Just like a fine automobile, investing in a good sewing machine is tantamount to driving it many miles and years. Last December I bought a Bernina 570 sewing machine from Hinkletown Sewing in Ephrata, Pennsylvania. For the last year, I've "pinky swore" that I would only sew with this machine (along with Carrie Casto and Mary Nielsen who also bought this machine), so we could really get to know our machines; it's tempo, sounds and capabilities.
Fast forward to today when I took my machine in for its one year check-up/clean-up/oiled-up (traveled with bee-mates; Karen Todd, Susie Stevenson and Deb Hoppe), and learned that my machine is still in great shape (of course it is!), and that I've put on 1,003,609 stitches to date!
But I wanted to learn more about this business that has been run by this Mennonite family for over 60 years on a 43 acre spread in the farmlands of Eastern, PA. So I spoke with the patriarch of the family, Ervin Zimmerman, who at 68 is sharp as a tack and loves to please his customers.
Ervin noted that the sewing business was started by his father, Ezra, in the 1950's selling Singer Sewing Machines, and then moved his family to the location they are in now in 1966, and began selling Bernina Sewing Machines. Through the years, the business grew and was passed down to Ervin and his family which includes his wife, Elle Mae, eight children, and now three grandchildren. It's truly a family affair, and everyone knows everything about the business (selling/repairing/teaching).
When I asked Ervin what he likes best about the business, he said he loves all his customers and servicing machines (and they can service any make and brand to boot!).
But what is really fascinating about Ervin and Hinkletown Sewing is that they have run a viable business to a tune of being the number one dealership of Bernina Sewing Machines in the United States, and possibly the world, without a website, computer or any social media. How can they do that you may ask? Well, I had to. Ervin maintained that it's their impeccable work ethic, attention to detail while repairing machines and their overall superior service that keeps bringing customers back to their charming location. (They also farm corn and alfalfa and have dairy heifers that need tending to daily). When I queried whether or not they do any advertising, Ervin said he puts in advertisements in the local papers to Mennonites/Amish folk. And, he claimed that 80% of his business comes from a 50 mile radius of Elphrata.
Lastly, this man who puts his family first and who is inspired by the Bible (mostly New Testament) has never flown in an airplane and lives with very few "modern conveniences" (no TV, radio, computer), has shown that success comes in many forms, maybe even a little "old fashioned" according to some, but still realizing that building solid relationships are still important to maintain 'success.'
If you are ever in the area of the Lancaster, PA area, check out Hinkletown Sewing, 232 Wanner Rd., Ephrata, PA 17522 (717) 354-0204
BSoleille!
Terri
My snowman and cookies and below, Susan Sheehy’s snowman and exact same cookies!
Mary Kay Carlo
ladies of Harcourt: Sarah, Mary Kay, Linda, Sarah and Christie
Linda Duret and Ani Pri
A snowy hike with Rosalie Franek and Sunny the "cat dog". He meowed loudly when his paws got too cold (not kidding) while hiking with us! Last vestiges from the garden for our lunchtime salads (from greenhouse).
25th Wedding Anniversary dinner with my sister Kimberly and bro-in-law, Jerry Kocan, at The District in downtown Cleveland before the big show of Harry Connick, Jr. 
Harry at the piano with a band of 11 members belting out the jazz!
And when I heard the screaming of "Terri Nolan" at the State Theater, I turned around and there was Jason Fox and Cindy Anzalone Fox (Cindy and I were track teammates at Rhodes HS, and I’ve known Jason since he was 14 and we ran on the same summer track team...and I introduced the two of them). Married with 2kids today. Fun night!
