I had an excellent experience, when I visited Howell's Sewing & Vacuum, to ask for assistance with my mother's KIRBY vacuum, and Singer sewing machine #237. MaryLynn was knowledgeable, professional & helpful in instructing me in cleaning the vacuum bag, taking vacuum a part, also how to sell the sewing machine. It was an emotional experience for me to finally let go of my mom's sewing machine. I highly recommend Howell's Sewing & Vacuum. www.howells-sewnvac.com. Satisfied Customer, Gloria Cox read more

I am new to quilting. I bought a new Janome sewing machine from MaryLynn. She helps me almost weekly. She also has a great selection of excellent fabric. I've taken three classes. All of which have been excellent. I highly recommend the store. read more

Mary Lynn answered me and told me I wanted free advice. Well, here's some free advice for you. I ended up buying a machine from Auburn vacuum and sewing. You would've had my business if you would've been a little nicer. But you lose out you have terrible customer service and you're a terrible person. No wonder I'm sure your business suffers for it. Of course I wanted advice. That's what you go in a store for. Goodbye and good riddance. read more

I Don't know how people stay in business, I've never walked into a business and while trying to explaining a simple issue, met with such sarcasm and rudeness. The lady Couldn't even stop at the counter and look at a customer while speaking. Instead puttering around the store as I tried to talk and cut me off speaking every 2 words read more

NEVER GO HERE! The owner was very sweet and talked us into buying vacuum we were hesitant about. But she promised it was great and would live up to our expectations. Sher really pushed it hard and said SEVERAL TIMES If we didn't like it we could bring it back for full refund. When we were quite disappointed in it and brought it back, she became rude and said she never said that, even though she had stated that emphatically several times. This woman seemed so nice when she was trying to sell us something. We of course will never go back read more

Rude owner! Charged me twice for same class. Would not refund me on my credit card when I sent her proof from bank that she overcharged me. Her mechanic damaged my sewing/embroidery machine. Had to pay another mechanic to fix it. Do not shop @ Howell's Sewing & Vac. I am telling all my friends not to shop there. read more

Very informed employees and great selection of sewing machines and fabric. Good classes especially for kids. read more

I took my Singer 221K in to show the owner that the drive belt she sold me was too long, she talked me into leaving it for her tech to look at. A week and a half later I go in to buy some fabric and get a huffy "I called you yesterday about your machine," I received no such call. That's fine, misdials happen. The owner takes me back to the classroom where my machine is on a table, and shows me damage to the motor pulley knob and says "My tech and I found that you'd broken your pulley. We couldn't figure out why the belt wasn't working so the tech took apart the hand wheel and everything trying to figure it out, and the we noticed the pulley." There is no way I broke the pulley, I would have noticed all of the bakelite chunks on my workstation, and I take responsibility for when I damage my machines, that pulley was not damaged when I left the machine with them. The owner then informs me that neither she nor her tech know where to source the replacement part, but I could find one and return to have it installed by them (that's fine, I already know where to source a brand new one.) I leave, disappointed, but resolute that I would never return. Then I get home and inspect the machine, the tech didn't even reassemble the hand wheel correctly, I can do that in my sleep because the 221K hand wheel is so simple. 100% I do not recommend this shop for service. The state of my machine was enough to earn them low stars, I'd give zero stars for the lying and gaslighting if I could. -Edit to respond to MaryLynn- I was pleasant, because I am a pleasant person, and I don't respond in anger. And if you hadn't preemptively returned the belt, I would've been within the 14 day return policy stated on the receipt from your shop to do so myself. As far as repair costs, why would you charge someone for a repair you didn't complete, and actually returned my machine to me in worse condition with the hand wheel being misassembled? Whether I'm experienced in taking care of my own machines or not, it's bad business to hand someone back and a machine you/your shop damaged and expect payment. read more

What terrible customer service! My elderly mother went in to get her carpet cleaner serviced and the woman in the store couldn't be bothered to help my mom. She told my mom that her Bissel carpet cleaner wasn't worth looking at and that she "would never buy a bissell". She told my mom to buy a new one. My mom said she was going to look at target and the lady said good luck. What is wrong with costumer service personnel these days. My mom left furious and will never go back. No wonder this place doesn't have good reviews. Oh and I should add that my mom said she might be back later after looking at Target for a new carpet cleaner and the lady told my mom that she had to be close up the shop at 5:00 because she had somewhere she had to be so she could not stay late. Smh my mom is definitely going to take her business elsewhere read more

The machine was working before being taken to Howell's. It was "frozen" afterward, which means the sample looks like it was working, but one could not make a change in the width of the seam, so it was *not* working when I got it back. I would not trust the owner after she turned a working machine to a non-working one. read more

I went in to see about sewing lessons and see what I could learn. They offer several lessons per month. Very exciting. I also asked about sewing machines and was walked through several machines. When I let her know I had a 2004 singer she said "that's when singers were made well " and recommended I just have that one serviced instead of buying since I'm just learning and will better know what direction I want to go with my sewing after some experience. I'm grateful she was looking out for my best interest, instead of pushing me into a machine that I'd likely outgrow in several months. read more

I enjoy going into Howell's. The owner also helps me with fabric choices and pattern and color combinations. I made a quilt from fabric I got on an amazing trip to Alaska, she found me the perfect backing fabric. It stepped up the beauty of my quilt top. The store is great! Thanks so much! read more

We had a wonderful time and experience in your store. Your friendly attitude and helpful spirit was so refreshing. There are many colorful fabrics for quilting. An amazing amount of buttons and quality thread choices. They offer classes, and sewing machines. We are thankful to have this store in Auburn !! read more

Howell's Sewing & Vacuum - Embroidery kit and head lamp for sewing. - Fabric Stores Near Me - Auburn, California

Great little shop with BIG inventory of quilting quality fabric and all the sewing/quilting notions you could ever wish for. Oh, and GREAT buttons too! read more

The owner can be grumpy. You might be lucky and find a fabric you need, but it's a fairly small fabric section.

Poor customer service on 2/28! I walked into the shop and there were 3 ladies chatting. There was no greeting, in fact, after being ignored I asked who was in charge. The response was I guess I am. I needed to have my sewing machine repaired. I am new to Auburn and a long time quilter. I will not return to this shop! read more

I purchased a sewing machine from Howell's. They walked me through all features and explained the differences in machines so that I could find the right machine for my needs. I've also used their long arm quilting by Mary Lynn. She did an excellent job on a very large quilt at a reasonable price. I'd highly recommend the store in Auburn, CA. read more

Note to self....NEVER set foot in this business again. Note to self....read through all reviews prior to doing business with an establishment again. Called MaryLynn to ask what approximate lead time was on a service/repair on a BabyLock sewing machine. Answer 2-3 weeks. Drop off machine. Stop in store at 2.5 weeks to see how service is moving along. I was told 'those who purchase machines here take priority, since you did not, you're at the back of the line'. ?!?! Does this promote a good feeling in customer service? NO I run a quilting business and explained my need for this machine back as quickly as possible. 2 more phone calls, another stop by and finally at end of my patience. At just shy of 4 weeks, I am told that I can pick up machine. Machine is NOT fixed. Broken part is taped to machine, no phone call from tech with regards to this ever received and I was charged in excess of $150 - on top of the $30 deposit. Receipt slip reads: checked timings, checked tensions, replaced needle. Advise: DO NOT give Howell's your business! read more

Enjoyed talking with the owner. She was very helpful. I will continue to shop there. The little dogs were soo cute and playful. I love when people take their fur babies to work. read more

I brought a long "central vacuum" hose into this store to assess if it could be repaired. I was told by Marylynn to leave it; when the repairman came in, they would have a look and let me know. I was charged a deposit of $30. towards the repairs, as stated on the receipt. I was then directed to look at a replacement hose and equipment for over $900. or just the hose for $500. I decided to wait for the repair verdict. In the meantime I went online and found a store out of state that sold the same hose I needed for $250. The woman helping me asked me one question re the type of connection it had and then let me know it could not be repaired and the reason why. I purchased the hose from her store with free shipping. Marylynn called me back to let me know my hose could not be repaired so I stopped by to pick it up. I was told I would not be getting my repair deposit back. I asked why, no repair was done. She answered that it took a lot of time to look up and study if the hose could be repaired. Now if you have been in business as long as they have, shouldn't you know immediately that type of hose was not repairable? Especially if someone else could determine it over the phone? I have to agree with a previous reviewer. I felt scammed and cheated out of my deposit money. I won't set foot in there again. I would rather drive to Sacramento then give this woman any more of my business. I urge you to do the same. read more

Professional and knowledgeable owner of Howell's Sewing and Vacuum, really knows her products, and machines as well as repair services. Great place for tools, notions, fabrics, sewing lessons, and good old advice for those needing help. read more

I've been coming to this sewing store for about 2 1/2 years three years and I also went to the store when she had it on Bowman. I've been here 13 years in auburn and I really enjoy her company. I love her dogs and I have never seen her be abusive with her dogs I go there couple times a month. I relax I get some sewing projects done. I just enjoy having that store available to my needs when I have the time. For a vary small fee equal to a coffee and roll I'm in. This sewing shop is always open, so pack your sewing machine ,and bring your stuff and enjoy your life. read more

I brought my old sewing machine in, knowing it was probably on its last leg, but hopeful it could be repaired and I could squeeze another year out of it. The tech was excellent he looked at the machine and told me he could service it. I was thrilled. I picked it up this afternoon and he gave me a short demo and the old thing purred. It looked like a new machine! I can't wait to put her back to work! Thank you so much! Oh and I Love the two little shop dogs. read more

I took two sewing machines here at different times. The first one I loved so very much and they took it apart to clean it and then gave it back to me in pieces stating it was not fixable. The sewing machine was working perfectly beforehand. I had to buy a new sewing machine. I then took this new sewing machine to them for cleaning and they gave it back to me with it clearly put together incorrectly and said it was no longer working properly!!! You should avoid this place! read more

Nice store except for the customer service. Was charged at the door by a small dog barking. Owner was very abrasive. Won't make a stop next time to support local shop. read more

Fast, competent repair and service of my ELNA serger. Convenient store location with a welcoming atmosphere and a good supply of accessories and fabric. Marylynn is friendly and responsive. Highly recommended. read more

I was hopeful that this would turn out to be a sewing store that I would frequent for supplies, repairs, classes and other needs. After making about $400 in purchases there and taking one class, I found that the proprietor is focused only onmaking a sale for her own profit. She does not make an effort to provide customer service and does not demonstrate any ability to be adaptable in order to benefit the customer. Her mind is strictly on her cash register. She demonstrated poor follow through and generally has a poor attitude. I do not recommend this business. read more

This is a wonderful store, with bolts of fabrics, machines and sewing help. I love having this shop in Auburn. Highly recommend when you need inspiration or want to take a class. read more

We came in looking for a good quality vacuum but had no idea what to get. The owner was friendly and directed us to a certain one. After having reservations about how heavy it was, she assured us several times how much we would love it.To close the deal she said just take it home and try it. If you decide it doesn't work for you I'll buy it back and you can get something else. So we tried it for several weeks, and after using it, the weight became a defining problem, it was difficult to navigate, which we never got used to, clumsy, and difficult to do the stairs. The more we used it the more we realized it was a bad choice. So we brought it back and the woman, now unfriendly, said she never said that. This is a woman is a wholesale prevaractor out for a profit with no thought to her clients. I will never step foot in her shop again. read more

Called in to request a general quote of what it might cost to bring in and repair the motor on my vacuum cleaner. Now, I understand that you can't really ascertain the extent of the damage or give an exact price unless you have the vacuum right in front of you, but I was just looking for a general estimate of what it would cost to bring it in, maybe an idea of what it would cost, etc. When I asked for a general quote, I got a very demeaning "It will cost you a million dollars...how am I supposed to know unless I have the vacuum in front of me?" I was taken back, and I didn't know how to respond. I obviously understand that you can't give me an exact price, but you don't need to give me such a sarcastic and derogatory response. Treated me as if it was such a great privilege for me to be able to talk to her and do business with her. Taking my business elsewhere and leaving behind this pretentious establishment read more

I wouldn't take my Janome anywhere else for service. I highly recommend Howell's. Mary Lynn knows her products and her staff are well trained. I get outstanding service and my machine, comes back running perfectly and looking brand new. read more

What a pleasure doing business with someone who loves what she does. Helpful and goes out of her way to meet your needs. A great source for unusual buttons and supplies. Great atmosphere and reasonable prices. read more

Oh, Howells. I loved you. I really did. You had my heart in your hand the first time you repaired my sewing machine. I had it back within a week and it was done perfectly. This was before the move to the current Bowman location. I never doubted your ability to provide proper service, and I still don't. What has completely broken my heart was the most recent service you provided me with. It all started at the beginning of May. My beloved sewing machine completely jammed after sewing the first foot of seam on my latest project. "Well, time for service," I thought to myself after the usual flood of curse words to accompany jamming, and happily packed it up and took it in, remembering fondly the service I had received before. [Brief Aside: I currently live in the bay area, and took my machine all the way to Howells. That's how fondly I remember them. End Aside.] When I arrived I was immediately told that they could help me, but the woman receiving machines for service also told me that, in her opinion, I'd be happy with a bigger machine. Sorry, lady. I got that specific machine for the size and it took me about fifteen minutes to convince her that I indeed just wanted my machine serviced, not to buy a new one. That was like having someone tell me, "Sure, your kids are alright, but you'd LOVE that person's kids over there..." Not amused. I was told I could pick my machine up in a week and that someone would call me when it was ready. A week went by. No phone call. I called them and was told that they had not gotten to it yet. Two weeks went by. No phone call. I called them and was told that it was not ready yet. Three weeks went by. No phone call. I called them and was hotly and sorely told, "Ma'am, we'll call you when it's ready. We're waiting for a part for that machine and please don't call back again, alright?" If they weren't already holding my beloved machine hostage I would have completely lost it. It's completely fine if you're waiting for a part, but couldn't you have told me that one of the other times that I'd contacted you about it's state? Did you really have to be so rude? Oh, Howells, how you've changed!! Obviously, I was stunned, but agreed not to call back. Six weeks went by with no phone call. I'm one of those people that even thinks a week for service is too long to go without sewing, so by this point I was starting to suffer extreme withdrawl, shaking every time I went by the sewing table and getting choked up driving past JoAnn. Finally, at the end of the sixth week of the Jem Gold Hostage Debacle of 2010 I was so fed up that I had to call again. I was told that they'd finally received the part and were starting to work on it. What was the part the were waiting for, you ask? The bobbin winder. THE BOBBIN WINDER! If I had known I was waiting six weeks for them to give me a new bobbin winder I would have told them to just give it back to me as is and I would wind them myself. Howells, you had my heart and you smashed it into a million pieces. I loved you and you destroyed my opinion of you. I'm going to have a hard time finding another service center for my machine, but at this point the next time I need service I feel that I have no other choice. read more

I gave this business one star only because that's the lowest Yelp allows me to give. I had contacted a business in Sacramento because I thought it was the nearest place to get my particular brand of vacuum repaired. My son in law recommended that I try this local shop so I called them. First of all, the lady answering the phone could not give me a price for the part needed (why not? the other store did!). I then asked the cost for a tune up/conditioning of the vacuum and she did give me a cost. My son in law dropped off the vacuum and then I received a call from Howell's saying that the vacuum cleaner was "too disgusting" for them to work on and for my son in law to come back and get it.. First thing: isn't the purpose of the conditioning to get it all cleaned up and functioning? Second thing: The use of the word "disgusting" was rather rude and aggressive. VERY VERY RUDE! read more

Ive worked in retail so I try to be extra nice to people working in shops but the woman in this shop is just so negatively unhelpful and dismissive its like she is doing you a favor by letting you shop there. I will be so glad when Michaels opens and gives me an alternative option for some of the things I now trudge all the way down to Roseville to get, despite practically driving past Howells door, simply because I cant face the hard work it is to make a purchase with them and the gloomy customer unfriendly attitude. My money goes to the quaint but super nice people on Palm Avenue or down to Roseville from now on. read more

I called this morning to make an appointment to drop off my vacuum, the gentleman was nice to me over the phone told me his store hours and how long he would need the vacuum for but no other questions. I show up this morning walk in the door a woman was on the phone so I waited while she was still on the phone she said we don't work on sharks we can't get the parts we don't work on them. No hello how can I help you just rudely said we don't work on sharks. I told her I had called this morning to make an appointment and I wasn't told that then she turned the blame on me and said I should have said what kind of vacuum it was. I'm not a vacuum expert that's their job... I didn't know it made a difference that should be asked over the phone before you schedule an appointment. The lady was rude! It's a small town. I will take my business elsewhere. read more

Two thumbs up for Howells sewing and vac. for locating and sending me a part for my Dacar vacuum. Why is this so amazing? Because it was a $5.00 part that I could not locate in my area or online, and they were the only company I called that would order the part and send it to me. I live miles from anywhere let alone Howell's so it was wonderful customer service for them to take the time and trouble to do it. I am sure it cost them more that the $5.00 they charged me to go to the trouble. Great business ethics! Claire McNeal read more

I have been using Howell's Sew and Vacuum for vacuum repairs for years and have been extremely pleased with the work done and the timely manner in which it is done. I have a cleaning service so their quality customer service is much appreciated. We buy all our vacuums there because they have the best brands. Two of the vacuums I use in my business were purchased there nine years ago and have only needed minor repairs to keep working well.. I'm so glad we have Howell's in Auburn! read more

We came in on a holiday, Yes, they were open with smiles. We came to purchase a new Riccar vacuum cleaner because we were tired of lugging our old one from one house to another. We were in a hurry, and were able to purchase a vacuum cleaner in just 15 minutes. We were very happy with our experience, and with the nice salesperson. We love our Riccar vacuum cleaner. read more

I am new there but like it very much classes are fun not crowed and is very enjoyable. I took a serger I bought from some one else she bought it there and the lever broke to let foot down fixed it while I was waiting an signed up for classes I just love going there everyone is so nice. There is no kids working in store like someone else's review said. It very quite and relaxing place to go and sew. My new favorite place. read more