Chestnut Ridge Sewing seeing rise in interest for Gen-Xers
By Jennifer Kneuss
March 4, 2010
629
Chestnut Ridge Sewing of Berlin has seen business increase over the past several months, and looks forward to more of the same in 2010.
The sewing industry goes through cycles, as everything else does, but one of the major differences with the sewing industry is that it improves as the economy slows down, explained Linda Mitchell, owner of the popular sewing store. People are looking for things they can do at home, ways that they can make their gifts instead of buying them, and making them more personalized. That is a major thing, the personalization. The nesting instinct is heightened in people during a poor economy.
Mitchell sees a heightened interest in all types of sewing, although often with some modern touches. There are entire generations now where the mother doesnt know how to sew, she said, of the new enthusiasts patronizing her store. There are more people sewing today – lots of Generation X people, the young 30-somethings. They do projects that they can get off the Internet. Projects have changed a lot in that respect. Here, we are trying to work toward the use of more technology in order to help people with their projects. We also have a new Web site, www.chestnutridgesewing.com. We have a lot of capabilities.
Classes at Chestnut Ridge can be back to the basics: basic embroidery, basic sewing techniques, and beginning machine quilting. However, there are also classes in using computer software to create patterns and templates for amazing creations using innovative techniques and original artwork.
A key to the popularity of Chestnut Ridge Sewing is the large selection of world-renowned Bernina sewing machines. We sell Berninas, the only privately held sewing machine company in the whole world. Bernina has been held by the same family in Switzerland for over 115 years, and they are grooming the next generation to take over, said Mitchell. The fact is, when your name is connected with something, you do things differently than when you are a corporation. So they have maintained the quality of their products. The parts are all made in Switzerland, and assembly is always done by Bernina.
We sell both new and refurbished machines, said the stores owner. We have new machines that start at just $149. The 6,000-square-foot store also carries extensive lines of sewing necessities and notions and offers scissor and rotary blade sharpening. Seasoned repair technicians can repair or refurbish all makes and models of machines, and Mitchell noted that people bring machines from as many as four hours away for attention. All machines come with not only a six-month to two-year unlimited warranty, but also with hands-on guide classes on-site.
Mitchell also offers a unique quilting retreat location in picturesque Berlin, with four rental units accommodating up to 24 crafters for a weekend or a week. The retreat is equipped with specialty crafting furniture and full kitchens, all in a cozy atmosphere. Sewers only need to bring their own sewing machines.
This is the sewing machine place, emphasized Mitchell. The thing that we are most into is customer support after the sale. When you buy a machine here, it is just the start of a relationship, not the end. That is so important, as people need to be able to successfully use the things they have purchased. There is so much to learn. We want them to enjoy their wonderful new equipment.
