House of Quality: Quilting, Sewing and Vacuuming Done Right

Are you a passionate quilter? Do you need a new sewing machine or does your current one need repair? Maybe your tried-and-true vacuum cleaner is missing an attachment or some hard-to-get part. Visit House of Sewing Machines & Vacuums in Vancouver, Washington, where a team of experts is ready to assist with your every need for repairs, sales, parts, instructions and lessons. Serving the local area for almost 50 years, this family-owned shop is now helping the grandkids of its original clientele. Whether you come in for a sewing machine or vacuum cleaner, this local business rates number one in customer service. In addition, beginners and advanced sewers will find House of Sewing Machines & Vacuums the best source for sewing crafts in Vancouver!

Voted “Best in Clark County” in 2018, House of Sewing Machines & Vacuums is one of the only shops of its kind in the area. Offering that “small town” feel from operating for so many years in the same location, owner Frank Smyth, Jr. says, “It seems as if we know each of our customers personally.” When the business started back in the early 1970s, Frank Smyth, Sr. ran it out of a little house, thus giving it its name. During the 1980s, Frank Smyth, Jr. took over operations of the current shop (one of three at the time) and subsequently bought the store from his dad. Today it is the only remaining location and Frank Jr. assures us, “We’re not going anywhere.”

Superior staff and knowledgeable service technicians with over 40 years combined experience are admittedly the backbone of the business. Beginning with Frank Jr. himself, and his right-hand-man and general manager, Gary Rael, any sewing machine need or service can be addressed. “We’re constantly updating, and attending continuing education courses is a major focus. We are going to seminars, classes and training sessions. We do at least one a year to keep up on the latest technology, particularly addressing software-related forums,” Frank Jr. points out. Some of the new machines are capable of voice recognition and wireless downloads and the team takes great pride in staying up on all of it. Amy Hoch-South, an expert seamstress and highly qualified sales associate, is relied upon for her special skills when a customer needs additional technical instruction.

On the vacuum cleaner side of the business, Justin Krank is your vacuum technician supervisor. Justin knows vacuum cleaner parts, service and repairs “for every vacuum ever made,” the company boasts. Furthermore, House of Sewing Machines & Vacuums overrides manufacturer warranties with their own, which covers “bumper-to-bumper” and includes lifetime sewing lessons for as long as you own your machine.

For many today, sewing provides a refuge or a “happy place,” which is echoed by a sign displayed in the shop: “Sewing’s Cheaper Than a Psychologist.” Vacuums? Hmm, we’ll have to give that one some more thought.

House of Sewing Machines & Vacuums is located at 6400 NE Highway 99 in Vancouver. Call (360) 695-9231 or email frank@houseofsewing.net. For more information visit the website houseofsewingmachinesandvacuums.net.