Phoenix Fixes
Sewing Machines

Minneapolis/St. Paul & Surrounding Areas

I understand the bond you have with your sewing machine because I sew, too.


I apply care and quality services to all the sewing machines that grace my workbench.

Singer

Kenmore

Many More

Brother

PFAFF

Maintenance & minor repairs of vintage & new sewing machines (1960 to present)

Learn basic sewing skills

Quality refurbished Sewing Machines for sale

  • Test sewing — before and after calibration.

    Thread tension testing and adjustment, if necessary.

    Cleaning of the cover.

    Removal of lint and debris.

    Lubrication.

    Timing inspection.

    Audit of all integral parts.

  • Whether you're new to your machine or want to expand your knowledge and fill in knowledge gaps, I offer in-person sessions and workshops that fit your needs. See my offering in the next section below.

  • Contact me for available models or to request one.

  • Pickup of unwanted sewing machines in any condition (manufactured in the 1960s through the present day). I spiffy them up and either sell them to new homes or donate them to local charities.

Contact Phoenix

Workshops & Classes

Welcome to your Sewing Machine
$30.00

This one-on-one, hour-long workshop introduces you to all the useful functions your sewing machine can perform. You’ll learn basic terminology, how to thread the top and bottom of the machine, and good practices to keep your machine in good working order for years to come. 

  • Winding a bobbin and knowing the type of bobbin for your machine

  • Changing a needle

  • Threading the top and bobbin

  • Using the foot pedal to sew

  • Setting the machine for different stitches

  • Setting the stitch width and length

  • Performing general maintenance


You’ll receive a kit that includes a spool of thread, a package of needles, a bottle of sewing machine oil, a cleaning tool, and a pocket guide on which needle to use with which fabric.

Sewing Work shops
$50.00

These in-person workshops introduce new skills or help fill knowledge gaps. Each one-hour session focuses on a specific concept and includes a project that participants start during the session and complete at home. They can be attended as standalone sessions or as a series. The fee is $50 per person, plus supplies, with the total cost discussed before scheduling. Participants should be comfortable using a sewing machine before signing up.* 

This list is a work in progress. If you don’t see what you’re interested in, please request a workshop by emailing me at phoenixfixessm@gmail.com.

Know your Fabric 

  • types, applications, and good practices

Seams and Edging

  • Basic seams, French seams, and double needle seams

  • Rounded corner seams

  • Using seam tape

  • Pinking, overlocking

Anatomy of a Sewing Pattern 

  • Taking your body measurements

  • How to choose the right size and skill level pattern

  • Understanding fabric choices, including nap

Working with Knits **

  • Understanding stretch types

  • The right pins and needles to use

  • Intro/try a serger machine

  • Laying out a printed sewing pattern

** I recommend taking Anatomy of a Sewing Pattern before this workshop if you're unfamiliar with printed sewing patterns.

Zippers

  • Basic zipper, invisible zipper, and inset zipper

Buttons & Button Holes

  • Types of buttons, sizing, and creating button holes

*Welcome to your Sewing Machine class available for $30

Schedule a Workshop

My Process

Intake

  • Quick interview to understand your machine’s condition

  • Photos inventorying all parts included in drop-off as well as all sides of machine to document condition

Model-Specific Manual Review

  • Review threading and basic functions

  • Note correct bobbin type and check if correct bobbin is in machine

  • Perform sew test if possible

Assessment

  • Assess knob and lever functionality

  • Assess all moving parts (joints, gears, etc.)

  • Report to customer any identified issues and a recommended course of action

Cleaning & Lubrication

  • Clean case, covers, and bed

  • Remove lint and debris from inside of machine

  • Remove old oil, hardened grease, and other substances

  • Lubricate joins and gears

Past Project

Sewing machine models that I have worked on:

Brother XL2010

Kenmore 13410

Kenmore 158-16820

PFAFF Hobby 1016

Singer 6233

Singer Touch & Sew 603

Shark Euro Pro 373

Wards Signature 1063

White 477

White 1418

Your sewing machine
will be in good hands that care as much as you do.

Pick-up and drop-off services are available.

Tune-ups for $25 while I’m in training!