About Us

The Sylvia story begins with our founder, Horst.

Horst trained and became a journeyman cabinetmaker in his native Germany by the age of 18. After plying his trade around Germany for several years he immigrated to Canada to explore new opportunities.

After working in different cities and towns on the Canadian prairies he opened a cabinet and millwork shop in the Edmonton area. In the 1980s a local sewing dealer approached him about building some sewing cabinets and that’s where it started.

His experience told him to offer top quality and be a craftsman who stands behind his work. So, he sought out a novel, German-made lifting device for sewing machines, which he installed in all his cabinets (the same one we continue to use today!).

Horst then took to the road, personally visiting hundreds of dealers with a few of his cabinets in tow.

In 1995 we partnered with the company that is now Joya Distributing out of Medford Oregon to expand sales to the USA. Today, Sylvia cabinets are sold in stores all across North America.

Our cabinets are completely manufactured from the ground up in our Edmonton, Alberta facility. We source the best in North American wood products that we can find for use in our products.

We are a family run business with Horst’s children involved in the operation of the business today.

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What Comes With The Sylvia Experience?

  • Rudersburg Hydraulic Lift

    Each Sylvia sewing cabinet features the ease of the Rudersburg lift to move your machine to the desired position. Imported from Germany, this high quality lift has 3 different heights that are fully adjustable for your brand and model of sewing machine. The lift effortlessly raises your sewing machine or serger from the bottom closed position to the flat sewing position.

  • Lifetime Warranty

    We believe in our workmanship and materials so much we warranty our cabinets for as long as you own them. We have been in business taking care of customers for over 35 years.

  • Six Finishes

    Sylvia finishes are durable, heat, scuff, scratch and stain resistant. Choose from any of the six beautifully rich colors that Sylvia has to offer: Castle Oak, Sunset Cherry, Twilight Linea, Brown Pearwood, White, and White with Oak trim. Every Sylvia cabinet is completely finished front to back, inside and out.

  • Designed & Customized For You

    You choose the model(s) you want, the color you desire, and the accessories that fit your sewing and quilting style. Sylvia sewing cabinets are designed with your future in mind. It is easy to add and connect additional cabinets, drawer chests and other accessories when future needs warrant. If you have unique needs and prefer a different size, height, etc. just give us a call and we’ll get it done.

  • Solid Construction

    Quality materials, quality workmanship and customer satisfaction are the hallmarks of every piece of Sylvia Sewing Furniture. Top quality hardware from solid bronze hinges to modern drawer pulls. Sylvia cabinets come fully assembled (except for the casters).

  • Easy to Use & Move

    All Sylvia cabinets are designed with center-of-the-needle sitting position which increases visibility and decreases back strain. Locking commercial grade casters make your cabinet easy to move, or remain securely in place. Heavy duty metal drawer glides are smooth and will last a lifetime.