ABOUT
Sewing Doc is an independent, full service sewing machine shop. We are not a dealer, so we won't try to sell you a new machine you may or may not need, but we work very hard to keep the machine you love going.
I am no stranger to quilting or sewing machines (or anything vintage for that matter).
I started quilting on a whim in 2008 and never looked back. It turned out to be a real turning point in my life... a void had been filled that I didn't even know existed. Along with my passion for quilting came my love for vintage sewing machines. Like many others, I was turned on to vintage machines when I purchased a 1957 Singer Featherweight to make classes, retreats, and sew-ins a lot easier. I fell in love with my little machine, not only because of its portability, but also because it makes a perfect stitch and it's so easy to maintain.
Furthermore, I found myself a little sad that there aren't many women in the sewing machine service industry. Most people fall into the business because previous generations owned the business, but not many people that service and repair machines actually use them, or have some connection to them. As an experienced quilter, I can feel and know if your machine is offering the best, most consistent stitch possible. If it isn't, it's my job to find out why and make it happen.
I took a class on how to service and maintain my Featherweight, and instantly I wanted more! For the last few years, I've been collecting various vintage sewing machines (some given to me, some purchased, some rescued) and shadowing a gentleman in Texas to learn the ropes in sewing machine service and repair. It started as a hobby, but has grown into recognizing a need in my very own community. Two of the biggest complaints I hear today is one, having to give up a sewing machine for a week, two weeks, three weeks before getting it back. And two, I don't just fix your machine and send you on your way. With your 6-month labor warranty, you have help and support when you need it. But we'll also make sure we remove as many "user error" moments when you need it, and help you get over hurdles such as tension issues and machine malfunctions.
A good portion of my business is vintage or antique machines. We live in a time of "disposable" machines, but those old girls just keep going. I can't count the number of customers that are baffled that their great grandmother's old Singer 66 will not only sew, but out-sew their modern machine! My customers have a machine they love - they want to keep it running in optimal condition, not have someone trying to sell them a new machine. That's not what I do.
In June 2015, I became a co-owner of Red Hen Stitch Shop in Marietta, where I handled creative merchandising, bought fabric and notions, taught classes, and most other things that happen in the store. I am so lucky to be surrounded with a great community of quilters on a daily basis!I
I am still extremely passionate about quilting (specifically freemotion quilting on domestic machines) and the community part of my business remains strong and thriving. Prior sewing machine service, my business offered custom quilts, both traditionally pieced bed/hanging quilts and tshirt and memory quilts.
Before quilting took over my life, I was a graphic designer for 13 years, which has come in very handy for quilt design. I also worked in politics and was a volunteer firefighter.
When you call the shop, chances are Paul is the person you'll talk to. He's now responsible for all front desk and hospitality, and his favorite part is talking about sewing with our clients. On his limited spare time, he likes to make bags and would like to start designing is own collection someday.
I have an 10-year-old son who keeps me on my toes most of the time. We are a homeschooling family, so he often helps me with odd jobs and is learning the art of small business as he develops.
My husband, Paul, has also caught the sewing machine service bug, and joined as an apprentice in 2018. He has a huge hand in vintage and antique machine restoration. Working side-by-side with my husband and best friend is something I never take for granted. I am not sure if our son will carry on the family business, but we are hopeful!
In 2010, I was a founding member of the Atlanta Modern Quilters Guild and President of the guild for 2 years. I am still a member and involved in its leadership. I was also elected 1st Vice President of the East Cobb Quilters' Guild for 2015, and thus President for 2017, which is Georgia's largest quilt guild. This guild organizes Georgia's largest quilt show, and I am honored to serve as a chair for each show we produce. I often speak at other guilds, both near and far, about modern quilting and sewing machine maintenance.
As a quilter, I enjoy actual freemotion quilting most of all. I piece most of my projects on a vintage machine ( a Featherweight and Singer 301 are my favorites), but I do most of my quilting on my modern Janome MC Horizion 7700. Because I like to quilt more than I like to piece quilts, my interests are geared toward intricate and complicated quilting for shows, exhibitions, and competition. I have had quilts displayed in the Georgia Celebrates Quilts show, a quilt in MQX - Pacific Northwest in 2014, and a quilt in the AQS Chattanooga show in 2014.
I currently serve on the board of Quilts For the Cure as Treasurer, and have many community service and charity projects that are starting up. Our ultimate goal is to find as many ways as possible to help others.
I might've had other hobbies and interests before becoming a mother and discovering quilting and sewing machines, but I hardly remember what they are. If I'm not spending time with my family, I am most likely behind a sewing machine, either servicing it or using it.
OUR TEAM
ANDI
THE SEWING DOCTOR
Andi is the owner of Sewing Doc and the Master Technician. She services all makes and models and machines and is the chief instructor for Sewing Doc Academy.
PAUL
TECHNICIAN
Paul specializes in rewiring, motor service, and other complex aspects of vintage & antique machines. He is also our front desk hospitality King.
TODD
TECHNICIAN
Todd took to changing gears and troubleshooting complex issues right away. He is a big help with our most difficult repairs.