Paul Howell was a life saver for me! My trusty Pfaff 2.0 jammed - I mean totally stopped - while I was on a tight deadline sewing an ensemble for a fashion show. As I had his card I called him and explained the situation. He said I was welcome to bring the machine to his house to see if there was something he could do for me or at least get it to him faster. He lives 35 minutes away from me. It was more than worth the trip! Normally, we just drop off our machines at Betty's in SLO and pick them up after he calls us to let us know he is done. He has a pick up and drop off circuit on Fridays. As soon as he saw my machine he grabbed his phone to order a part - bobbin case - in case it was needed. Luckily he was able to correct the jam after doing some magic. Turns out I was using cheap & old thread which caused the jam. For a while he and I thought the bobbin case was broken, but it was only dislodged during the jamming. And I was able to take my machine back with me. He even gave me a good spool of thread! Paul was very patient and explained the whole process as he repaired it. I certainly appreciated his willingness to let me bring my machine to his house AND his ability to repair it within 30 minutes. Paul is a very talented sewing machine repairman. Well worth any cost! read more

Where can I start? Paul Howell is a treasured resource for quilters, tailors, embroiderers on the Central Coast. I use my Berninas (1008 and 1230) for a living, often clocking up to 40 hours per week, so Paul's availability to fit them into his busy schedule (often the same day) and his excellence as a problem solver has saved me more than once. His technical knowledge of sewing machines and sergers mechanics spans the full range of industrial to home sewing, older and newer models. Most importantly, he approaches each repair situation with a curiosity and thoroughness that has left me feeling reassured that every possible issue has been explored and addressed. He has even taken the time to explain and show me what he is doing, allowing me to fully understand the problem and solution. Finally, Paul is a friendly, honest, and modest person who is a pleasure to work with. I feel fortunate his workshop is in town, but even when it was in Morro Bay, it was worth the trip! read more

Hi I have only lived in San Luis Obispo for 3 years but l have been lucky enough to been told about Paul when I wanted my sewing machine given a MOT as we call it in the UK and it turn out to be the best thing that I have ever been told as Paul is such a great person and really knows about sewing machines never mind what make or model they are. And he is so helpful as I do not drive now I only have to call him and he arranges to collect and deliver my sewing machine back to me every time. I recommend Paul Howell Sewing Machine Servive to every one as he does go m above and beyond every time. Great Service Paul . read more

I have been working with Paul since I moved to the area in 2014. I depend on my sewing machine to make my living, clocking up to 40 hours per week. Needless to say my machine undergoes a fair amount of wear and tear and thus needs servicing regularly, sometimes on short notice. Paul has not only always been prompt, reliable, and thorough in his work but he is a friendly and generous person who has squeezed me in to troubleshoot and fix my machine at a moments notice. Whether you are a casual craft sewer or a professional seamstress Paul will give you meticulous, knowledgeable service at a reasonable price. read more

I have been having Paul service and repair my three sewing machines. 2 portable machines a Bernina, Janome and my big 6500 Janome. There has been many different problems and also just a good cleaning of the machines. I have been happy with the care he has given to my machines. It has been very helpful for me to be able to take the machines to Betty's and then he calls when he has them fixed and I can then send him a check for the repairs. With betty's closing he is going to have Picking Daisies fabric shop the new place where we can take our machines for him to pick up and repair. Carol Wilcher read more

Paul serviced 2 two Bernina 1090's for me. One I bought new in 1995. The other is a 'used' machine. Paul does pickups & drop-offs at Betty's in SLO. The first time I used my original machine after Paul serviced it, it was like a brand new machine again. It purred! As well as servicing our machines, Paul cleans every part...inside and out. Very impressive compared to other results from individuals who 'service' machines. So if you need to have your machine serviced Paul gets my highest recommendation. Chris L. quilter in SLO read more

Paul saved me a ton of money! I had a bernia that belonged to my mother and had been sitting for a while. I took it to another local repair and they said I needed a whole new motherboard! I was recommended to go to Paul and when I told him over the phone what the problem was he told me how to fix it ! No charge! He is so honest and trustworthy. I have since taken him three other machines to service. I recommend him highly and would not trust anyone else. read more

Mr. Howell recently cleaned my machine. Although he lives in Paso, he was more than accommodating; he has drop off locations at Betty's and the Cottonball. After I received my machine I was very pleased to see extras: an informational sheet on the best threads/needles, and the pair of snipping scissors. I would highly recommend Howell's Sewing Machine Service to anyone needing the service. He goes above and beyond...Woohoo! As good as it gets! read more

Paul is the best Bernina sewing machine repair person on the Central Coast! His service is prompt and excellent. His work is priced very reasonably. The knee lift on one of my machines kept falling out, and Paul came up with a great way to fix it. When the plug on this machine pulled out a part of the circuit board, (yikes!) Paul fixed the problem without having to install a whole new circuit board. He saved me a lot of money! read more

Paul picked up my Janome machine in San Luis Obispo.. I had had it seven years and although I do not use it all the time it needed to be cleaned and adjusted badly. When I got it back it was like having a new machine again. I am so very happy with the service and his reasonable price as well. I am so glad we have Paul in our area. It was very easy and I will definitely call on him again when I need sewing machine service. read more

He is a WIZARD!!! He took care of cleaning a repairing my 35 year old, abused and neglected, Elna sewing machine. For far less than a new machine I have the use of my machine back. I didn't think it would ever work correctly again but he did it, in a timely manner, and he didn't exceed the original quote. I would recommend his services. read more

It's hard to improve on Rachel E.'s lovely review. Everything she says is true! It's so rare nowadays to find someone who is honorable, skilled, happy to share his knowledge, and proud to go above and beyond in his customer service. I'm so grateful I have Paul to keep my elderly Pfaff purring! read more

Paul Howel is not only extremely knowledgeable but a really nice guy. He found time in a busy day to help me with a machine repair when I had an emergency. His prices are reasonable and his work high quality. I could not recommend him more highly. read more

Paul is very thorough. I bought my machine at an estate sale and he got it tuned up nicely. I had a couple issues after and he took the time to call me and walk me through it. Nice man great knowledge of sewing machines! Highly recommend him. read more

Excellent service, I love that I can drop my machine off at Picking Daisys in SLO and pick it up there. Paul returned my machine after only one week. It nows sews smoother after he cleaned and calibrated everything. read more

Paul has exceptional customer service. He responds quickly to email and does fantastic repair work. He went above and beyond to help trouble shoot my Janome. I highly recommend him. read more