Santa Cruz Vac & Sew Celebrates 60 Years of Community

The family-owned sewing and vacuum shop has evolved into a thriving hub for creativity, craftsmanship and connection.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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For more than six decades, the sewing and vacuum shop on Santa Cruz's Ocean Avenue has been a constant in the community. Known for years as Judy's Sewing & Vacuum Center, the store was on the brink of closing when current owners Clare and Nick happened to stop in and strike up a conversation that would change the future of the business. Seven years later, operating as Santa Cruz Vac & Sew, the shop has not only survived but evolved into a thriving community hub where creativity, craftsmanship and connection come together.

Why it matters

In an era dominated by online shopping and disposable products, Santa Cruz Vac & Sew offers longevity and personal service, serving as a gathering place for the local community. The shop's focus on hands-on classes, especially for youth, aims to inspire a new generation of sewers and crafters.

The details

Santa Cruz Vac & Sew is the only dedicated sewing and vacuum store in the region, offering an authorized dealership for premium sewing and vacuum brands. The shop is staffed by local legends in sewing machine repair and vacuum repair, providing expertise and personal service. Classes run daily, filling the store with the hum of machines and conversation, and the shop also sells project kits to make it easy for beginners to get started.

  • Santa Cruz Vac & Sew has been in business for more than 60 years.
  • Clare and Nick purchased the store 7 years ago, in 2019.

The players

Clare

A Santa Cruz native and lifelong sewist, Clare felt pulled to return home and purchase the store when the previous owner, Judy Holloway, put the business up for sale.

Nick

Clare's business partner, Nick came from a high-tech career and saw the store as an opportunity to be part of a more personal, community-driven business.

Judy Holloway

The previous owner of the store, who wanted to sell to someone who truly understood sewing.

Paul

In his 46th year of sewing machine repair, he is a local legend at the shop.

Russ

Has fixed vacuums for 39 years and is also a local legend at the shop.

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What they’re saying

“There's sort of an emptiness in Silicon Valley. You don't get a feeling that anybody is real.”

— Nick (tpgonlinedaily.com)

“I love what I'm doing, which is to sew and to teach people how to sew.”

— Clare (tpgonlinedaily.com)

“We like to sell something we can stand behind and know the customer will be satisfied with.”

— Nick (tpgonlinedaily.com)

“We're not a shop, we are a community here.”

— Clare (tpgonlinedaily.com)

“We've planted a seed. I want them to be inspired. We're going to bring up a whole new generation of sewers in this community.”

— Clare (tpgonlinedaily.com)

What’s next

Santa Cruz Vac & Sew plans to continue expanding its class offerings and community events to further engage the local sewing and crafting enthusiasts.

The takeaway

In an era of online shopping and mass-produced goods, Santa Cruz Vac & Sew stands out as a community-driven, family-owned business that celebrates the art of sewing and craftsmanship. By providing hands-on classes, personalized service, and a welcoming space, the shop is nurturing a new generation of sewers and crafters in Santa Cruz.