I have had wonderful help with my Feather Weight machine as far as service and the service in the shop is very helpful.

Great selection of fabric. Staff is very knowledgeable. They offer many different classes that are easy to take and learn.

Joe has taken good care of me no mater how damage I do to my machine. They have helped me with everything I need.

I attempted to bring a sewing machine in for service, having called first. I was greeted by a nice female on the phone as well as a nice female In the shop, however "dad" was a horrifying, disrespectful, rude person and he should never be client facing. I took my sewing machine elsewhere and I already have it back. What a disappointment. read more

I stopped in with a Serger i was having a problem with, i live quite a distance and Joe stopped to look at machine right away to see if it could be handled on spot to save me a drive back. He quickly diagnosed and showed me what could prevent future problems( $ 3.50 purchase price) but needed to order part so i will need to go back to pick up. Store is nothing to look at, but they have some lovely fabrics , many sewing machines , offer classes, and most importantly FRIENDLY, INFORMATIVE customer service, do not make you feel stupid. So thankful i found this gem, will be a regular customer. read more

I will never shop at this place again. I have been there 4 times this year and each time the owner has been rude, insulting and disagreeable. On my first visit, I bought a pair of Ginger reconditioned pinking sheers from her that she would not allow me to try, due to 'covid' restrictions. I get them home and they did not work. Her response when I called was that she could repair them, but charge me for it. I took them in and her son exchanged them for another reconditioned pair, that still don't work well. My last visit, she complained about having to wear masks, yet she wasn't wearing one. Then proceeded to argue with me about Trump and his behavior, which she brought up. I tried to end the conversation and she just kept going with her arguing and insults. Actually followed me to the door continuing to tell me I'm wrong. With her poor people skills, I'm surprised she is still in business. I prefer to support small business owners, but this one I won't. read more

Buyer beware. This store has a rigid all sales are final policy and deceptive sales practices. Debbie sold me a machine she knew I did not need without a feature I had specifically asked for at $100 more than I would have paid elsewhere. When I tried to return the machine, I was refused even though I had been deceived nor had I been told of the all sales are final policy verbally or in writing before paying for the machine (I had bought over the phone because of covid-19 store closings). Instead of receiving an apology, I received an explanation of why I'm wrong and how I should be happy with my new machine that had all of these wonderful features, except of course the one I had asked for. So now I own a second nearly identical sewing machine: my original one and a brand spanking new never out of the box $350 sewing machine for which I paid $450 plus tax. Debbie told me what she thought I wanted to hear in order to make a sale. What she could have offered instead, being an authorized Janome dealer, is product support. The bright side of this sad story is that now I own two quality sewing machines. I can now bless someone else with a brand new machine as well as encourage you to use strong caution before shopping at the Sewing Source. A major reason people patronize small businesses and are willing to pay prices close to retail is because they believe they will receive product support and excellent customer service. I highly recommend supporting small businesses who offer these services. Sadly, the Sewing Source does not. read more

I felt pretty deceived with this place. More than a month ago, we brought my mom's sewing machine to get fixed. They said there was a 2 week period to get it fixed. We decided to buy a newer machine since it could be a back up. It's been more than a month now and it's still not fixed and they are asking now if we want to sell it to them for parts since we got a new machine. read more

Let me start with what's good - they carry quality machines, quality fabric, and quality goods. They have a large selection of sewing machines that are of high quality and definitely for the professional. If you wanted to start a business, run a business that needed their wares, etc, I would think this would be an excellent place to go. Now for the bad - I am new to sewing. I have never used a machine or sewn a button. I signed up for a beginning sewing class (2 sessions). I signed my son up for their beginning kids sewing camp (5 days), which also came with a Janome Home sewing machine as part of the package. I had already received a Singer Stylist sewing machine for Christmas. I figured this would be a good experience for both of us, and we'd walk away with enough knowledge to get started. First off, I was instructed NOT to bring my machine and that I would learn on theirs. The first day of class we were taught nothing about the machines. We did not learn about thread, bobbins, how to thread, how to thread a bobbin, or anything even relating to that. The machines were pre-set-up and ready to sew. Next, we used a pattern. We did not learn how to take measurements or customize. The patterns were for standard sizes and only one person in the class fit those standard sizes. We were shown how to adjust the pattern in a general way, but not how to adjust it to our own size and shape. Next, we were to start sewing. There were no practice seams, no discussion of different types of seams, and no explanation of the why in which we did anything. Pinking sheers were not used. No, instead a serger was set up in the middle of the room and each student took a turn running their pants through the serger. This means little room for error on a first time job for a beginner with a pattern that has no guarantee of fitting. Great. Not to mention, I had come to learn how to sew, not serge. We then used the provided sewing machine to finish the project. And that was it. We did not try them on. We did not find out if they fit. We did not find out if they needed to be adjusted. Nor did we find out how to do any of these things should we need to. I ended up with a pair of pants that were so big they could not even stay up. When I went back for my son's class, I was asked how they came out. I told the instructor. She said they were supposed to be big. I said, they don't even stay on. She said to just rip out the seams and start over. Really??? How??? We never learned anything about how to do that. My son's class was better, but had equal levels of frustration. First, parents were not allowed to sit in with their son/daughter (very different from other places I have since tried), so if you didn't know what they were learning, you certainly would not be able to help them later. Next, just like before, there was no real instruction on how to thread the machine, the bobbin, etc. They did a demo and that was it, without ensuring the children could do it themselves. The end result was that my son thought he could do it, until he got home and found it was extraordinarily difficult (as did I - it took a good hour to figure out the vertically placed bobbin in a slippery housing, unlike the drop-in on my singer, which would have been more appropriate for a first time learner, especially kids). Next, the projects and fabrics: One of the projects the kids did was a lipstick holder. Really??? You have boys in the class and this is what you choose? My son was really annoyed. I told him not to worry though, he could make one for me or his nana or someone else. He did. Too bad it was so small it didn't fit a lipstick. One of the bigger projects they did that week was a sewing machine cover. However, there were apparently "boy" fabrics and "girl" fabrics. The boy fabrics of course were the usual blacks, browns, navys, grays and other ugly dull colors. My son asked his instructor for other fabric, but he was told these were the choices she had made. He was horribly disappointed to have worked 4 hours and make a cover for his new machine out of fabric he absolutely despises. The end result of the class was that my son does know how to sew a few things, but he doesn't know how to thread his machine and the thing is an absolute nightmare to thread. I am personally regretting not getting him the much easier to use Singer. He actually really enjoyed the sewing and wants to do more projects, but he never wants to go back to the classes at the Sewing Source. I can't say my feelings are any different and are perhaps even more negative than his. We have since taken classes at other places. The other places we went were excellent. They taught us how to use our machines; explained to us the difference in threads, needles, seams, techniques, etc, and we learned how to sew complete projects using our machines. My verdict - this is fine for materials and professional, but don't come here to learn. They really just want to sell you stuff; that's it. read more

We purchased a sewing machine from the Lake Villa location. Let me start out with the good. Joe is wonderful! He is very patient and kind. The owner, Debbie is the opposite. We bought a high quality sewing machine, yet when we got home to use it we were given an error message. After many phone calls, Debbie finally agreed for us to come back to the store and she would give us a new machine. When we got there I did not appreciate the way she spoke to us! The tone in her voice was awful. She never apologized to us for selling us a machine that needed a different part. She also removed her mask while talking making everyone feel unsafe! read more

I brought my sewing machine in to be repaired and tuned up. It took some time because they obviously have a tremendous following in their repair department, but was done as promised and at a reasonable price. They were also able to find me a new cover for my machine at a reasonable price since mine over time has been damaged. This machine is from the sixties, so I was very happy when they were able to provide this service as well!! I have used my machine on a couple of projects since and it sings along as it always did too. They have a very knowledgeable staff offering me tips on some projects that I was wanting to do as well. Well done Sewing Source! I will be back!! read more

I love this store. Get my machines tuned up and the staff is always super friendly and knowledgeable. They always offer to help carry things to my car when I have my baby with. Truly wonderful service. I will keep coming back to this store! read more

I went in to get my sewing machine repaired. They told me it would cost upwards of $80 and take several weeks to complete. They also don't take credit cards for repairs--only cash or check, which was annoying because I didn't have $30 cash on me to pay the deposit. I ended up taking my sewing machine elsewhere. I don't have the money or the time to spend on their services. read more

I bought my first machine from Sewing Source almost 20 years ago and have since bought a couple more machines from them and I never fail to get impeccable service. If they are out of a part I need, they have lended me one of theirs until my part came in. If I need my machine serviced, Joe always completes the job quickly and thoroughly explains any issues the machine had and how he fixed it. He sweetly will carry my machine out to my car once it's fixed. I may be upgrading my machine soon and won't hesitate to buy another one from Sewing Source. Very nice family-owned business! read more

We've been using the Sewing Source for our business for nearly 7 years. They serviced our Babylock serger, helped us in buying a second and then made recommendations and sourced a new industrial Juki serger for our cloth wall hanging product. We have had service contracts in place and they come to our place as need to service our machines. They also, helped us in selling our Babylock machines when we upgraded to the Jukis. They have a wealth of knowledge. read more

First, this place is probably great if you are a quilter or like to embroider on the machine. I do not do either. All I wanted was to have a Singer serger and a Kenmore sewing machine (very basic) cleaned and tuned up. Neither machine is experiencing any particular issues- just routine maintenance. I brought my machine in at closing time on Friday. I was going out of town for a week and thought this would be a perfect time to have them brought in since I don't need them. The estimated time frame was 2 to 3 weeks for repair. I thought this was excessive but I am lazy and didn't want to seek out another repair service so I went ahead. It took about 20 minutes to "check in" my two machines and pay the $30 per machine downpayment. Three weeks have passed and I can't even get an update on what is happening. The Sewing Source says that "Dr. Joe's Sewing Machine Repair" is not affiliated with them and give a number you can call for an update. That number is a fax line. I left a message at the store yesterday to get an update and the woman I spoke to acted like I was asking for the moon to have her call him and let me know what is going on. No phone call yesterday and nothing today. I just called again to see if I could get some movement on this (I have a bridal alteration to complete for Wednesday!) and the woman on the phone said she would try to get a number for him and see what is going on. Are my machines sitting in the store still? Is he really just that backed up? If so, wouldn't a call to let me know that he is running behind be a good business practice? I can understand them saying they're not affiliated with the repair guy's business but if you take the machine's in at your store you better have a way for customer's to get in touch with him directly or you gotta get better at fielding the "where the hell is my machine" phone calls! Incidentally, there was an "expedited service fee" but the woman who checked me in could not tell me how much it was, nor how much faster it would get the machines done. I will not use them again to service my machines, regardless of how good a job he does (if I ever see them again!). read more

A very disappointing sewing place. One is a "diva", repair person only interested in selling computerized sewing machines. The general public is not wanted, just customers from Lake Villa and Antioch. Store very run down. Drive to Arlington Heights, Crystal Lake and southern Wisconsin for better fabric and repairs. read more

DO NOT GO HERE!!! I took my Mom's Singer sewing machine into this place, since it was close by. She has a fairly new machine, and it just needed some tweaks (the needle wasn't catching on the spool, that was it). The guy (Joe) said it would cost $80 to repair (to even LOOK at it), and it would take several weeks to fix (WEEKS???). Also would NOT take anything but CASH, and needed $30 DEPOSIT! (CASH??? DEPOSIT??) It has been almost a MONTH, and he FINALLY called my Mom to tell her that he couldn't fix it, and it was still in pieces!! WHAT???? IN PIECES??? He said it would cost more money for parts, and suggested she just buy a new one. There was NOTHING wrong with it outside of the tweak. Personally, I think they either have no clue what they're doing there, or whoever they send it to, doesn't. Either way, I DO NOT RECOMMEND THEM! The place is also dirty, and very expensive...how they stay in business is beyond me. (outside of ripping older women off). If there was a "no star" rating...they would get that. But since Joe was polite, I'll give them a "1 star". Either way, GO FIND AN HONEST PLACE!! read more

I bought a new sewing machine here in Atlanta, but it's not working properly. I've taken it back to where I bought it without success in getting it repaired. A friend in Illinois told me about Sewing Source that was helpful to her so I gave them a call. The repairman, Joe, was very patient telling me different things to try to resolve the problem. How lucky was I to get someone to help me when I didn't even buy the machine there! That's what I call good business. I wish we had this store here in the Atlanta area. read more

This review is specifically for the sewing machine repair division of this business. I brought a machine in to have it serviced. I had already done the basic oiling and cleaning myself. I was not able to speak with the technician directly as he was not at the business. I left detailed instructions as to what I wanted done with the machine. There were two issues in particular that I wanted addressed. I also paid an additional fee so that the machine could be returned to me in less than two weeks. It was only 3 days later when I was called to pick up the machine. Upon using it I found that neither of the specific issues I had requested to be looked at had been addressed. In fact, except for plugging the machine in and running it, nothing had been done. I called and finally was able to speak with the technician. In short, if I wanted to bring the machine back in during his very limited hours he would then take the machine apart as I had requested initially and address the problems. For extra money of course. I asked him what he did for the $135 I had already given him. He did not respond except to repeat that if I would bring it back in he would take it apart and evaluate the issues I mentioned. Since I feel I did not get what I had originally paid for I decided not to invest any more money in this technician. I am not from this area and so I have no other repair shop to offer as an alternative. I plan to take this machine back to my regular repair shop in Oregon where I have always been treated fairly and honestly. Note: I have been sewing professionally for over 40 years. In that time I've owned many machines and I am quite capable of the general maintenance required to keep them running smoothly. When I take a machine in to be serviced it is specifically to have it taken apart, internally oiled and cleaned and checked for any problems. read more

Sewing Source is Lake Villa is a wonderful quilt shop. In addition to a good fabric selection, Sewing Source sells a variety of sewing machines, Janome, Baby Lock, etc. in a wide price range. Debbie, the owner, is very helpful in guiding the buyer to a machine that will fit the individual's needs. I have purchased 5+ sewing machines and have been delighted with the instruction received on how to use each machine - I keep upgrading! Also, Joe, the "sewing machine God," is a wonder at repairing and cleaning machines. He is very knowledgable , not costly, and speedy! He works on all models of machines - not just those sold in their shop. The classes and lectures are always well done - and sweets are provided. I feel fortunate to be close enough to Sewing Source to run over whenever I have a question about quilting or garment sewing. A great shop with an even greater staff! read more

After over 20 years of not using my machine; I tried fixing it myself by scouring over YouTube Google etc. I finally decided to hand it over to a Joe at Sewing Source even though it was Christmas and my husband offered to get me a newer sewing machine. My machine is mostly harder casing, easy to use Singing 4562 and wanted to keep since I got it as an engagement or wedding present (I can't remember). They were understandable swamped for the holidays, and since I sat on it for 20 years what's another 3 weeks. It was ready a few days early and can you believe better than ever! But I think I am a better sewer 20 years later too. Joe found a part was broken and needing to be replaced. I made 1 project and switched bobbins to finish my daughters GS patches and it started acting up again with typical tension problems. Great! I isolated it down to the bottom bobbin, but was clueless on what to do next. Hubby had already bought me a Cricut. Ready to throw the thing away, I called Joe and he said bring it right in since I was just there a month ago no problem. Same day. He pointed out I used the wrong size bobbin and it wasn't working properly. Bought some empty Singer 66 bobbins (instead of 15 or 15J) and came home to YouTube how to load it myself. I am sure if I didn't have kids with me I would have stuck around for Joe quickly teacher me, but I do like learning on my own. After dinner I finished 2 projects! I couldn't be happier that I kept my machine and will teach my daughter on it. The only thing that would make it a 5 star would be the wait time for repair, however given the holidays and we live in highly populated area, I was ok with wait. read more

I have been to this store probably a dozen times. The staff has been very friendly, helpful and knowledgable. I never fail to spend more than I originally intend to because I always find something that just sets my creativity going and I must have. The selection is smaller than some stores, but it is excellent! Love to go there when I am feeling a little blue because it never fails to cheer me up. Great retail therapy! read more

Was treated very rudely by the Diva owner. The repair man was patient and helpful but the Diva was embarrassingly obnoxious. I will never return for ANYTHING from this store and make sure all of my quilting friends know about my poor experience . read more

Sewing Source was able to help me with an old sewing machine part when no one else seemed able. It was costly but the woman that sold it to me was happy to show me how to attach it. They have a vast knowledge of sewing "stuff". read more

Joe is the best!!! He is considerate of my time, very pleasant and efficient. In other words he knows what he is doing. I got my machine back in a reasonable amount of time and was kept informed of the progress all the way. This is why I bought my Baby Lick from Sewing Source. The staff are great to deal with and they have Joe to service my investment. Would not go anywhere else to purchase a sewing machine. read more

A HUGELY disappointing experience!! Even after my friend told me not to go because of how rude she was treated! I wanted to form my own opinion! DON'T DO IT! HORRIBLE, Nasty people!!! They are so rude! They talk to you like you're a child - I'm in my late 50's! AND THAT'S THE OWNER!!!!! That's fine - obviously they don't mind loosing customers! Prices are inflated, bitchy atmosphere, ridiculous wait time for machine repairs, etc. I would drive 100 miles to avoid this treatment read more