Retailer Spotlight: Modern Domestic

422 NE Alberta St, Portland
(503) 808-9910

Hello my fellow sewists! I am bringing you an update on a local sewing shop. Modern Domestic is located in the DIY Alberta district and has moved recently to a new and improved building just down the street. The owners, Michelle Healy and Lupine Swanson, started the business seven years ago at 1408 NE Alberta to provide a place to learn and space to sew. They did it again, the new shop is setup very well. It is contemporary, hip, sophisticated, with great light and layout. The staff is very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. You have to check it out!

Their love of fabrics really shows in this new space. They now carry a variety of fabrics including Liberty cottons, Cotton and Steele cottons, fat quarters, knits, denims, oilskin, linen and double gauzes by Nani Iro and many more. I came home with some of the gorgeous double gauze, what a surprise, right? They have independent patterns by Merchant & Mills, Sew House Seven, Elizabeth Hartman’s quilt patterns and many others. There is a variety of sewing notions including some special ones by Merchant & Mills. You really need to checkout the website; it is wonderful and they have additional selections of fabrics, patterns, notions and all the information on classes and machines.

The classroom is a really good size, is on the main floor, and was very busy when I visited. Go in and talk with the staff about the classes offered. The classes are for garments, bags, home items and quilts in all different skill levels. The thing that sets MD apart from other stores is you can rent a machine on site for $8 per hour, so you do not have to move your own to attend a class. They also have some groups that look like a lot of fun…a Friday Night Sew-cial, Modern Domestic Patchwork Society and Modern Domestic Sewing Society, descriptions and schedules are online or ask any of the staff.

MD is a Bernina Excellence Dealership. Of course they have all the different models represented on the floor and are very happy to answer your questions. And best of all you can test drive them. Also, you can rent by the hour a longarm quilting Bernina Q24 machine for a 2 hour time frame for $40, but first you have to attend the Q24 class to get the basics.

MD provides repair and service for all machines not just Bernina. You can even watch the technician working on the machines in the new location.

Michelle and Lupine are still offering ASG members 10% discount (does not include machines or classes). Please show your membership card when checking out.

It is really nice to see a small local business growing and thriving. Make sure to support our local shops so we can have more selections available to support our sewing addictions. Keep on Sewing!

Ruth Ruby
Retail Liaison