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 for the “Shoes That Fit” program for children who simply need shoes that fit in our local schools. YOU ROCK! Of the 60+ children for whom we’ve taken under our wing this holiday season, so far, you’ve helped by purchasing 40 pairs! We still need to fulfill the need of about 25 more children. So, if you would be so kind as to stop by or call, we’d be grateful. We need to have the balance of the shoes by Friday of next week (December 12) at the latest so the children can have them before the holiday break. (And, if you need a personal shopper, just let Becky know – she’ll be happy to take your money and do all the footwork for you!)

That’s pretty much it on the store front! But…it’s not all.

I’ve been in a quandary about how best to tell you this. However, without mincing too many words (I’m so good at mincing words…), folks, we need your help, too. To put it in meaningful terms, without your immediate support of the shop, we have about 30 days before we will be forced to commence closing. With rare exception, I have been warned not to tell you, our friends and customers, of our financial circumstance. I’ve been told that no one wants to do business with a struggling business. And perhaps if this were simply about selling widgets, I’d possibly concur. However, for myself, for Becky, for Yolanda, for Peggy and Ted, this is a passion, and for all appearances, a true joy of yours as well. You are our friends and family, and I can’t fathom not telling you and opening up the opportunity to help us overcome this difficult time. I can’t fathom not fighting to put this shop on course.

I’ve cut everywhere I can (I only started to finally take a paycheck this year, but had to give that up, too…thank goodness I married well…). If it were an option, I, too, would approach Congress. I’d even give up my private jet to help keep the business afloat. But alas, I drive a Chevy… So, I and the staff must rely upon you, our patrons (many of you already sainted…).

So there it is. And believe it or not, though it may appear dark and gloomy, it’s a course easy to fix. It simply takes a community of friends and family to all do a little bit. Lots of little bits equal a huge chunk! Believe it or not, if each of you come in and simply purchase a spool of thread, a yard of fabric, a package of needles and a package of buttons this week, and perhaps every couple of weeks thereafter, we’ll be well on our way to resolving our financial woes.

So, how ‘bout it folks? I know there are lots of choices when you’re out and about shopping. We can’t always compete on price with the large chains – it simply isn’t possible. But perhaps what we provide in terms of classes, service, support and knowledge to the sewing community these many years has a value in excess of the price tag. Perhaps we’re as important to you as you are to us.

On behalf of the Sewing Arts Gang (my family which I am valiantly trying to keep gainfully employed), we hope to see you soon.

Russell and the Sewing Arts Gang