I began going to Sew Contempo back in 1991, when I had a medical client near nearby NASA on the southeast side of Houston. Actually, there was a Half Price Books in the large strip center, next door, so I ended up wandering into Sew Contempo. This was the first store I had come across that had sewing videos for rent, and I began renting and going in regularly. They were a multibrand dealer, owned by a British guy named Jerry and his wife. They were particularly aggressive with pricing on their machines. In the intervening years, they got heavily into passive machine embroidery, carrying Viking, Brother and Bernina machines. Additionally, they carry a large selection of quilting supplies, including bolts and fat quarters. Several years ago, Jerry retired and the woman who took over has continued to provide the same high level of friendly and expert service for which the store is known. A few years ago a branch was opened in Missouri City, a suburb on the southwest side of Houston. I continue to go to the Egret Bay location as it's more convenient for me. This was another store that used to handle the real Swiss Elna machines, but that died out. I also enjoy the extensive range of sewing books in all areas of interest. There is also an extensive range of threads, in different brands. Sew Contempo has regular classes and seminars of interest to sewers; a visit to their thread site will show the calendar. On any given weekend, in particular, this store does quite a busy business, and fortunately there is a large staff to serve customers. This part of Houston is rather upscale and the store is well suited to its clientele. I have had service on many machines done at the store, and have always been well satisfied. I feel fortunate to have it as a resource, as it has been for over 15 years. I also enjoy that, if I have a question on my machines, I can call into Houston and speak with someone who really knows the machines, and will take the time to answer any questions. It's part of why they continue to get my regular business.
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very nice, thorough review. I would add that Marsha, Jerry's wife, was actually the former owner. The store was started by Marsha's mother.
So thankful to have a nice resource like Sew Contempo in our area. ;-) I hear that they plan to get more garment fabrics this year...it has become almost exclusively a cotton/quilting fabrics store (along with the machines, etc.). thanks
I never knew Marsha was the owner! I tended to gravitate talking machines with Jerry. They both were good people. I usually hit the Hancock nearby for garment fabrics, much nicer than the one on the SW side. Thanks for the info!
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