I have gotten my sewing machine repaired there twice. I just noticed that they sell fabric in the back room! I was not made to feel really welcome when I asked about the fabric or other sewing machine supplies. They did a great job repairing my Singer machine, I know it isn't one of the expensive models but it works great for me. But if I was a sales person I'd be engaging walk in customers with questions about their sewing projects and trying to sell them something else or offer a class that's coming up. Maybe they don't need the business? read more

I'd shopped at the Carpentersville location a few times and was 'helped' but never serviced. Engagement limited to what could only be described as transactional. No interest in my projects or the products they could provide. No interest in me. They even serviced my machine.- but when I inquired about the screw that was lost either in my sewing room or in my actual sewing machine, they couldn't tell me if it was or wasn't found. I recently decided to drop in and pick up some thread for a project I was excited about. After describing the project that potentially could use up to 50 different colors, it was met with a very less than enthusiastic 'oh'. I was directed to an amazing 50 cent a spool thread sale. I naturally started digging for every color possible. The manager started taking out threads that I 'didn't need.' I have 2 sewing embroidery combo machines, a serger and a 12 foot quilting system that resides in what used to be my living room. I assure you, I need thread. But some were for hand quilting. Now, I'll never understand hand quilting...but I do know that I've got two hands should I ever find the use for a 50 cent spool of thread. In our mostly one sided conversation, are grunts and mumbles even considered conversation? I mentioned that I had sent an email about my machine and I didn't receive a reply. Emails checked...oh...that's the other store. Does that store not answer emails? (They do not). I emailed 9/24. This visit was on 10/2. Email forwarded to the 'right' email that still hasn't received a response. Essentially being a bored house-husband that loves to sew, I set all that aside and ventured out to the Woodstock location. What sewist/embroiderer/quilter/serger bored with lots of money man wouldn't drive several towns over for the chance of getting a 50 cent spool of thread? Even if it's for hand quilting? I walk in- explain that I had been at the other store, explain why I was there, and with wonder in my eyes I stared into the blank gaze of a woman saying 'nope, no 50 cent spools of thread here.' The next 20 minutes we spent...oh..we is me and Mr Money Bags...we pull out bolts...look at patterns, compare colors....then we leave. Customers leave. That's what they do. I'm the type of customer that will tell you why I'm your customer...and why I'm not. So, I did some research. Found owner emails on the Better Business Bureau. Found it odd that the emails listed several versions of a Sewing Concepts domains - but their current 'receive only no reply' emails are sbcglobal Hmmm. Not one to back down, I'm armed with a name. So I email...again...inquiring about Lynda and or Doug Remmers. Surely they'd like to know what's going on within their walls. Would it shock any one to know that the blank gaze that I'd looked into was on the face of Lynda? I'm not sure why I left every encounter with this company feeling 'unliked'. Could be that I'm a man. Could be that I'm a gay man. Could be that I simply have a minimum expectation of consumer engagement and who I am and who I am not willing to give my money to- 50 cents spools be damned. You've been in business for a while, my thousands and thousands of dollars spent on my little hobby may not even matter to you. It clearly matters to me. And probably to customers that enjoy respect, follow through, honesty. Oh...and you'd have seen more of my money, but when I watched you order the ruler that I needed from your Amazon account...it just showed me that I can cut out the middle man. One last thing...50 cent spools sales has to be one of the stupidest decisions ....ever. Quilters buy half completed quilt tops, scraps that should be used for dog beds, and everything in between. We'd pay ...75 cents ...at least. Now, imagine if it was applied to my $50-50 cent thread spools. Maybe with the profits you could get the type of emails that have a REPLY button read more

The staff is very nice and helpful. We stopped in for fabric. Although my grandma found some for her project I think the selection is limited. I have no experience with machine sales or maintenance. read more

I stop by Sewing Concepts each time I need embroidery thread, I have not run into rude people at all... not sure if by the other reviews that the customer or employee was having a bad day, but I've been in maybe 15 times, and never felt I was being spoken to in a bad way at all. I love Michelle and the classes she offers, I wish I would make more time to take more, and I will eventually. She is very knowledgeable, a great teacher and so super sweet! Great layout for classes and I would highly recommend this store, and their other shop in Woodstock that I have also been to, because my second class I signed up at the wrong location! LOL that was on me... so I took the drive and was very happy that I did. read more

Fabulous!! This place has endless notions, fabrics and great machines. The people working there are really nice. They have a nice schedule of classes. They repair sewing machines and when I found out it was going to be a long wait because one of their repair guys was gone they gave me a loaner. Thank you, Sewing Concepts!! read more

I cannot say enough great things about this place. I've bought 2 machines and now i find myself going back for classes and great advice. They are great at keeping up with current trends and make it easy to reproduce results read more

I started taking classes at Sewing Concepts in the Spring of 2015. Had Kelly as my first instructor. She was great, very knowledgable and very helpful. I thought she was so good that I've now taken 4 classes with her. I'm sorry for Laurie but I've never heard Kelly be rude to anyone. She can be very matter of fact, and always explained why. I just signed up for another class and looking forward to it. read more

I am shocked that the owner allows such a rude, condescending manager to run their store. Kelly is quite short with customers, myself included. I tried giving her a second chance after our first encounter, and again I left feeling rather abused. Ridiculous!! Will not be back. read more

My grandmother took her sewing machine here to get it fixed. After receiving a voicemail saying they could not fix it and that they would be willing to recycle it for her, she called them back to tell them she wanted her machine and not to recycle it. During the phone call, the lady told my grandma that they had already recycled the $400 machine WITHOUT PERMISSION! Now my 87 yr. Grandmother, who traveled 45 min to this location, is down a machine. Thanks sewing concepts! read more

Kelly, who told me she was the owner was extremely rude and treated me like second class while I was asking my question the Kelly raised her voice in a very rude manner and stated in a demeaning tone and I quote,"well do you want help or not". Wow...then she stated,"I don't quilt on a machine like that", as she pointed to the machines on display. She continued,"I only do longarm". Kelly is fortunate to have two in store she can use. She then took a call and asked the person who called her in a rude manner,"do you know how to read,are you doing what it says" I stood there in shock. Why does Kelly believe it is ok to speak to anyone in this manner it is totally unacceptable. Just remember Kelly best advertising is word of mouth..not from me...why do you think it is sleight to speak to people like you do. It isn't the first time you spoke to me like this I will never be back or refer anyone to your store. read more

I love this store. I have bought 3 machines from them, a janome 1500, a serger, and a long arm. I have always been treated with the utmost consideration and care. Kelly is super. she is so knowledgeable and helpful, and I am one of those people who has a million questions and need lots of help. she never fails to answer all my calls and questions, and I would recommend this store to anyone. read more