Dan owned a Quilt Shop in Corning, Ca., called Quilt'n Thyme Sew and Vac for 15 years. He sold Elna and Janome sewing machines and learned to service them in Mahwah, New Jersey—Janome's headquarters. He also took many special training classes. He passed on his shop to his son in 2016 and together they went to Bernina USA, Aurora, IL, as his son determined to add Bernina to the shop. Dan went through the Bernina training program there.
Dan has worked on hundreds of machines, all makes and models, and really likes fixing the "Old Machines" that others often don't want to work on. Because he specialized so much in these old machines, he developed a reputation as the go to guy for working on them in that area. The truth is, shops that sell new machines make more money on the sale of a new model than the repair of an old one. They price the repair of the old machine so high people just give up on them and trade them in or toss them.
It is nearly impossible to get many parts for old machines now. I ask any who have retired or dead machines to donate them so I can strip the parts and use them to resurrect machines for others that are still repairable. I will not purchase your used machines as space and finances are limited.
As I am currently an independent shop, I will have to send you to factory authorized dealers for specialty parts that I am unable to purchase. In these cases, I will not charge you for any work I have done up to that point. I am an authorized dealer for Janome. I do believe in selling new sewing machines when your machine is so outdated, worn out, or unable to obtain parts for that it makes sense. I will never pressure you into purchasing a new machine, and will give you the options I feel are available to you.
I try to have your sewing equipment serviced and back in your hands within a few days. If you are coming a distance, I will work on your machine immediately and try to send it home with you. Just call and make an appointment. I also enjoy having you participate in the service of your machine. If you want to get your hands dirty, I am all for it! In all cases I make every effort to get your sewing baby back to you as soon as I am able so you can finish that very important project you were working on. (Machines always go down at the most inopportune times!)
Here are some reviews when I was still at Quilt’n Thyme Sew and Vac in Corning, California
Dionne Jackson on Facebook
I went in the shop to drop off my machine to be serviced yesterday. I had a wonderful experience and received the help I needed. The people who work in there are so sweet. I wish I would've found this place sooner. I can't wait to go back again.
Walter Fletcher on Facebook
Great service and Dan did a great job on my 1090 Bernina which I just purchased sight unseen out of state. Great communication and problem solution. Easy to work with. I have been shopping there for years. Nice people.
Peggy White on Facebook
I recently had my sewing machine serviced here. It is running better than it has in years. They serviced the machine on the same day. I will take any of my sewing machines to them. I would highly recommend them.