From high tech to basics, sewing center has it all Bernina Sewing Center offers new look but same level of service BY ERIN O. STATTEL Staff Writer MATAWAN - The Bernina Sewing Center is not just a stitch in time, but has something for sewers of all ages. "This is not your grandmother's sewing store," said owner Lois Reitz. "Sewing machines have become so high-tech now, but we still offer basic machines." Reitz first opened the store about 20 years ago in one of the Victorian buildings that stood where the shopping center and bank are located on the corner of Route 34 andMain Street, in theMain Street Village Shopping Center. The business then moved to the Marketplace on Route 34, but is on the move again. This time, the Bernina Sewing Center will only move two doors down. Moving from 434 Route 34 to 443C Route 34, the Bernina Sewing Center promises to continue to offer its patrons the same quality of service.Abank will replace its current location, again. On April 5, the store celebrated its grand reopening. "I first got involved with all of this because of my love for Bernina sewing machines and just sewing in general," Reitz explained. "Our store has become a place where all sorts of people come through." Reitz explained that the sewing store has regulars from all over the area. "We have people who have jobs as executives in New York City to people from the area who just want to come in and chat and have lunch with us," she said. "This place is not your ordinary sewing store," said Debbie Leather, an employee at the Bernina Sewing Center. "I amglad Lois went along with themove, the sewing community would be lost without this store." According to Leather, the new store that was under construction for the past five months has a completely new classroom that was showcased at the store's grand reopening Saturday, April 5. In addition to sewing machines and accessories, the store offers all kinds of sewing and embroidery classes, and according to Reitz, which is what they are known for. "We hold classes every day and we have teachers here who specialize in their fields," Reitz said. "There is a professor from the Fashion Institute of Technology [NewYork] who teaches to teens and we also have quilters teaching how to do new stitches each class." The store also has classes led by machine technicians. "Sewing is very popular now because young people want their clothes to look different yet be ready to wear," Reitz said. "We get people from Staten Island, Old Bridge, Monroe and people fromthe Shore towns as well." The store is a dealer of Bernina Sewing machines and was named after the Bernina Sewing Co. The Bernina Sewing Co. is a family-owned company that was founded in Switzerland more than 100 years ago. Similarly, Reitz said the store employees are like family. Those interested in the Bernina Sewing Center can sign up for e-mail notification of class schedules by e-mailing berninactr@ aol.com.