Celebrate National Sewing Machine Day at Mayhall’s Sewing & Vacuum Center

Forty years. That’s how long it has been since Alex Carnevali purchased the Mayhalls’s Sewing & Vacuum Center (2252 Honolulu Ave.) in Montrose (in 1973). Add another 20 years since Clarence Mayhall started the business and we have a sewing powerhouse that has been serving this area for 60 years! In this day and age, that is quite a feat. After meeting the staff and hearing about what they do, I have a whole new appreciation for the knowledge and dedication they bring to the craft.

Did you know that Alex was originally studying to be an optometrist, like his brother, until fate intervened. He was asked by the original Mayhall’s owner to do some repairs and one thing led to another. Next he was managing a store and soon after became its owner. Alex has always loved Montrose and wanted his two children Anthony and Katherine to grow up here. And grow up they have. Son Anthony got his business degree at Cal State and is the store manager.

The Carnevalis have a solid team working with them. Althea Kennedy is the on site home economist, teaching classes and leading the Bernina Club. The Bernina is the finest sewing machine one can buy and Mayhall’s is an authorized dealer.  I can’t believe how these machines have changed since the days when I took sewing lessons at the age of 13! Today’s Bernina has computer panels and can do everything from embroidery, painting fabric, crystal work, and quilting and Althea can teach you how to do it all. Imagine learning to sew in a cute town like Montrose!

Etienne Gervais (pronounced A-T-N) also teaches and specializes in pattern making. He studied fashion design and has been sewing since he was 10. Marty Pollack is the repair technician who has been a master of his craft for over 30 years – such a recognized master that people come from 200 miles away to have him service their machines.

And then there is the Mayhall’s mascot, an adorable bull dog named Stanley that makes sure everyone is doing their jobs. Stanley loves visitors and is so popular that people bring their kids just to see him. Stanley is there every day except Sundays and Mondays. He has a good work ethic and doesn’t believe in working like a dog.

Next Tuesday, Sept. 10 is National Sewing Machine Day, a good reason to take the time to check out Mayhall’s and congratulate them on doing a fine job these last 40 years. Their website www.mayhallssewingcenter.com will give you the latest on class schedules. Alex, Anthony, Marty, Althea, Etienne, Stanley and Berninas are a winning combo!

  Mary Dawson