Ready to Sew Bernina | Cedar Park

By Andrea Lorenz Friday, 22 January 2010

CEDAR PARK — History, technology and community piece together to form the foundation of a recently expanded sewing shop like one of the patchwork designs created within the store’s walls.

Members of one of the many clubs hosted by Ready to Sew Bernina discuss the rich history behind quilting, while students in one of the several classes taught at the store attempt to master software to create embroidery designs.

But more than anything, owner Ronna Hammel attributes the distinctiveness of her store to its community.

“I think we have a lot of fun people, not only the staff but the customers, too,” Hammel said. “We have the daily drop-ins. We sometimes feel like we’re the ‘Cheers’ of the sewing world.”

Ready to Sew Bernina is one of a handful of businesses in Central Texas that is certified to sell and repair sewing machines and products made by Bernina, a company based in Illinois.

Hammel opened the store in 2004 after working as a teacher and manager of another Bernina dealer for several years.

She chose the Cedar Park location because of the area’s potential for growth in 2004, and the spot has not disappointed her. A year ago, the store expanded to 3,800 sq. ft. from 2,700 sq. ft.

“We are growing,” Hammel said. “It’s just amazing. Today, there were three more people [who came into the shop] who didn’t know where we were. Your best advertising is going to be word of mouth.”

In addition to selling fabric, books, patterns and everything else that Hammel said is needed to be considered a “one-stop shop” for sewing, the business hosts dozens of clubs and classes for adults and children on everything from creating a mystery quilt to stitching Valentine treat bags.

Although sewing technology might have changed over the past couple of decades with software to design quilts and embroidery, at the heart of programs offered at many shops, including Ready to Sew Bernina, is community.

Several evenings a month, groups of men and women—from children to sewers in their 80s—meet at the shop for classes and clubs. Members of one eat pizza and finish any projects that have been laying unfinished throughout their homes. Another class will return each month this year for additional free squares to make a quilt for the initial cost of only $5.

The most popular class is the beginning sewing course.

All of the clubs and classes were requested by customers, Hammel said.

Keeping up with trends, such as big bold prints and Civil War quilt patterns, is key for a sewing shop. Hammel said she has to ask herself, “Is this going to be a fabric that they like; is it going to sell well?”

“You have to guess at that, but the big part is finding the right people, the right staff.”