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About
Toowoomba's one-stop sewing shop.
Our History
The Sew Handy Story
Sew Handy has been operating a sewing machine business in Toowoomba since 30th October 1970 (45+ years) originally as SINGER only and later as a multi-brand dealer. The business was started by Michelle Huth’s father, Alvin Huth, who has been working in the sewing machine industry since 1952.
Alvin reluctantly completed his school education in 1951 because of a need to support his family. In 1952 getting a job was just as difficult and competitive as it is today and although he applied for work in many fields he was unsuccessful in gaining the type of work he thought he wanted. He applied for and was successful in obtaining a position with Singer Sewing Machine Co. in Rockhampton as a sewing machine assembler and trainee mechanic.
The wage for a 17 yr old was 4 pound 2 shillings ($8.20). His job was to unpack and assemble new sewing machines, mostly treadle machines, for the Singer shops at Maryborough, Bundaberg, Rockhampton and Mackay and Sales and Service Reps at Monto, Biloela, Gladstone, Emerald, Barcaldine and Sarina.
New stock was ordered every 3 months from the Singer factory at Clydebank, Scotland for delivery 12 months later.
The ordering would take into account, 1 machine in 4 to be damaged in transit and unsaleable. Sometimes the 4 machines in one box were damaged. Learning the repair work was fitted in when there were no orders for new machines to be assembled and despatched.
The main repairs were the complete overhauls of old, badly worn, Singer 127K (long bobbin), 66K (top loading bobbin) and 15K (underneath centre bobbin).
The K means the Singer machine was manufactured in KILBOWIE, a suburb of Clydebank in SCOTLAND.
Sewing Machine Innovations
1952
Hinged presser foot on some models
1952
Dialed tensions – on some models
1952
Reverse sewing stitch – on some models
In 1952 Alvin thought that Singer sewing machine was a product not a Brand name. It was about 6 months after starting work that a sewing machine came in for repair that did not have SINGER on it. It was marked NEW HOME.
In 1952 the only zigzag machine available was a Singer Model 206K10 on an industrial bench with a ¼ HP motor under the bench. When the mechanic left in 1954 Alvin had to do mechanical work full time as well as supervise the assembly of new machines and give mechanical training to the new Sales and Service Reps.
1953-1958
- Introduction of fancy disk machines
- Aluminium castings – lighter weight
- First coloured machines – green and brown
- Foot controls instead of knee controls
- First free arm machines (Singer 222K Feather weight and 320K with pattern stitche)
- Removal of fancy gold and coloured decals from bases and heads of machines.
Alvin later became a Sales and Service Rep. in Rockhampton and later, all the country areas from Biloela, Theodore, Taroom, Emerald to St. Lawrence, doing sales, repairs, problem-solving and tuition.
Areas We Service
Our customers come from far and wide to benefit from our sewing experience and wide range of products.
- Toowoomba
- Chinchilla
- Dalby
- Oakey
- Crows Nest
- Goombungee
- Yarraman
- Harlaxton
- Wilsonton
- Roma
- Charleville
- Highfields
- Withcott
- Murphys Creek
- Pittsworth
- Cooyar
- Gowrie Junction
- Kleinton
Experience
As a result of the experience and training we have on all brands of sewing machines and overlockers over the last 63 years, we feel confident that we can help and advise customers with most of their sewing problems, no matter what brand or model they may have.
Alvin Huth retired from full time work in July 2015 and the SEW HANDY business is now being operated by his daughter, Michelle Huth, who has over 40 years’ experience and knowledge on all aspects of sewing machines, dressmaking and embroidery. Michelle was using her first sewing machine in Adelaide, SA at the age of three. She was given a very old sewing machine to keep and use later on but lost the long shuttle and shuttle slide plate IN THE SANDPIT. Michelle still has that sewing machine today (minus the long shuttle and shuttle slideplate.) She has always been interested in sewing, sewing machines, crochet, fancy work, dressmaking and design, patchwork and quilting.
After high school Michelle did a three year Fashion Studies course in Brisbane and then worked with a dress designer for 12 months before returning to Toowoomba. Michelle worked full time at SEW HANDY from 1981-1989, attending to all aspects of the business. In 1989 she was offered the position of Manageress in the sewing, sewing machines and knitting departments at Myer, Toowoomba.
Michelle accepted this position to gain further knowledge and experience for her passion of sewing. She returned to SEW HANDY in 1991 and has been working as Manageress until she took over the business herself in August, 2015.
Michelle has a vast knowledge of all types, brands and models of sewing machines and overlockers from the top of the range quilting and embroidery machines that will do everything (except make good coffee) to that low priced machine with the brand name that no one has heard of or is willing to repair.
Whatever the brand of machine or problem, Michelle may be able to help you.
she is SEW HANDY.
Always remember – we are SEW HANDY.
Michelle Huth
Michelle is the owner and manager of Sew Handy.
She has a wealth of knowledge and experience, having worked in the industry for over 40 years. Since getting her first sewing machine at the age of three, there isn’t much about sewing machines, embroidery, dressmaking or quilting that she hasn’t turned her hand to!
Whether you need advice on a new machine, help with your existing machine, clothing alterations or some hints on your latest quilting project – Michelle is more than likely to be able to help.
Pop in and see her at Sew Handy, or give her a call.
Jan Jeffries
Hi from Jan
I’m the worker round here of 10 years.
I sell machines, put stock out, clean and fix or service machines.
Like everyone, I was sewing my own clothes from a very young age. Then I was making clothes for my three boys. After this I joined the military for 20 years.
I have worked in retail, hospitality, truck driving and beauty.
I always said that I never wanted to make quilts. LOL, well I have certainly made my fair share and have a lot of knowledge – although there is still plenty to learn. Oh well – just make more!
Brands Stocked
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Sewing Projects
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On the move
Sew Handy Toowoomba
In 1958, Bill Davis, the Singer Supervisor for North Qld. who resided in Rockhampton was appointed to supervise South Australia and offered Alvin a job in Adelaide. To increase his knowledge and experience, Alvin went to SA and worked in Adelaide and surrounding areas for 4 years, managing 3 different SINGER shops. He then returned to QLD to manage 2 different SINGER shops in Brisbane. He was later transferred to Townsville to manage the shop there and later appointed Supervisor for North Queensland.
In 1970, Singer started the process of offering their shops for independent dealership. Alvin then moved to Toowoomba and took over the Singer shop as an independent business.
During the 45 years that SEW HANDY has operated in Toowoomba the business has occupied 5 different premises, the latest being the present address of Shop 11, Northlands Shopping Centre, 8 Hume St, Toowoomba. Q. 4350. Over the years, because of changes in the economy and distribution and marketing of sewing machines, many sewing machine businesses have closed and SEW HANDY has been offered the dealership of other brands.
For many years SEW HANDY has had the dealership of the following brands – Singer, Brother, Bernina, Elna, Babylock, Husqvarna and Janome, plus a range of industrial machines. This has been a continual learning curve for all of our staff who have offered demonstrations, tuition for customers, sewing classes, spare parts and accessories, minor adjustments to basic machines and major service and adjustments for the top of the range electronic embroidery and quilting machines.
