As the National Spokesperson for Janome, I decided it would be fun to start a new trend of visiting as many Janome dealerships as possible whenever I’m traveling for business or pleasure. I’m going to call these surprise, drop-in visits “Janome Shop Stops.” And during our recent trip to Maui, I had the opportunity to visit a fabulous shop called Sew Special.
Kent and I spent several hours visiting Barbara and Roy Huntley at Sew Special in Kahului, Maui…. and it was a very special shop indeed! As we entered their store there was so much to see I could hardly get past the entrance and the welcoming Janome mat! They have the Janome machines prominently displayed at the shop’s entrance, and the aisles and walls of this bright, light, and airy shop are filled with bolts and bolts of fabric, notions and supplies!
The shop features an impressive number of Batik fabrics and a huge selection of Hawaiian themed fabrics and patterns. There is an entire wall devoted to patterns of every imaginable kind, with an emphasis on Hawaiian quilting patterns and designs.
One of the shop’s employees is the well-known, fabulous Mark Hordyszynski, who has designed fabrics for Michael Miller and is the original designer for every quilter’s favorite Fairy Frost fabric! I was so happy to meet and get to know him.
The shop has a spacious classroom in the back and they supply wonderful Janome machines for the classes. It is a family-run business with their sweet and talented daughters helping to run the shop and keep it amply stocked with quilter’s favorite supplies.
Roy and Barbara are a treat to meet. They genuinely care about their customers and have been in business for many years! They offer classes, top-notch service, new owner’s classes and training, and tons of Janome machine accessories. Its easy to see why quilters come from all over Maui and the Hawaiian islands to visit their store!
If you find yourself in Hawaii, especially in Maui, be sure to allow time to visit Sew Special and meet Roy, Barbara and their amazingly attentive staff.
Sweet Barbara was a little camera shy when we took the photo…… but Roy and Barbara are two of the nicest people you’ll ever meet!
You might even get a chance to rub shoulders with Mark and ask him about his amazing fabric designs. While you’re there, be sure to stock up on batiks, Japanese and Hawaiian fabrics and patterns and maybe even buy a new Janome machine or upgrade your current model. This shop is located in paradise. A visit should be on your travel itinerary. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did!
Contact information for Sew Special:
Sew Special
Queen Kaahumanu Center
275 Kaahumanu Avenue, #1048
Kahului, Maui, Hawaii 96732
Email: moc.liamgnull@iuamlaicepswes
www.sewspecialmaui.net
www.facebook.com/SewS[ecialMaui
I was actually just there in September! I love this shop! Really nice people!
Kimberley
I have a question about Janome machines.
I am looking at Janome machines as my current machine, though reliable, is not well designed for quilting as the walking foot attachment vibrates the needle and presser foot holder screws loose.
Consequently I have been doing some research on machines that don’t have this problem.
Do you know of any Janome models that have a built in walking foot or a similar system that isn’t an additional accessory.
Also do any models have a large throat that fits a rolled up quilt.
I have looked at Janome machines but get a bit confused with the terminology various companies use to describe the above features so end up not knowing if the words are describing the features that I was looking for.
I live in Australia so I’m not sure if Janome models are the same in US as in Australia.
I am happy if you direct me to a website or link as I don’t want to waste your time as I’m sure you have many calls on your time.
Thanks
Kerrie
Hi Kerrie — First of all let me assure you….you are not wasting my time! Helping people find their perfect machine is something I love to do and take very personally. I’m fairly certain that the models of Janome machines are the same in Australia as they are in the US. You’ve brought up some great points and because you’ve already been able to define your desires when it comes to what you want to accomplish, you’re well on your way to finding THE PERFECT MACHINE for you. Of course, the price point is always something to take into consideration but with these things in mind, also remember you are forging a relationship with a dealer who will be there to service your machine, provide customer support, have the accessories on hand you wish to purchase, etc. Do you have a Janome dealer near you or at least within driving distance? Sometimes you may have to drive and it may be an all day, round trip event, but just realize that you’ll have a great day with lunch out and look at it as an adventure.
Just from what you’ve already described, I’d like to suggest the new Professional Series 9450. It comes with a fabulous new High Performace Accu-feed foot that machine quilts like a DREAM. I just used it for the first time last week and I’m in LOVE. It is steady, smooth, and pulls all the layers through smoothly and evenly. The stitches are perfection. And the 9450 has a large throat area that easily allows your quilt to be rolled up for smooth maneuvering under the needle. And the lights….Oh, the lights! They are the brightest of any model I’ve seen and you can turn any one of three on or off as needed. I highly recommend you check out the 9450. It sounds like what you are looking for. It is honestly my new, absolute personal favorite machine!
And thank you, Kerrie, for writing to me here on the blog!!!
Hi Kimberly and Kent,
We were at this wonderful shop two years ago and I bought beautiful batik to make a shower curtain and valance for our bathroom. Wonderful souvenier to remember our fabulous vacation every day! Now I wish I’d bought more fabric as I want to make one of the braid rugs created with batting strips and 2 1/2’ strips of fabric. I’ve been looking for the right rug for two years and just saw this technique at a show I was working in Erie. Eager to get home and make it!
Love to you both!
Sue H
You forgot to mention their star employee, their daughter Patricia. She has kept the store going with her expertise, her knowledge, her positive outlook, her pleasant personality and dedication. The store wouldn’t be where it is if not for her! I lived on Maui for many years and frequented the store st least once a week. It is one of the things I miss the most.