Shepparton Sewing Centre
celebrates 25 years CELEBRATING WITH STOREWIDE SALE… From left, Shepparton Sewing Centre managing directors, Steve and Shelly Ryan, sales assistant, Stacey Taylor, senior sales assistant, Sandra Mehmet, sales assistant, Vicky McKenzie and master technician, Brad Doherty are celebrating the store’s 25th birthday this month by holding a special storewide sale. Photo: David Lee.
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Celebrating
Steve Ryan - Managing Director Steve made the decision to purchase Martin Sewing Centre in October 1991 due to the fact he is mechanically minded, loves problem solving and enjoys a challenge. Steve said, “The business was a perfect fit for me. “Today I am involved in the management of the company, setting the direction for the company and keep it moving forward. “I also take care of the four “P’s” (Policy, Pricing, Presentation and Promotion). “Through the years, the best thing by far has been all the wonderful friends we have made.”
Shelly Ryan - Managing Director Shelly’s favourite thing about working in the sewing industry is being on the cutting edge of technology and seeing the excitement on the students faces when they learn a new technique. Shelly said, “My primary role is in education, sales, administration and purchasing. “I travel to Houston yearly to go on a buying trip for products and playing with fabric (anyone who is a sewer will know what that means). “We work in an ever changing industry which keeps us invigorated.”
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Sandra Mehmet - Senior Sales Assistant It was Sandra’s life-long interest in dressmaking that was the catalyst to her joining the team at Shepparton Sewing Centre in October 2012. Sandra said, “I love the thought that when it comes to creating a sewing project you are only limited by your imagination. There are limitless colour combinations and sewing techniques available to us all. “Shepparton Sewing Centre is the go to place to visit for your next sewing project.”
The friendly faces of Shepparton Sewing Centre
Stacey Taylor - Sales Assistant Because Stacey loves sewing and fabric she decided to apply for an advertised position with Shepparton Sewing Centre just over a year ago. Stacey said, “I enjoy helping our customers choose the right new sewing machine, fabrics for their projects and patterns to help them along the way. “I love being in a job where I can share my passion. I don’t know a person that would turn that down. “As with most sewers, I’m 1 meter of fabric away form being featured on an episode of hordes.”
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Vicky McKenzie Sales Assistant Just under two months ago, Vicky joined the Shepparton Sewing Centre family. Vicky said, “I worked in the industry years ago and really enjoyed it. “I love sewing and it makes me happy to see and hear how creative people can be. “I have a real passion to help all customers and staff and am looking forward to what the future holds for Shepparton Sewing Centre.”
Lyn Hogg - Sales Assistant When Lyn was asked to come on board in July this year, she was thrilled. Lyn said, “My experience with this business had always been positive, with the happy, helpful and genuine staff and I am pleased to now be a part of it. “My role is to serve the customer and help with anything they may need to complete, or to help them start their next creative adventure and I love it. “I have a passion for patchwork and I do love to encourage creativity and see what others have made.”
Brad Doherty Master Technician Brad joined the Shepparton Sewing Centre team as a technician 13 years ago because he was looking for a job with a challenge and felt it would satisfy that. Brad said, “I take care of the servicing and repair of domestic sewing machines, embroidery machines and overlockers. “I loved the fact that there was technical knowledge and expertise on offer. I am a problem solver and enjoy working with my hands.”
Celebrating
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A wide range of choice and selection FROM sewing machine sales, service and repair to in-store workshops, Shepparton Sewing Centre’s choice and selection is second-to-none across the Goulburn Valley. Managing director, Shelly Ryan said, “We offer full sewing machine service and repair that is carried out in-store by our qualified technicians. “We also have a dedicated classroom which can seat up to 20 people, where we carry out various workshops. We offer an annual 12 month quilting course, sewing clubs where you learn techniques, a machine embroidery club, we hold a mystery quilt class every month and a know your sewing machine class on the first and second Thursday of the month.
AT YOUR SERVICE… Shepparton Sewing Centre sales assistant, Stacey Taylor helping a customer with one of the store’s sewing machines. Photo: David Lee.
“We also offer a complete quilting service. We provide options for our customers, where they can either buy or rent the longarm quilt frame or if they wish, we can quilt it for them. “The store sells and stocks a large range of dress and patchwork fabrics as well as haberdashery, notion and quilting supplies and have over 60 machines to choose from including overlockers, sewing machines and embroidery machines. “We can also sharpen your scissors for you.”
Top patchwork and quilting tips with Shelly Ryan PATCHWORK and quilting are a passion of Shepparton Sewing Centre managing director, Shelly Ryan, and while there isn’t much that she doesn’t know, sometimes its better to hear the top tips and tricks from the master herself.
Shelly’s Top Three Tips
1 2 3
Always wash your fabrics as the dye may run and shrink at different rates Measure twice, cut once She who dies with the most fabric wins!
LEARN FROM THE MASTER… Shepparton Sewing Centre managing director, Shelly Ryan has al the top tips, tricks and knowhow to make you a master at patchwork and quilting. Photo: David Lee.
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Celebrating
years
Shepparton Sewing Centre celebrates 25 years Bringing colour, needlework, patchwork and quilting to the region FIRST STOREFRONT… Shepparton Sewing Centre opened its doors for the first time in Wyndham Street, Shepparton in 1991. Photos: Supplied.
MAKING A MOVE… After opening its doors in Wyndham Street, Shepparton in 1991 Shepparton Sewing Centre moved to a new premises in Maude Street in 1993. From left, managing director, Steve Ryan and Gavin Greenwood in the in-store workshop in Maude Street.
FOR 25 years, Shepparton Sewing Centre has been helping bring colour, needlework, patchwork and quilting into the lives of many people across the community. Opening its doors for the first time in October 1991, Shepparton Sewing Centre began its life in a premises on Wyndham Street, where the start of a very special association between the centre and Swiss sewing machine company, Bernina began. In 1993, due to increased turnover and expanded stock range, the Wyndham Street store became too small, so a move to Maude Street followed when the business purchased the Val Hill Sewing Centre. It is with this move that Shepparton Sewing Centre also became the Goulburn Valley representative for the Pfaff and Brother brands. In 1995, Naughtons Sewing Centre was purchased and the Janome brand was added to the range of sewing machines offered.
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Due to the ever changing sewing market and the closure of the Lincraft and Naughtons fabric stores, in August 1994 the store opened a separate Bargain Box Fabrics store at 217 High Street, Shepparton, providing a range of good quality dress and patchwork fabric, sewing patterns, notions, threads and haberdashery. Due to the need for a larger premises, in June of 2006 Shepparton Sewing Centre and Bargain Box Fabrics were moved into a new purpose built facility at its current location, 36 Benalla Road, Shepparton. Managing director, Steve Ryan said, “We are very privileged to have been able to offer our services to the Goulburn Valley for 25 years. Our customers mean everything to us and that’s why we do everything we can to help them achieve their desired outcome. “The goal in 1991, as it is now, was to provide the best possible customer service in sewing machine sales, service and repair. “After only a couple of years of opening the High Street fabric store, we had outgrown it and a search was on for a new location. With customer service and convenience in mind, a location with a large retail floor space, on-site
parking and enough room to have a dedicated classroom was sought. “We are committed to constantly updating and improving our skills and regularly attend training sessions to provide a better service to our customers; it is with this in mind that we strive to be the best, independent, sewing machine specialists we can. “Having been a major sponsor of the Murray and Goulburn Secondary School Fashion Awards, and are very happy to encourage students with an interest in textiles to further explore the world of fabric and fashion.” To help celebrate 25 years in business, Shepparton Sewing Centre is offering savings storewide for three big days. On Thursday, October 6, Friday, October 7 and Saturday, October 8, there will be 25 percent off items storewide, with discounts also to be found on sewing machines and furniture, and hourly giveaways to be scored by customers. Shepparton Sewing Centre can be found at 36 Benalla Road, Shepparton or the friendly and experienced staff can be reached by phoning 5821 2000.
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