About Us

Who We Are

Hi.  I'm Michael Ballenger.  My wife Kerri and I moved to Bear Prairie- up the Washougal River from Washougal, WA -  back in 2015.  We both starting  quilting in 2023 and realized we loved it, joining the Cape Horn Quilters and eventually purchasing a long-arm machine.    Early in 2024 I was laid off from a position in project management so Kerri and I made the decision to start a long-arm quilting business, both for fun and for supplemental income.  I've always been a bit of tinkerer and repairman, trained in electronics repair and previously having a business in small computer and laptop repair, so I took a course in sewing machine cleaning, tune-up and maintenance/repair and found I really enjoyed learning about the different types of machines, how they've evolved over the years, and how to keep them in top running condition.   As we go forward, I'm hoping to be able to get into restoration as well, as I really love the older machines- the craftsmanship is exceptional and they're beautiful.

First, Do no Harm

While the basic operations of a sewing machine are pretty much the same, there are a myriad of  brands of machines out there and each individual machine make and model is subtly different.   I'm confident I can clean and tune up most any machine, and do most required troubleshooting and repair, but if the repair is extensive, beyond my skill, parts are unavailable, or the cost of replacement parts and labor would be more than the cost of replacing a machine, I'll tell you so up front.  Most machines only require a cleaning and tune-up to function properly, but if electronics aren't working, wheels aren't turning, or you're hearing loud grinding noises,  it probably going to take a bit more than just a cleaning and tune-up. I'll tell you that, too.

Donations

We also collect some "classic" machines for refurbishment and donation to younger folks who are interested in learning sewing.  I hope to expand on this we continue to grow.  If you have an old machine to donate (preferably in working order), I'd be happy to refurbish it and find it a good home.

For long arm quilting, I also participate with the comfort quilts and patriot quilts programs for Cape Horn Quilters, as well as doing some quilts for Project Linus.

A Veteran-owned/Christian-owned Business

I'm proud to say that I served in the United States Air Force where I retired after 22 years at the rank of Master Sergeant.  I bring that pride and professionalism into this new business and hope I can serve the community as well as I served our nation.

I'm also a Christian and a member of the Salmon Falls Chapel, where you can find me playing keyboards and singing on the praise and worship team on Sunday mornings.  I bring that moral integrity into this business and see it as much as a ministry as a business venture.