The 'sewing guy' celebrates 13 years

VERNON — For most people, the words "lucky" and "13" just don't go together. But a certain sewing machine store owner sees it differently.

This month, Jon Lasslett, owner of Perfect Timing Sewing Machine Co, is celebrating his 13th year in business as Sussex County's popular "sewing machine guy".

Lasslett, along with his longtime business partner and wife, Maureen, have owned and operated several "businesses within a business" at the same location on Route 94 in the McAfee section of Vernon.

In 2001, Maureen opened a full-service quilt shop in the quaint little blue house near the railroad tracks. Early on, they invested in a sewing machine dealership, knowing it was a perfect fit for her quilt-making clientele. Jon immediately became the in-house service and repair technician, and quickly established a reputation for expert sewing machine service.

When Maureen decided in 2011 to close the quilt shop portion of the business, the couple focused on and expanded the sewing machine sales, service and supplies aspect, and "Perfect Timing Sewing Machine Co." was born.

"Anyone that owns a sewing machine and needs parts or accessories can receive knowledgeable, friendly and honest service and advice", Jon Lasslett said. "I have a lot of customers who either inherit a machine that needs to be brought up to snuff mechanically, or who want to upgrade their old machine for a newer computerized version that has lots of extra, modern features. There are also young beginners who just want to try it out to see if they want to go further. I can usually fit them into a quality pre-owned machine that is fully serviced and serviceable, not disposable."

The shop carries a full range of sewing machine feet and accessories for all brands of machines.

"If I don't have it, I can get it", Lasslett said.

Oftentimes, customers come into the shop hoping to find fabric.

"We had a fabric store here for 11+ years," he said. "During that time, we heard from a lot of people that they either had too much fabric at home already (quilters tend to horde large quantities of cotton fabric), or they were going to JoAnn Fabrics for their fabric needs. I still refer them to the Wal-Mart in Franklin or the new JoAnn store in Riverdale for fabric. But if you need anything to do with your sewing machine, you're in the right place".

In spring of 2012, Maureen Lasslett received a request from a local girl scout mom to sew patches onto her daughter's vest.

"She had tried to sew them on by hand, but had a hard time doing it," Jon Lasslett said. "She didn't sew or own a machine, and didn't want to learn how, so she came in with the job to see if we could accommodate her."

So began the shop's patch and leather sewing service.

"Since that first vest, I've sewed patches to dozens of Brownie, Girl and Boy Scout garments, local law enforcement and fire department members, as well as motorcycle enthusiast's leather-wear," Lasslett said.

The motorcycle community's preference for leather led the couple to purchase a leather sewing machine.

"We have an industrial machine, but this new machine can go through the heavy leather of jackets, chaps, saddle bags, and even boots," Maureen Lasslett said. "We can now sew patches over pockets without sacrificing the pocket. It's a dream machine."

She also continues to offer private lessons in sewing machine instruction and quilt-making.

The couple is gearing up for a brisk holiday season, stocking in beautiful new sewing machines and supplies. They are located at 99 Route 94, Vernon, NJ. call 973-823-9297, and check out their website at www.PerfectTimingSewing.com.