About us, this article is from The Californian Vol. 115 No.16 ( Where We Live ) April 19 2007

     La Mesa Sew & Vac has been a fixture in the community for over 23 years.  Located at 5346 Jackson Drive (near the corner of Fletcher Parkway), LMSV offers Janome and Bernina sewing machines and is a Eureka and Simplicity vacuum authorized sales and service dealer.

     New owners. Monika and Jerry Gassaway, bought the business last year.  Those who have frequented LMSV over the years probably know Monika, who has been with LMSV since 1986.  Also familiar to LMSV customers is “Pete” Heritage, who has worked side by side with Monika for 22 years.  Both are two of San Diego’s foremost experts in the use and features of Janome and Bernina machines. 

     LMSV is one of those special places that people have wandered in and out of over the years, some have purchased machines, others simply curious about new or used machines and even others who have brought a vacuum or sewing machine in for repair.  If they haven’t been in recently, they will immediately feel the “welcome into our home” touch that Monika and Jerry have given the place in its recent renovation.  Newly painted walls, a spacious training room, well-organized notions, country-style furnishings, and tasteful flora now also feature an array of sewn and for-sale items, a tribute of what these state-of-the-art machines can now do.  Everything from embroidery, hundreds of stitch types, appliqués, quilting and of course, the simple straight stitch, one gets a sense that this definitely is NOT your mother’s sewing machine! 

     These machines may intimidate a first time user, okay, let’s be honest, even a seasoned seamstress, what is the difference between LMSV and any other dealer?  The high level of quality service and unrivaled training that comes with the machines.  Monika and Pete understand how daunting it can be for someone who comes in to look at machines, unsure if they are ready to commit to purchasing something they don’t know how to use.  “Sewing, should be enjoyable, not stressful and will only be as good as your equipment allows.  You should not be spending your time resetting tensions, dealing with broken needles, or jammed fabric.  Your time should be spent enjoying the machine and being creative,” says Monika.   LMSV’s low key and caring approach is to match the buyer with the machine best for its intended use, not to sell you something you don’t need.  They will let you know about all the bells and whistles that come with the machines, but more importantly are determined to help you find the machine that best fits your needs.

     Lessons, both private or classes, are taught throughout the week by Pete.  Chances are, if you purchased a machine in the past from LMSV, you have already had lessons with Pete.  Her lessons are not only informative, fun and entertaining, but are insightful as to what you can really do with a sewing machine.  The seemingly complex now becomes simple, and leaves you wanting to learn much more!

     Most of us remember home ed class from old school days or sewing lessons from our mothers, where the zig-zag feature was the only other stitch available on our machines.  In a day and age where quilting clubs and conventions are held throughout the country, equally as many people are returning to the experience of giving gifts from the heart, something made with our own little hands.  

     Sew (So) whether you are entertaining the “notion” of sewing a simple garment or are in the mood to create that special gift, wander back into La Mesa Sew and Vac and get a glimpse of inspiration and that rare “welcome to our home” feeling