SLO County shop repairs sewing machines — and vacuums? And it’s still going strong

Kim Young did not like to sew as a teenager, even though all her time was spent at her parents’ sewing machine and vacuum shop.

Fast-forward over 40 years later, and half of her business is sewing-centric.

Young now owns Atascadero Sewing and Vacuum Center, selling the two appliances and offering walk-in repair services. Her favorite sewing project? Repurposing clothing and adding embroidered or quilted designs to everyday items.

“To me, something made just feels so meaningful compared to just going out and buying something, because you’re thinking about them the whole time you’re making it,” Young told The Tribune. “They’re in the back of your mind. You’re picturing them hoping they’ll enjoy it. So it has evolved, it’s even like therapy for me now to be able to sew.”

The shop opened back in 1974 under the Carlton Hotel’s leased spaces as A&M Sewing and Vacuum, then moved to its existing spot at 5925 Traffic Way in Atascadero a few years later.

In 1989, Young and her husband bought the shop from her parents and bought the building too.

Since working and owning the shop, Young has seen firsthand how new technology and software has expanded the capabilities of both vacuums and sewing machines.

“Machines, like to- of-the-line back in the 80s, was $1,000 and that was a lot of money,” she said. “The top-of-the-line now is $25,000, and they’re like a computer in and of themselves. All along the way, we’ve had to go to the different companies and get trained by the companies on the new models and the new machines and stuff.”

How the two appliances became combined? Young had no idea, but linked it back to a few decades ago when the household tools like vacuum cleaners and sewing machines were used in tandem.

“We used to sew a lot, it used to be more economical,” she said. “Now it’s not so much more economical, as much as just a therapeutic and fun and an escape or hobby.”

The majority of Atascadero Sewing and Vacuum Center business now comes from repairs of both appliances.

Young heads the sewing machine repairs and even provides lessons for those operating a new machine or who are just stuck on a project.

Young’s son-in-law Cooper is the shop’s vacuum technician, whose skills go beyond repairing every brand and model of vacuums. People have even brought in lamps, fans, food processors and other small appliances for him to take a look at.

“We’re just here to assist in whatever way we can on either side,” Young said. “If you were to purchase something, all the repairs are done here, the warranty is covered here. It’s none of this sending it off, having to contact a company back east. It’s more of a local support system.”

Repair shops like Atascadero Sewing and Vacuum Center don’t appear to have business troubles, as Young’s in-laws are planning to take over the business once Young retires and passes on the family business to the next generation.

The “disposable mentality” of increased consumption of goods and services is not tolerated in the shop, Young said. Why purchase a new vacuum or sewing machine when one can buy one that will last them 25 years?

“That’s the heart,” she said. “That’s one of the mentalities is, yes, you can spend more initially, but it’s going to last you for 20 or 30 years. You might have to service it or keep maintaining it, like changing the oil in your car, but it will last you. In the long run, it costs you so much less.”

For more information

Atascadero Sewing and Vacuum Center is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information about the legacy business, visit its website at atascaderosewingandvacuum.com.