The Modern Sewist

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

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

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

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