1. Where does your love for the sewing sector or for starting something in that sector come from?

When I had children I looked up to people who could sew. One evening I was talking about it with my neighbor Helena, she had a sewing machine and wanted to show me how. One thing led to another and on her machine I sewed my first skirt for my daughter. I was sold and bought myself a machine that same week. Now 7 years later that hobby has gotten a little out of hand. I think it is really nice to be able to give people, just like I did 7 years ago, the love for the profession.

2. How long have you had your business?

I started a mini studio from home almost 2 years ago with the intention of making nice custom made items. In addition, I also embroidered and started workshops at home. Due to the corona crisis, everything has accelerated enormously. The store opened after lockdown 1, in May 2020.

3. How important is personal contact with the customer to you?

The personal advice we give people is invaluable and we therefore find it very important. We take our time for customers and try to assist each customer in his choice.

4. What is the added value of an 'offline' store?

Again I have to refer to the service. It is really very important. For many people the fabric compositions on websites are meaningless. The weight does not help them either. Because of our experience we can offer customers the right fabric types for their project. They can then immediately feel the fabric and hold it in front of them to see if a color suits them.

5. What can the sewista come to your store for?

For a wide range of quality fabrics and the necessary haberdashery. We especially like to highlight our women's range and this fits within everyone's budget. In addition, we also focus on a range of ecological fabrics and a men's collection.  

6. Where do you find inspiration to buy new fabrics and patterns?

There is a lot to find online in fashion blogs, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. However, I often buy what I believe in myself. The ecological and qualitative aspect is very important to me. You will not find budget fabrics with us that completely lose their shape after 1 wash. I also appreciate other small independent entrepreneurs and always try to buy a piece locally and from fellow independent entrepreneurs.

7. Any other fun hotspots near your store where our sewistas can go?

House Nicole in the Kloosterstraat. She has been a Brother dealer for over 30 years and also has a great collection of buttons. If you can't find what you want there, you won't find it anywhere.

8. What was the first pattern you ever made yourself?

A self-drawn skirt and blanket were the first attempt. My first real pattern was the harlequin dress from lmv

9. Are you noticing a revival of the DIY sewing business ?

Absolutely, especially with the corona crisis. There are already many new people ready to get started and become sewistas. Hopefully we can let them develop further into full-fledged sewistas during our workshops, but I am certainly convinced of that. I am always amazed at how quickly people with passion get the hang of something, including many children.

10. Do you have many young sewistas visiting you?

We are getting more and more young sewistas on the floor. From the age of +/- 9 years. My own daughter of 8 also has her own machine and has been sewing with us on the masks and other small projects since the first lockdown. She is an ideal test audience to try out our children's workshops.

11. Which sewista do you look up to?

Wow, there are quite a few. But 2 ladies who do inspire me are Lotte Martens and Isabel from Bel Etoille. It's amazing what these ladies have built up in just a few years.

12. What is your ultimate dream? 

I would really like to further develop my graphic skills and also start working on my own VanDaels pattern line. In addition, I hope to one day be so experienced that I can make a beautiful wedding dress for my daughter. Although she can wait another 20 years to ask that?

13. What is your favorite Fiber Mood pattern?

My taste has changed a bit, since I lost 30 kilos I dare to experiment more and your patterns are definitely part of that. My favorite came out quite recently and is the Claudie skirt. It is simple, elegant and feminine and gives me a real princess feeling after all these years. Finally a swing skirt that suits my figure?

14. What is your favorite Fiber Mood fabric?

I made a Claudie in your beautiful ochre floral print that was used for the Giulia dress. It falls so beautifully and has a beautiful shine. A top piece that I wear with great pleasure! 

15. Which pattern do you recommend to the beginning sewista?

With summer in sight, the Ida top is a nice one as well as the Vita t-shirt and the Giulia dress. More than enough choice.

16. Which pattern is perfect for a sewista who is up for a challenge?

The Feliz dress is already quite a challenge for many. It combines a lot of technical skills and precision where necessary. But the result is certainly worth it.

17. Do you have a golden tip for our Fibre Moodsewistas?

Don't be too hard on yourself, making mistakes is allowed. Everyone makes stupid mistakes, even after all these years it can still happen. Always let the fun prevail and be proud of what you have achieved!