The Modern Sewist

The Modern Sewist The Modern Sewist is an authorized BERNINA dealer & modern quilt shop. Sales, service and education for BERNINA along with all the fabric goodness to boot!

The Modern Sewist specializes in quality fabrics with the modern and contemporary sewist in mind. Quilting cotton, cotton/linen, linen, barkcloth and other substrates available. We also have sewing classes and a unique drop-in sewing program. Please come by any time for a visit to our new quaint shop!

Today marks 16 weeks since I lost Cassidy.Today also marks the start of my birthday month.The last time I spent any leng...
09/01/2025

Today marks 16 weeks since I lost Cassidy.

Today also marks the start of my birthday month.

The last time I spent any length of time to honor another trip around the sun was 4 years ago - with Cassidy. It was an incredible time with him … so many memories to cherish. He and I have had many travel memories, both here and abroad. We were good travel buddies.

So, in his memory, I am embarking on a month long journey of my own.

I didn’t have any intention of traveling at this time - the notion of having to get out of bed, shower, and engage with others is pretty overwhelming - I could just continue cocooning in my safe bedroom with my dogs.

But sometimes, serendipity happens. I received my regular email from and, as always, scroll to see when her next Embroidered Journey’s are scheduled. I’ve longed to go but with the business, could never take the time.

I found she had an unexpected cancellation - and would you believe it is right when my birthday lands? I jumped all over that without thinking. (My afterthoughts were scattered and all over the place - but I knew Cassidy would want this for me).

So, here I sit, in the Tampa airport awaiting my flight to Paris. I’m a mess of emotions - the timing being what it is (Monday’s are ALWAYS hell for me … reliving every moment from 16 weeks ago).

But this morning, I had my first vivid dream and a 2 sentence exchange with Cassidy. It was my first Monday without the visceral responses I have been prone to. The message was clear.

And so, I am off ✈️ And Cassidy is with me.

It is with the heaviest of hearts that I share the passing of my son, Cassidy Lynch, on May 12, 2025.Cassidy was a shini...
06/06/2025

It is with the heaviest of hearts that I share the passing of my son, Cassidy Lynch, on May 12, 2025.

Cassidy was a shining light who made an indelible impact on so many. Many of our customers got the opportunity to meet Cass - whether he was working on their Bernina sewing machine, or helping out on the floor. It brought me great joy to see him become a member of our community so seamlessly.

Cassidy will be missed beyond measure, by his daughter, sisters and brothers, parents and grandparents, cousins, niece and nephew, aunties and uncles, and the many, many friends he made all over the world.

Please join us, in person or in spirit, as we celebrate his vibrant life on Saturday, June 28th in Sarasota. Find more information and leave a memory you have or quality you cherished here:

https://www.sewciallab.com/Cassidy

“The ones that love us never really leave us. You can always find them in here.”

- Sirius Black

First time posting since I closed my shop.There has been a whirlwind of activity with a generous flow of emotions. I am ...
04/21/2025

First time posting since I closed my shop.

There has been a whirlwind of activity with a generous flow of emotions. I am still processing the answer to, “now what?”. My head hasn’t quieted - something I was hoping for, but not at all surprised it’s still chattering away.

Right now, I have flexing my creative muscles as making art brings me the most peace. It can also be chaotic — jumping from one medium to the next.

Is that just me?

I’m trying to decide how to document my “golden years” journey (or even whether I should). Having been a daily blogger while living in Milan, I feel pulled to put words to feelings and experiences.

Hmmmm. Something to think about while I get creative day.

How are all of YOU doing?

We still have fabric, notions, patterns, and books to sell.Everything is already marked down - no coupon needed!If you a...
03/07/2025

We still have fabric, notions, patterns, and books to sell.

Everything is already marked down - no coupon needed!

If you are local, you can save shipping and pick-up during our farewell dance party on Friday, March 14th from 10-2.

www.themodernsew.ist

Day 1 of “semi-semi-retirement”. Working on some thread painting using my Bernina Stitch Regulator. Working on a future ...
03/03/2025

Day 1 of “semi-semi-retirement”. Working on some thread painting using my Bernina Stitch Regulator. Working on a future class and also dreaming of Italy.

02/25/2025

Only 3 more days to shop at The Modern Sewist.
Closing our doors 2.28.25

everything is on sale

THE MODERN SEWIST IS CLOSINGAfter over 12 years serving the sewing and quilting industry (8+ as a brick-and-mortar shop)...
01/18/2025

THE MODERN SEWIST IS CLOSING

After over 12 years serving the sewing and quilting industry (8+ as a brick-and-mortar shop), I have made the very difficult decision to close The Modern Sewist. Many of you began this journey with me since CloBird Designs and supported me as I became a BERNINA dealer and opened a creative studio with a top-notch education and community hub. I am forever grateful for the memories we have created together. 💗

You’ve been with me through the ups and downs and multiple pivots to keep things fresh (Sewical Lab, Bag Bootcamp I and II, BERNINA events, Sewlebrity Retreats, and so much more!) I have the pictures and stories to prove it 😄

These past several months (🌀 Debbie, Helene, Milton 🌀) have taken an insurmountable toll on my business. Combined with changes on the horizon (rent doubling, industry shifts, rising costs), it has become financially necessary to make yet another pivot and cease operating as a brick-and-mortar shop.

As closing any business is a process, I will continue to email updates and answer questions as they come.

I have included important details and dates for you HERE:
https://www.sewciallab.com/links

If you have additional questions, please email me at ​[email protected]​ and I’ll get back to you as quickly as possible.

Thank you all for your support and encouragement throughout these years and for spending time connecting with The Modern Sewist and your creative peers. I am not vanishing from the industry! Ever committed to education and building community, after a bit of a well-deserved respite, more shall be revealed.

Finally, I want to thank my entire team. Their loyalty and dedication to The Modern Sewist have been the heart and soul of the business. My debt of gratitude is monumental.

Stay Creative and Inspired,

Karis

Hello, friends!I am excited to share that we will be having a soft reopening this Saturday, December 14th from 10-2, whi...
12/12/2024

Hello, friends!

I am excited to share that we will be having a soft reopening this Saturday, December 14th from 10-2, while recognizing that there is still work to be done. We hope to see as many of you as possible - there will be snacks!

Mini Update.

As repairs continue, the classroom will remain closed until after the first of the year. We will also have limited hours in the shop to accommodate the work to be completed.

I need your help.

I am loathe to ask for help; however, circumstances being as they are, I am humbly asking for your continued support, encouragement, and your business.

Savings and gifts.

Through the end of the year receive Gift Card Bonus Bucks, take 25% off most fabrics when you empty the bolt, and get some awesome gifts with purchase and savings on BERNINA machines.

Thank you.

Thank you to everyone who has been cheering us on and checking in. I am happy to dispel any rumors that we have closed permanently. 🤦‍♀️ We may have been down - but we are not out 😄

Stop on by.

Next week, unless otherwise noted, you can pop by the shop any time Tuesday-Saturday from 10-3. Or you can always shop online!

Can’t wait to see all of your faces again. I’ve missed you.

Since I don’t have the news for you I’d hoped for, I thought I could at least brighten the day with a throwback to Cassi...
11/19/2024

Since I don’t have the news for you I’d hoped for, I thought I could at least brighten the day with a throwback to Cassidy as a curious toddler. Isn’t he so cute?

Now for the update: The roof and HVAC replacements have been completed - though I’m not sure if the inspection has passed at this juncture.

Unfortunately, there was rain during the work and the roofing company did not take the proper precautions to tarp the unfinished areas. [sigh] As a result, insult has been added to injury in the midst of an already difficult situation.

I have had a lot of people reach out to ask how I’m doing. I’ve put on a really brave face and have been hanging in there. But…

Today - I am not okay.

To some, it’s not considered “wise” for a business owner to emote or speak up (or out) or share business “secrets” or talk about their personal lives … and on and on. Well, those who know me, know I am a pretty transparent person. I’m open and, for better or worse, share what’s on my heart.

Today - I am scared.

My 8th year of doing business as The Modern Sewist came and went without any fanfare or celebration. It came on the heels of high anxiety, despair, and fear. My mental health has taken a beating.

Today - I am angry.

I still don’t have a reopen date. All communications with the building owner now goes through attorney’s as I have been left “holding the bag”, so to speak, for the additional repairs required to reopen. Or, I can “simply” move. Air quotes at opposing counsels remedy - because of the irony of any of this being simple.

Today - I am forging ahead.

In order to get back to the joy of being in community with my quilting friends and family, I am working on some creative ideas while I await a sound resolution. I certainly don’t want to fall into the category of “out of sight, out of mind”.

Today - I am grateful.

As much as I am hurting today - I am still able to write a gratitude list. I find at uncertain times such as this, it’s important for me to remember the things I do have in my life that get me out of bed in the morning.

Here is my list today. I am grateful …

1. for my fellow creative business warriors and their willingness to brainstorm, collaborate, and lend an ear (and shoulder)

2. I have learned how to “pivot” in the face of uncertainty

3. to have had time to be in service of family members in need

4. for all of my quilty friends, near and far, who check in

5. for my “staff” - in air quotes because they are more like family (or actually are)

6. for my super comfy bed, when I can’t face the day

7. to my kids who always tell me, “it’ll be alright, mom”

8. for my AA family who remind me a drink will never make hardships easier

9. to my mom, who’s offer of hosting a Modern Sewist party went from sounding silly to being a solid plan

10. to my dad, for his sage business wisdom

11. for my fur babies, who snuggle with me and know when I might need just an extra sloppy kiss or two

12. knowing I am not alone

——————————————

If you’ve made it this far, thank you. I know this has been a difficult year for so many families and businesses alike. I am not unique. We are in this together.

May you have a grateful day 🩷

UPDATE:I am very thrilled to share there is FINALLY some progress on the building repairs at the shop. There is still wo...
11/06/2024

UPDATE:

I am very thrilled to share there is FINALLY some progress on the building repairs at the shop. There is still work to be done, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel 😊

I am hoping (🤞) for a re-opening on Tuesday, November 19th. Just in time to celebrate our 8th anniversary!! And, of course, in preparation of the holidays.

Thank you all for your continued support. A big shout out to the South Sarasota Modern Quilt Guild for making space for us this past weekend. It means a lot to me. 🥰

See you soon!

Karis and team

An incredibly difficult post for me today.Unfortunately, as a result of damages to the building from recent Hurricanes, ...
10/24/2024

An incredibly difficult post for me today.

Unfortunately, as a result of damages to the building from recent Hurricanes, I have made the very difficult decision to temporarily close our brick and mortar shop to the public. I do this out of an abundance of concern for the comfort of my staff and my customers.

I am awaiting word from my landlord as to when repairs are to be scheduled. We are, like so many other businesses and homes, at the mercy of the very busy tradespeople after a devastating season.

I have addressed several items of interest below:

SIGNS: To dispel any rumors of our shop closing, one of our signs was taken by Hurricane Milton. The other has been removed to allow for the roof and fascia to be replaced.

BERNINA Sales and Repairs: If you are one of our BERNINA VIP Club Members, or have a repair needed to keep your baby humming, please e-mail [email protected] and we will make an appointment to see you.

If you are in the market for a BERNINA, this is the time - for you and for us. With lost revenue to make up for, we have great savings ... a win for you -- and revenue to allow us to chug away! Send a message and we'll set up an appointment.

CLASSES: All classes through the end of this month will be rescheduled. It is likely, we will need to reschedule classes for the first week or two of November as we still may have no A/C.

ONLINE SALES: We still have most of our products online available for sale - including BERNINA products (VIPs - don't forget your code when purchasing for your discount to apply).

STORE PICKUP: During this time, if you are in need of a purchase immediately, I recommend having it shipped. If you can wait to pick it up, please state that in the notes, and we'll let you know when you can do so!

FUTURE BUSINESS: It is no mystery that Florida has a slow season, especially for retail businesses. I am always well prepared for this time of year so we come out swinging and ready for our snowbirds return, with a robust class calendar, and many new product releases.

This year, this hell of a 2024 Hurricane Season, has taken an immense toll. I know this because we share similar stories; of losses, of hardships, and the sheer physical and emotional fatigue we have collectively logged in such a short time. I hear you. I see you. I was not prepared for this - not like this. Like so many of you, my staff and I have been preoccupied with preparing for a storm and dealing with its aftermath. The toll for the business has not only been physically challenging, but financially as well.

This too shall pass. This is my mantra, today and everyday.

In the meantime, I am giving you all a group hug, and looking forward to a day in the very near future where it will be in person.

Again, please address any questions or concerns via e-mail ([email protected]) - I will get that quicker than voicemails left at the shop.

My sincerest love to all of you - may the healing of this season begin.

Address

2264 Gulf Gate Drive
Sarasota, FL
34231

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+19417063846

Website

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