Store wants to provide ‘sew’rific service

By SCOTT NILES Courier staff writer

June 09, 2008 12:44 am

— OTTUMWA — Tim and Linda Dobson are reaping what they “sew” with their new business.
The couple recently opened The Sewing House at 255 N. Davis St. in Ottumwa, where they offer a variety of sewing supplies and Janome equipment.
They operate the store along with Store Manager Shelly Biggs.
Tim Dobson said he has been in the business for some time, but this is his first retail outlet.
“I worked as a sewing machine technician for 13 years out of my home, it was called “Dobson Sewing Machine Service,” he said. “I worked on the machines and my wife kept the books.”
About three years ago, Dobson said Singer went out of business in Ottumwa. He and his wife thought there was still a need for a full-service sewing store in town.
Last November, the Dobsons opened a temporary store at Quincy Place Mall, while they were remodeling their new location.
“I have been in the sewing business for 13 years and I have sold old and new machines and serviced all types of sewing equipment and embroidery machines,” Dobson said.
Throughout his time working on the machines out of his home there was a particular brand that he became interested in, Janome Sewing Equipment.
“We are a licensed dealer for them now,” he said. “That is the only type of machines we sell, but we can order other types. But we are now a Janome sales and service center.”
Dobson said he still services all makes and models of household machines though.
The store will also sell cleaning, oiling and adjustment parts, as well as thread, fabric and digital equipment for the embroidery machines.
“We sell all types of sewing supplies,” he added.
Dobson said they are also able to order parts for any machines that may need to be fixed too.
“We have a full line of household machines starting from ones for beginners to the advanced machines,” he said.
“And we will be offering classes later on in sewing and embroidery,” Dobson said.
The store is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. The Dobsons can be reached at (641) 682-4995.
Scott Niles can be reached at (641) 683-5360 or via e-mail at sniles@mchsi.com.