Hi, if you have found this page you must be looking for a local sewing machine and sewing goods shop. Right now our shop is known as Michelle's Sewing Basket but in the months ahead we will be changing our name to Ringwood Sewing Centre.
Our History
Jim and Michelle were both were born and raised in New Zealand, and made the decision to immigrate to Australia with their two eldest children in 1988. Settling in the tranquil suburb of North Ringwood, it made sense to establish Michelle's Sewing Basket in central Ringwood, close to home.
For the first years Michelle was the front line manager of the shop, aided by staff who came, contributed and moved on. Each one brought with them vital skills, personality and talent, and were an important part of our business. During the first three years, the shop was a Patchwork shop, selling fabric (and everything else quilters need) and teaching classes. In 2003 Michelle's Sewing Basket was awarded Micro Business of the Year in the Maroondah Business Awards, and Michelle was nominated for Business Woman of the Year.
In 2004 Jim and Michelle decided to take a new direction for the shop. This decision was the begining of the evolution of Michelle's Sewing Basket from Patchwork Shop to one of Australia's Premier Sewing Machine Dealer's. Along the way many awards have been won Husqvarna Viking Gold Dealer, Pfaff Gold Dealer, and in 2011 the prestigious Handi Quilter Way award (awarded for the first time outside of the U.S.A.).
Michelle's expertise in establishing and growing the business has been recognised in her popularity as a guest speaker at various business occacions. Her experience in business, and her personal challenges make her an interesting, uplifiting and engaging speaker.
In recent years Jim has taken a more active role in Michelle's Sewing Basket, and is now the shop Manager. His technicial expertise and extensive sales experiene have brought even more success to the business.
Privately Jim and Michelle, have a busy and happy family. The two eldest children are now adults, and daughter Cara (a Ruldoph Steiner Teacher) lives and works in London, UK, while James is an Electrical Fitter and has settled in the country just a 45 minute commute from the family home. Still at home is youngest child Kevin, who has special needs, and brings a unique perspective on life to the entire family. With the business now well established, Jim and Michelle are enjoying travelling with Kevin, and taking more time to enjoy their family and friends.
Six great reasons to love Ringwood Sewing Centre
1. Prices that will save you money
2. Experienced advice that will save you time and money
3. We don’t just know sewing, we love sewing
4. The largest range of sewing machines so that you can find the right machine for your needs at the right price.
5. We help you to create beautiful sewing creations
6. Buying a leading brand sewing machine from Michelle’s Sewing Basket is not the end result; it is the beginning of a great friendship.
For more than 12 years Michelle's Sewing Basket has operated in the outer eastern suburb of Melbourne, Ringwood. In 2013 Michelle and Jim announced a change in the name of their business, and so Michelle's Sewing Basket became the Ringwood Sewing Centre.
The shop is a hub for sewers from all over Victoria. As a premium sewing machine retailer, the shop stocks both Pfaff and Husqvarna Viking sewing machines, as well as the very reliable Singer machines and the worlds most popular quilting machines from Handi Quilter. In addition a range of patchwork fabrics, threads, books, patterns and notions offer a treasure trove of inspiration and equipment!
Naturally we offer a full range of Sewing Machine servicing (domestic) through our master technician.
Owners Jim and Michelle Aitken are supported by wonderful staff, who are always happy to help you!
If you are looking for classes and workshops our range cannot be beaten! Take a look at our Classes and Workshops to view what is on offer right now at the shop. Remember to look at the Guest Tutor's too. These National and International tutors offer a terrific opportunity for you to learn great new techniques close to home.
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