusual when I look at the clock that it reads 11:11... And this in conjunction with the date! Makes for good stories... Must portend something absolutely fabulous, I'm certain. And it does, of course! We begin our "Bigger and Better" sale event this Thursday, November 13 through Saturday, November 15, 2008. Anytime during the sale, when you come by the shop and mention this email, we

Would You Marry Me Again?

Hi, folks. I’m not exactly certain why I have such apprehension about what I’m writing, as it is an issue for which I and my beloved and many others are directly impacted should Proposition 8 be voted into law next Tuesday, the proposed California Constitutional Amendment that would define the right to marry legally solely between a man and a woman. Though I am certain how I feel about the abridgement of rights and equal access to all people under the law, I fear I don’t have t

Wanted...Dead or Alive...

Hi, folks! Just back from the "Happiest Place on Earth"... Disney World... for a wedding for Stanley's nephew and now niece-in-law (I guess that would make them mine, too!) I officiated the ceremony (yes, it's true...) that was performed in both English AND Italian (Luisa Bottari -- she's one of our customers -- SHE ROCKS! She translated the service for me). By and through the magic of Achille, one of several friends and family who flew in from Italy for the fete (that'd be French -- I

Sewing Arts Flashy News Flash

I just looked at my last entry… back more than a month ago! What have I been doing? (I’m a slacker…) Hi, kids! Hope your world is not as tumultuous as the rest of the world currently appears. Colorful times… (Don’t get me started…) Anyways… This is just a quick note to let you know what’s up up up at Sewing Arts. Firstly (is that a word?), Linda Miller joins us tomorrow evening as our featured artist in our Portrait of the Sewing Artist serie

The Dog Days of August... at Sewing Arts

Hi, kids! My semi sort of weekly sort of monthly sort of bi-annual update on all the news that’s fit to chew – I mean, print -- at Sewing Arts Center. (Sorry for the canine metaphors, but we just got two new puppies that we rescued from www.BorderColliesInNeed.org, Lugosi and Samantha… Our hands are full, and Ruby is none too pleased…though she’s warming up. I actually caught her playing with Lugosi…) We’ve been working madly on the schedule of cla

This is ONLY a test

"If this were a real emergency..." (What a way to start my very first blog.) Hi, kids! Look at us now! Wow! A new, shiny, sparkly website, courtesy of the genius of Quinn Michaels. What do you think? Quinn's been working really hard to get our new site up and to you just as quickly as possible. He's been staying up way too early and getting up way too late... or is that the other way around? You'll find many of our classes already in place, and more will follow just as quickly as we c