What started as a dream has become something much bigger than Kenya imagined.

For another summer, JUKI Ambassador Kenya welcomed young sewists to I’m Sew Fantastic, her summer sewing camp created to give children the opportunity to learn sewing, explore fashion, and discover what they can create with their own hands. Now finishing its third summer, the camp continues to grow, bringing together new students, returning campers, families, volunteers, and an incredible community of partners who help make the experience possible.

And while the students may come to camp to learn how to sew, Kenya has discovered that the lessons they take home reach far beyond the sewing machine.

“Surreal!” Kenya says when asked how it feels to look back on how much the camp has grown. After this year’s fashion show, she returned home, sat on the sofa, and cried. The feeling was a mix of disbelief, joy, gratitude, and exhaustion.

“I truly have no words to explain the feeling,” she says. “Being able to encourage young people and teach them a skill is next level.”

A New Group, A New Energy

This year brought 17 students to camp, 13 of whom were new. After having many of the same students return during the previous two years, Kenya found herself working with a completely new mix of personalities and creative energy.

“They were wild, crazy, rambunctious, and completely different from one another,” she says. “They did not come to play around!”

The students were eager to get to the sewing machines and start creating. Their enthusiasm pushed Kenya to give even more of herself to the experience, while the constant laughter and giggles made the days even more memorable. But perhaps the most important part of the camp happened before the machines were even turned on.

Each morning, students grab a Post-it note and Sharpie and write down why they are “I’m Sew Fantastic” that day. They then gather in their social circle, where each student reads their affirmation aloud before placing it on a large pink heart on the wall. It may seem like a simple exercise, but Kenya has seen how powerful it can be.

“By the time we are done, they are on beast mode and ready to conquer the day,” she says.

The activity gives students a chance to practice speaking positively about themselves and encourages them to build their confidence, find their voice, and believe in who they are.

Creativity Meets Challenge

The camp curriculum continued to grow this year, introducing students to new techniques and challenges while giving them opportunities to think like designers.

Students practiced sewing straight lines and curves on paper before moving to fabric, helping them develop hand-eye coordination and build confidence with their machines. They worked on straight stitches, zigzag stitches, backstitching, cutting, pressing, garment construction, bag making, denim, upcycling, and textile design. Returning and more advanced students also had the opportunity to work with a serger.

The campers were challenged to think beyond simply deciding what they wanted to make. Kenya encouraged them to consider why they wanted to make it, who they were designing for, and how they could make each piece feel uniquely theirs.

When challenges inevitably arose, the students learned another important part of sewing: things do not always go perfectly the first time. Sometimes, that meant taking a 20-minute break outside to run around, laugh, dance, or enjoy an ice cream sandwich before returning to the machines.

“Creativity is not always clean or easy,” Kenya explains. “But if they trust themselves, keep showing up, and keep stitching, they can create something amazing.”

From Goodwill Finds to Runway Looks

Two of the students’ favorite activities this year were Upcycling Week and textile design.

During Upcycling Week, the Kenya and “I’m Sew Fantastic” partnered with Goodwill of North Georgia and were given just 15 minutes to find specific items in the store. Inspired by Kenya’s own Project Runway experiences, the challenge gave the students a limited amount of time to shop before returning to the workroom and transforming their finds into completely new looks!

The students also created their own textile designs through a partnership with Mimaki, which printed their designs onto fabric. For many of the kids, seeing their own designs come back as real fabric was unforgettable.

“Some of them do not even want to cut into it,” Kenya jokes.

Then came the moment they had all been working toward: the fashion show.

More than 150 guests gathered to cheer the students on as they walked the runway in creations they had made themselves. The evening featured bags, upcycled looks, textiles, denim, and finale pieces, with parents, volunteers, designers, board members, and community partners all working together behind the scenes. And once the students stepped onto the runway, Kenya watched their confidence transform.

“They were strutting down that runway with so much confidence, heads held high, shoulders back, hips turning like they do this regularly,” she says.

The students were recognized with I’m Sew Fantastic trophies, gift cards, and varsity jackets, celebrating not only technical achievement but also perseverance, creativity, and showing up every day ready to give their best.

More Than a Sewing Machine

For Kenya, one of the most emotional moments of the summer came from a student named Lauren.

Lauren was always busy creating, sometimes spending more time hot-gluing rhinestones than sewing, and she even missed several days of camp. On the final day, she stayed late to catch up on her work. Somewhere between learning a TikTok dance and teaching a zigzag stitch, Kenya realized just how much more the camp had become.

After the awards and fashion show, Lauren asked if she could speak. She talked about how much she loved camp, then handed Kenya a single yellow rose and began to cry.

She thanked Kenya for believing in her and teaching her how to sew. Then she told her that she would never forget her and hoped Kenya would never forget her. Kenya cried too.

“In that moment, I realized this was always bigger than sewing,” she says.

What began as teaching kids how to use a machine, thread a needle, and make something beautiful with their hands had become something deeper. Parents had found community with other parents. Students had formed friendships. And Kenya herself discovered that she was learning just as much from the children as they were learning from her.

Their impact on her has become one of the most meaningful parts of I’m Sew Fantastic.

JUKI: Part of the Camp’s Foundation

Kenya is equally passionate about the role JUKI has played in making the camp possible.

“Listen… there would be no I’m Sew Fantastic summer camp without JUKI,” she says.

The program is designed to provide a full camp experience, including meals, supplies, sewing machines, and creative opportunities. While tuition is $1,000, Kenya says the average parent is able to contribute around $300, and sometimes nothing at all. Support from partners helps bridge that gap and allows more children to participate.

JUKI provides sewing machines for the students to use throughout camp and also provides a machine for the top student to take home. One of the first students to receive a machine was Jaliyah, who has since become a camp counselor. Her parents continue to send Kenya photos of the things she creates, and Jaliyah now hopes to attend design school.

For Kenya, that is what partnership looks like. “That is not just a donation. That is a seed planted in a child’s future.”

The machines have also become part of a safe creative space for students throughout the year. Sometimes, Kenya says, kids will call and ask if they can come to the studio simply to sit at a machine and create.

“They do not even want to talk,” she says. “They just want to sit at a machine, create something with their hands, and process whatever feelings they may be holding inside.”

A Village Behind the Vision

I’m Sew Fantastic is made possible by an entire community of partners and volunteers.

YKK supplies zippers, KAI Scissors provides scissors and cutting tools, Goodwill of North Georgia supports the campers’ upcycling activities, Mimaki prints the students’ textile designs, and the Emme Darnell Aviation Center provides a home for the camp.

SHEIN, OLISO, Ironmatik Ironing Boards, Jiffy Steamer, PepsiCo, and local produce partners also contribute resources that help create the full camp experience.

This year, volunteer Tammy became an especially memorable part of the camp. After responding to a call for volunteers, she committed to being there every day. She brought joy and laughter to the students and even embroidered the 4 sewists varsity jackets, created patches, and made the I’m Sew Fantastic trophies. Local sewing volunteers and fellow designers also stepped in throughout the summer.

For Kenya, all of these contributions represent something much larger: a community choosing to invest in young people.

The Dream Continues

And Kenya’s vision for I’m Sew Fantastic is still growing.

The organization is now a vendor in the Atlanta school system, allowing local schools to sign up for after-school programming. Kenya is also developing beginner and intermediate curriculum, expanding fundraising efforts, and continuing to build relationships with the partners who have supported the program.

One of her biggest dreams is to create a permanent I’m Sew Fantastic building with dedicated spaces for sewing, cutting, pressing, steaming, and more, while showcasing the companies and organizations that have helped make the program possible.

Ultimately, she hopes to expand beyond four weeks of summer programming into year-round classes covering pattern making, draping, sewing techniques, and other areas of fashion design. One day, she would even love to see I’m Sew Fantastic expand to other cities and become a certified junior fashion school.

But even with all those dreams ahead, Kenya knows the heart of the program will remain the same.

It is about giving young people a place to create, helping them discover that they can do hard things and build community. And, of course, sewing.

“I’m Sew Fantastic is sew much bigger than I ever imagined,” Kenya says. “It has truly turned into something sew freaking special.”

From every stitch to every runway walk, I’m Sew Fantastic is showing young people that when they are given the tools, encouragement, and space to create, they can make something beautiful and sometimes, they can discover something beautiful within themselves along the way.

Behind every JUKI sewing machine is a story of innovation, precision, and creativity. In celebration of National Sewing Machine Day and Month, we’re exploring the history and milestones that have shaped the JUKI brand.

The story of JUKI begins long before today’s advanced sewing technology. From its beginnings in Japan in the late 1930s to its evolution into a global leader in sewing innovation, JUKI’s journey is filled with decades of engineering breakthroughs, industry leadership, and milestones that have shaped the way people sew around the world. Let’s take a closer look at the history behind the JUKI name.

It Started With the HA-1

Every legacy has a starting point. For JUKI, that journey began with the HA-1, the company’s first household sewing machine.

The organization that would become our predecessor was established in 1938 as the Tokyo JUKI Manufacturers Association. In 1945, our business description changed to sewing machine manufacturing, and household sewing machine parts manufacturing began as well. Then, in 1947, we completed the HA-1, our first household sewing machine.

And the HA-1 didn’t quietly make its way into history. In 1947, it received an A-class designation from the Sewing Machine Performance Examination Committee under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It was also selected as a special prize item for New Year’s greeting cards with lottery numbers in 1947, 1950, and from 1952 through 1955.

Developing the HA-1 involved a process of trial and error after we began with parts manufacturing. The machine was then assembled according to a unified standard in the sewing machine industry.

That first household machine gave us a place to begin, but household sewing was only one part of where our sewing machine story was headed.

We Took Our Sewing Expertise Further

The 1950s were an exciting time for the clothing industry, and JUKI was ready to keep pace. As demand for ready-to-wear apparel grew, we expanded beyond household machines and entered the world of industrial sewing in 1951. JUKI developed a single-axis rotary balance mechanism designed to increase sewing speed and improve sewing quality, and our first industrial sewing machine using the mechanism was released in 1953.

From there, our history became increasingly tied to sewing technology and innovation. In 1957, we received the Imperial Invention Award for our single-axis rotational thread take-up lever. During the 1960s, we developed sewing machines using a mechanism called Rotalix, which was also connected to an Imperial Invention Award.

And then, our household machines entered another new chapter. In 1970, we released our first electronic sewing machine. Throughout the 1970s, we continued developing new household sewing machine models.

It is interesting to look at that progression. We had started with the HA-1, expanded into industrial sewing machines, continued developing mechanical sewing technology, and were now bringing electronics into our household machines. The sewing machine was changing, and we were changing right along with it.

The Story Gets Bigger

While we were developing new sewing technologies, we were also expanding beyond Japan. In 1974, we established our first U.S. office in New York City. The operation later moved to a larger facility in Saddle Brook, New Jersey, in 1976.

Then came 1978, and another piece of our story that would become especially interesting for home sewers.

We manufactured our first home overlock machines using industrial serger technology and introduced them to the American market. These machines became known as the JUKI Lock MO-100 Series and represented a breakthrough in home sewing capabilities.

This wasn’t the last time industrial sewing technology would appear in our household machine story. In fact, it would become a recurring part of our development.

Welcome to the Computer Age

By the 1980s, sewing machines were entering a very different era. This was the beginning of the age of computer sewing machines controlled by software, and our HZL line continued to grow with models including the HZL-5000 Series, HZL-3000, HZL-7000 Series, HZL-8800, and HZL-9800.

We were also continuing to develop technologies that would become part of our home sewing machines. In 1985, we developed an automatic thread tension function and released a household sewing machine equipped with the technology. Automatic thread tension became one of our major home sewing technology developments.

And while all of this was happening, our household lineup continued to expand in other directions, too.

The MO-600 series was introduced in 1989. In the 1990s, we introduced SPUR, a series of high-speed, straight-stitch semi-professional and portable industrial sewing machines which became a long-selling product line and helped us become a manufacturer of tailor-use sewing machines.

When Industrial Technology Came Home

In 1998, the TL-98E debuted as an industrial-type machine for home sewers. It was a single-needle lockstitch machine with automatic thread trimming, an extended sewing arm, and high sewing speed. Its popularity grew among quilters, dressmakers, designers, and decorators.

The TL-98E is a great example of the relationship between our industrial and household sewing machine development. We had spent decades developing industrial sewing machines, and that experience continued to become part of our home sewing story.

That relationship continued into the 2000s. We began releasing household sewing machines using industrial sewing machine technologies during this period. Then, in 2001, our sewing quality and advanced electronic technology laid the foundation for the development of our HZL computerized home models.

The sewing machine was becoming more sophisticated, but we weren’t simply moving in one direction. Our household lineup continued to grow into different types of sewing, giving home sewers more machines designed around different applications.

More Ways to Sew, More Machines to Choose From

By the late 2000s and into the 2010s, our household sewing machine lineup was becoming a pretty long list.

In 2009, we introduced the HZL-F600 Exceed Quilt & Pro Special. From 2010 through 2017, we entered the field of dedicated machines for quilt-making while continuing to develop other household sewing machines and sergers. You might recognize some of the machines introduced during this period, including the TL-2010Q, our Miyabi, the MO-1000, our HZL-G and LB Series, and more.

And then, in 2017, came the HZL-DX7.

By this point, the difference between our HA-1 of 1947 and the household machines being developed decades later was pretty remarkable. What began with a single household sewing machine had grown into a broad lineup that included electronic, computerized, overlock, quilting, and industrial-type machines for home sewers.

The Story Didn’t Stop There

In 2018, the JUKI History Museum opened at our Ohtawara Plant, in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, displaying our history and famous machines to JUKI partners. Our corporate history continues through today, so even the historical record itself is still growing. Looking back at the journey from the HA-1 to the machines of today, one thing becomes pretty clear: our household sewing machine history is a story of constant development.

The machines changed. Electronics became part of sewing. Computer-controlled machines entered the lineup. Industrial sewing machine technologies found their way into household models. Overlock machines, quilting machines, computerized machines, and other specialized models joined the family. From our first household machine to the machines being used by home sewers today, the story behind JUKI sewing machines is still being written.

Every sewing project begins with an idea. Maybe it starts with a piece of fabric that catches your eye, a pattern you’ve been excited to try, a handmade gift you’ve been planning, or a creative thought that inspires you to sit down at your sewing machine. Before the first stitch is sewn, there is a moment of possibility.

For many sewists, the finished project is only one part of the experience. The true joy comes from the entire creative process: preparing your materials, choosing your design details, learning new techniques, and watching your vision slowly take shape.

That is why the details matter! The features built into your sewing machine can influence the way you create, helping you feel more comfortable, confident, and engaged throughout every project. When your machine is designed with your sewing journey in mind, everyday steps become smoother, giving you more time to focus on what you love most: creating. In this blog, we’re going to talk about how one small feature can have a big impact on your workflow.

The Small Moments

Sewing is made up of many small moments. Threading your machine before beginning a project. Selecting the right stitch. Guiding fabric through each seam. Adjusting your settings as your design comes together.

Thoughtful sewing machine features are designed to support these moments. A feature that saves a little time or makes a step feel easier can help you stay focused on your creativity. Instead of feeling interrupted by preparation, you can spend more time exploring new ideas and enjoying the process. For both new and experienced sewists, the best features are often the ones that become a natural part of your routine.

Why Convenience Features Matter

Every sewist approaches projects differently. Some may spend their time creating garments, while others enjoy quilting, accessories, or home décor. No matter what you create, having a machine that supports your workflow can make each sewing session feel more enjoyable.

Convenience features are not about changing the way you sew. They are about helping you sew with more confidence. A feature like an automatic needle threader is a great example. Threading a needle is one of the first steps before beginning a project, but it can sometimes slow down the creative momentum, especially when it’s time to re-thread halfway through your process. An automatic needle threader helps simplify this process by making machine setup easier, so you can spend more time focused on your next idea.

A Smoother Start with the HZL-LB5020

This month, we’re highlighting the JUKI HZL-LB5020, one of the featured machines in our August lineup, and exploring how thoughtful features can make the sewing experience more enjoyable.

One standout feature we want to focus on is the automatic needle threader. It may seem like a small convenience, but it’s one you’ll appreciate every time you sit down to sew. By simplifying one of the first steps in the sewing process, it helps you spend less time preparing and more time focused on bringing your ideas to life.

The HZL-LB5020 is a reminder that thoughtful machine design isn’t always about the biggest or most advanced features. Often, it’s the details you use every day that have the greatest impact on your sewing experience. Small conveniences can help maintain your creative momentum, making it easier to move from inspiration to that very first stitch.

Whether you’re creating a new wardrobe piece, personalizing a gift, or simply enjoying an afternoon in your sewing space, the HZL-LB5020 is designed to support your creativity every step of the way.

Creativity at Every Skill Level

Every sewing journey looks different. Some makers discover sewing as a new hobby and enjoy learning one technique at a time. Others have spent years creating and continue to challenge themselves with new designs, materials, and projects. The right sewing machine grows with you by providing the support you need at each stage.

For beginners, features that make the sewing process easier can help build confidence. For experienced sewists, convenient features allow more time to focus on creativity and craftsmanship. Sewing is not just about reaching the final result. It is about the experience along the way.

Finding Inspiration in Every Stitch

The smallest details often become the moments we appreciate the most. A smoother setup. A feature that saves time. A machine that feels comfortable and reliable during every project. These details help create an environment where creativity can grow.

The HZL-LB5020 is built to support that experience, helping sewists enjoy the journey from the first stitch to the finished project. Because sewing is more than making something. It is about expressing yourself, exploring your creativity, and enjoying every moment spent bringing your ideas to life. And sometimes, the smallest details make the biggest difference.

Ready to start your next project? Discover the JUKI HZL-LB5020 and see how thoughtful features like the automatic needle threader can help make every sewing session smoother, more enjoyable, and focused on what matters most: bringing your ideas to life.

Every sewing journey starts with a single project, but the real excitement often comes from discovering what you can create next. A simple project can lead to learning a new technique, experimenting with different fabrics, or taking on a design that once felt out of reach!

For many sewists, growth happens naturally over time. The projects become more detailed, the techniques become more advanced, and the creative possibilities continue to expand. Whether you are designing your own garments, creating accessories, or adding special details to handmade pieces, having a machine that supports your creativity can help you enjoy every step of the process.

This month, we’re spotlighting the JUKI HZL-DX7, a machine designed for sewists who are ready to expand their skills and take on more detailed projects. As your creativity grows, so does the desire to try new techniques, work with different fabrics, and create pieces that challenge and inspire you. In this blog, we’ll explore how one thoughtful feature, the Presser Foot Pivot Function, can help you sew with greater precision and confidence, making everything from graceful curves to crisp corners feel more manageable.

Why Precision Makes a Difference

As sewing skills grow, many sewists begin exploring projects that require more attention to detail. Working with structured garments, specialty fabrics, accessories, or intricate designs often means focusing on elements like clean corners, smooth curves, and accurate stitching lines.

Precision is not about making every project perfect. It is about having the confidence to try new techniques and create pieces that reflect your vision. The more control you have throughout the sewing process, the more freedom you have to experiment, learn, and take on projects that continue to challenge your creativity.

A Feature Designed for Creative Control

The HZL-DX7 is designed for sewists who are ready to continue growing their craft. With advanced features focused on precision, comfort, and creativity, the DX7 helps support projects at every stage of the sewing journey.

One feature that helps provide additional control is the Presser Foot Pivot Function. When the needle stops in the down position, the presser foot automatically lifts, allowing you to adjust your fabric position while keeping your stitching placement secure.

This function is especially helpful when working through areas where you need to change direction, such as sewing corners, navigating curves, or managing detailed sections of a project. Instead of stopping to manually lift and lower the presser foot each time you need to reposition your fabric, the pivot function creates a smoother transition so you can continue sewing with confidence.

For sewists who enjoy creating garments, this feature can help when shaping pieces with detailed construction. For those who enjoy accessories or home projects, it can make working around corners and layered sections feel more manageable.

Creating Projects That Reflect Your Style

As sewing skills grow, many makers begin looking for ways to make their projects feel more personal. A handmade piece is not just about following a pattern. It is about making choices that reflect your creativity.

The fabric you select, the design details you add, and the techniques you choose all contribute to the final result. Having a machine that supports your creative process gives you more freedom to experiment and discover your own style.

A more advanced machine does not mean your projects need to become complicated. It simply means you have more opportunities to explore. You can challenge yourself with a new technique, revisit a favorite project with added details, or create something completely original.

Growing With Your Machine

The best sewing machines are the ones that grow alongside you. A machine that supports your first projects can become the same machine that helps you tackle more advanced creations years later. As your confidence increases, features that once seemed unfamiliar can become valuable tools that help you continue developing your skills.

The HZL-DX7 is built for sewists who want to keep learning, creating, and exploring new possibilities. Its thoughtful features are designed to make the sewing experience more enjoyable while providing the precision needed for detailed projects.

And remember, every project is an opportunity to grow. From the first stitch to the final detail, sewing allows you to turn ideas into something real. With the right machine supporting your creativity, you can continue exploring new techniques, building your confidence, and creating pieces that are uniquely yours.

Ready to take on your next creative challenge? Discover the JUKI HZL-DX7 and see how features like the Presser Foot Pivot Function can help you sew with greater precision, confidence, and creativity.