Ann Silva's Sewing Center

I've bought every sewing machine I've owned from Ann Silva. I love the machines and I love the service. The most wonderful thing is the classes. If you need an update on how to use a function a class is always available.

This review is of the place itself and not purchasing of the products. I attended a Navajo skirt making class held by the UNM Native American Studies department. Through a grant we were able to learn how to make the skirts. But initially it was only to be my husband to attend. I only went to get measure for the skirt he was going to make me. The place: I had a small difficulty finding the place just because the outside lettering was small but it is nestled in a small shopping plaza. Walking in it was a sewing heaven! The ladies up front were willing to help show you were to go. A large classroom with sturdy tables held many beautiful sewing machines- Swiss Engineered Bernina machines. The class started and several of their fabulous employees (Jan, Julia, Nancy, and Trish) were there to help us pick out a great variety of fabric. Many in our class did not have sewing experience. Many were new to the machine but each person got a basic tutorial of how to it works. Basic changes to a bobbin they made or if something got stuck or hung up. If we had questions of what to do next, steps in the process. There is much more I can add but as you can see in the pictures, we finished our skirts in the day. We were never pressured to purchase any products, we had assistance in cutting material, we used their machines, pins, irons...all the tools! And what do you know, they offer classes for like $10-$100 for ALL AGES on different projects (quilts, bags, etc). I for sure am going to do a class or two. They also do open see nights for women like me who have a machine but dont have the space to sew (i.e. cut material).I highly, HIGHLY recommend just stopping in to find out more of about their classes, products (machines, fabric) or if you just have questions. This is a local business that takes time for you and doesn't push you out the door when your done.

I went there yesterday with the intention of buying a new sewing machine and was rudely treated by a staff member. I am taking my business to a competitor whom has been professional and so helpful with my sewing needs. Unfortunate for this place bc I am spending a great amount of money!

Dear Governor Lujan-Grisham and the Customer Service Department, BerninaThis letter addresses two problems. One, employees at Ann Sylva's Bernina tried to rip me off by pressuring me to pay them $1000.00 for a broken, used sewing machine. The second problem, Tina, an employee of Ann Sylva's, told me that Governor Lujan-Grisham had allowed them to work 40 hours a week, in what Tina described as "a sweat shop" making masks, but without wearing masks themselves while open to customers. I found a used Bernina Artista 200 online between 23 and 25 May 2020. The machine I am writing about now was sold by a Michael, whom I contacted by phone. It turns out that Michael (Mike) is an employee of Ann Sylva's Bernina Sewing Center in Albuquerque, NM. Mike's job is servicing sewing machines, and he told me that he posted that machine for the store, that it had come in the previous Thursday, that he himself serviced that machine, that it came with more feet and accessories than the original machine came with in 2002, when this model made its debut. Mike said that that machine came with a table for under $50.00, and that the machine had low hours, and that he could show me the hours when I came in at 3:30pm. Mike spoke very highly of this machine, even to tell me that it was a Great Deal and that I was lucky to grab it so quickly. I agreed and told him that I wanted to buy it today. I called Ann Sylva's Bernina and made an appointment for 3:30 pm that day. The store closes at 4 p.m. and I felt pressured to leave after only 30 minutes checking the machine before I bought it, all before they closed business for the day.At 3pm, 26 May 2020, I arrived at and entered the Ann Sylva's Bernina Sewing Center. I had a 3:30pm appointment confirmed to buy a used Bernina Artista 200 for $1000.00. When I made this appointment, I was told by employee Tina that masks were mandatory. I agreed. Only one employee I saw, Jan, wore the mandatory mask inside the store while I was there, until just after 4:00 p.m. Some employees had masks on their necks or chins, but some employees and customers simply wore no mask at all while I was in the store.From 3pm to 3:30pm, I shopped for fabric. I don't remember the name of the employee who helped me with the fabric, but I had to ask her nonverbally to put her mask over her nose and mouth. She complied.Around 3:30 pm Tina and Jan both walked me to the back of the classroom. Jan brought a thread spool stand, which she told me to buy, and began to thread the sewing machine on the stand rather than the spool holder on the top of the machine. Guess why. There was no spool cap to keep the moving spool from spinning off the machine. That's not all. The automatic machine threader did not work, so Jan tried to thread the machine needle by hand. Then, the whole machine stopped working when Jan picked it up and moved the machine a few inches from in front of where I was sitting to being on the table in front of her. Then bobbin case door fell off. Tine brought over a new power cord for me to buy, because the original one was loose. Tina then told me that the Artista 200 machine didn't come with all the original feet, that there was no table as described by Mike, that the machine had not been serviced at all, (surprise there!) and most importantly, both Tina and Jan insisted that I had not spoken by phone with Mike that day because he was at home nursing a sprained back. Of course, I refused to buy the broken sewing machine.The entire time that I spent in close contact with Jan and Tina, Jan was the only employee in the building who consistantly wore a mask and wore it correctly. None of the other employees in the building complied with the law while I was there.I don't know why they tried to lie to me about this machine, and I have not yet made a complaint to Ann Sylva herself because she probably knows her used sewing machine inventory and she knows the business practices of her employees.Cyndi Yelton

If every Bernini sewing store offered such attentive, helpful service, no store would have anything but 5-star reviews. I have been to Ann's 5 times now, in the last two months, and have always had at least one of the staff immediately at my side to offer help, if not two. I was unloading my machine from the car and someone came out, said she would get it for me and took it in. Then, two other women stepped up to offer their help. In addition to the professional treatment from employees in the store itself, I have finished two classes for using my Bernina, which I didn't even by in there, and the instructor is so well-informed on the machines, so willing to check my machine to make sure it's set up right, etc., that I will sign up for every single Bernina class going forward that Ann Silva's offers. This is a well-established business, totally professional and well-equipped to take care of customers.

I've lived here for 25 years and have shopped at Ann Silva's for that long and at Bob's for sewing machines and classes. I'm sorry to say that I find employees incredibly rude at both stores. It has only gotten worse over the years. The classes at Silva's were always good. When Ann was living and had the store, even she would never greet me or speak to me though I had spent at least $12,000 on machines and sewing furniture. I'm looking for a new serger. Oh how I wish I could buy it in Chicago where the sales people in sewing stores were not incredibly rude and arrogant. I presumed it was the lack of competition when I moved here. They could be as rude as they wanted to be and still make money. I want a new Pfaff serger but I only have those two stores as options.

Is it possible to give negative stars? I just left this store for the very last time. I was looking for something very specific and was listening to a very delightful lady tell me about my options. There were WORDS COMING OUT OF HER MOUTH and this unkempt person came over, started talking over the top of the nice lady, and demanded she come with her. She never looked at me, never acknowledged that another human was standing there, never said excuse me. I told the nice lady that the other one had been extremely rude and that I intended to tell her so. The poor nice lady said to me, "I'm terribly sorry for that, but if you say anything to her, it will get worse for me, that's my boss." Her 'boss' was rude to me and she's the one who will get in trouble???? That's messed up! That store has gone downhill since Steve took over, this is the last straw for me. Not a place I will ever go again.

Very helpful, knowledgable and friendly! Helped me over the phone to identify a problem with my dress form and recommended solutions.

First, I do NOT write reviews, this is my first. Second, if you are looking for an entry level sewing machine, high end embroidery, quilting/long arm, thread or fabric therapy with a staff that understands your addiction....Ann Silva's Sewing Center is the place to visit. The staff, instruction and creativity exceeds expectations. Great class room with lots of light and the lunch for classes does not disappoint.Sheryl K.

Kudos to Manny - my husband came back a hero - my foot pedal was not functioning, my husband took it over this morning and Manny immediately recognized, diagnosed and fixed it on the spot. Thanks again ! Susan Johnston