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Feature Story : Chestnut Ridge Sewing
Chestnut Ridge Sewing creates a perfect haven for ‘sew much fun' By Dave Mast In the hands of a seamstress working on a sewing machine, the rhythmic cadence and the graceful hands are like poetry in motion. And the detail and precision they demonstrate can create beautiful projects from clothing to quilts and pillows, all from a swatch of cloth, a fiber-thin thread and a needle — as well as a quality sewing machine. While Linda Mitchell and her family of employees at Chestnut Ridge Sewing will more than gladly sell you one of their high-quality Bernina sewing machines, the store is not simply about offering a piece of hardware and chipping in some materials. It’s about creating an experience — a joy and passion — which can come when people take the time to really learn how to sew. And taking care of the people they sell and service to is one of the reasons Chestnut Ridge Sewing has been named District Dealer of the Year and has consistently been in the top 50 Bernina dealers in the nation. “Our mission is to provide a place where people can come and learn,” said Mitchell. “We’re about taking care of our customers. When you buy a sewing machine from at a big box store, you’re on your own. When you buy Bernina here, you become part of our family, and you will always know that you are welcome to come in and ask for advice, have your machine looked at — whatever you might need, we’ll be here to help.” When a customer purchases a Bernina machine from Chestnut Ridge Sewing, the list of provisions is stunning. The knowledgeable sales staff will help you pick out the right machine for you; the guide class teachers will teach you how to properly use it in classes which come free of charge, and the highly trained certified technicians provide the two years of free service which is included with your machine purchase. The staff members are always available to listen to problems or offer advice. Suddenly the novice sewer becomes knowledgeable, the seasoned seamstress learns techniques that can make their creations even more dazzling. “We recognize that our responsibility and commitment to a customer do not end with the sale, it’s only the beginning,” said Mitchell. The Bernina name itself is all about quality, which is why Mitchell is drawn to the Bernina name, which has been a familyowned company for more than a century. To her, big box stores may sell the “price-friendly” sewing machines, but when the quality of the machine begins to become apparent, parts can’t be replaced with ease and nobody is there to lend a hand to fix it or to give advice, the initial expense can be deceiving. People begin to realize that perhaps the quality of the machine they purchased is not the same as a Bernina,” said Mitchell. “The initial savings is not enough to offset the service and the lessons that they gave up.” Undoubtedly, many people have bought sewing machines based on the savings they believe they can get on that initial purchase. However Chestnut Ridge Sewing and Bernina have shown that savings come in so many more ways than simply a few dollars spent during that initial purchase. “The cheapest price isn’t always the best deal,” said Mitchell. In addition, they will make provisions for one-day service on machines, which is helpful to their clients who drive a distance to get there. They then follow up all service calls to make sure everything is in proper working condition — benefits you’ll never find at those large department stores. Mitchell said that aside from the quality of the Bernina products, what you’ll never find at a department store is the kind of support a customer can receive from her staff. She attributes all of her business’ prosperity to her family of employees, noting that their caring and expertise makes just as big of a difference as does the Bernina name. “The success of this business is directly attributed to the wonderful support staff we have here,” said Mitchell. “They’re talented and gifted, and they will help people with whatever they need.” That help comes in many different ways. Chestnut Ridge Sewing offers sewing labs designed to benefit each individual sewer. While many places offer structured classes which are rigid and geared toward specifics, Chestnut Ridge Sewing offers sewing classes which allow the clients to work on their own concepts. Customers may bring in their own projects, or seek new ideas, receiving aid and instruction from the professional staff. “Providing opportunities like that are part of our commitment to our customers,” said Mitchell. For Mitchell and her staff, working with newcomers is one of the joys of teaching the art of sewing to others. Seeing a young woman find delight in sewing is something they relish. “We think it’s important to get a new generation of sewers excited about what they can create on a Bernina sewing machine,” said Mitchell. “We do what we do because we love it, and we want to let a new generation of sewers realize the joy that can come with using your creativity.” That’s why they offer many classes for beginners, and even classes for children. “Once people get in here and participate, they quickly realize how much fun it is,” said Mitchell. The thrill of creating is evident at Chestnut Ridge Sewing. All you have to do is take that first step, and stop in. |
Address: 3647 State Route 39 Millersburg, OH 44654 330-893-3359
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