The sewing scene is alive and thriving at the Sewing Center of Wesley Chapel, a community of like-minded enthusiasts dedicated to spreading the joy of sewing to anyone willing to learn.
Adriana Stenger is the enthusiastic owner and was an employee before recently taking over the business.
“We have been in Wesley Chapel for just over a year, and it’s been a great location for us, said Stenger. “Our store can help with all your sewing needs — it does not matter whether you are a seasoned sewer looking to pick up some advanced techniques, or a beginner with an itch to stitch.”
The Sewing Center sells two of the best brands of sewing machines made – Husqvarna Viking and Baby Lock, provides service and machine repairs for most manufacturers, and hosts a variety of sewing classes for adults and children of all skill levels.
“We limit the number of students to just three per class, so that every student receives the personal attention they deserve,” said Stenger.
Students usually begin by taking a class on how a sewing machine works.
“After that, they move on to technique classes and learn how to make a hem, a pleat, a ruffle,” Stenger said. “And then, little by little, students combine what they’ve learned and are ready to put together clothing.”
The Sewing Center also offers adult classes in dressmaking, embroidery and quilting. For children, it has a summer camp where youngsters spend a full day sewing and doing other crafts. And, during the school year, kids can participate in its after-school classes to work on projects and learn new techniques.
“We call this program, ‘So Cool After School,’ and we have many dedicated and accomplished student sewers,” said Stenger.
Stenger is proud of her young students and her team of teachers who instruct them. In March, two students attended the Original Sewing & Quilt Expo in Lakeland, and participated in its “Sewing’s Next Generation: Youth Fashion & Project Show.”
“We had two girls who went to the expo, and one of them won a prize for a dress she made, and the other, at only 10 years old, made a quilt!” Stenger boasted. Both girls are now taking advanced classes at her store.
In addition to selling cutting, sewing and embroidery machines, the Sewing Center also sells accessories, including stabilizers, different kinds of thread, accessories for machines, notions, pins, needles, scissors, rulers, buttons, patterns, crystals to embellish, software, vinyl, heat presses, classes, and products for costume making.
“When people buy a machine from us, or sign up for a class, they are not on their own when they leave the store,” Stenger said. “We are always here to help and take pride in giving personalized attention. Buying from us is completely different than going to a big store or ordering online.”
Stenger credits her staff for their exceptional customer service.
“We have a very good team of people working here. If not for them, this business couldn’t be, because they are very knowledgeable, and go far and beyond to help people,” she said.
Stenger and her team encourage people to learn to sew because it is a rewarding hobby.
“You create and embellish things, it’s relaxing, and it keeps your brain working. What could be better than that?” she asks.
The Sewing Center of Wesley Chapel is next to The Hungry Greek restaurant on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, across from Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel. For more information, call (813) 792-1855, (813) 591-1838, or visit SewingCenterTB.com.
