1. Where did your love for the sewing sector come from?
Making my own clothes is in my blood. Both my grandmothers sewed almost everything themselves, and my mom has been sewing for decades—she even took me to sewing class as a baby. During my studies, I took my sewing machine with me. Eventually, after a few professional detours, I decided to start my own fabric store.
2. How long have you had your business?
I started a webshop from home in August 2015. Later we created a workshop space at the back of our house. On Thursdays, I sold fabrics at the market in Aarschot. The interest grew quickly, and so did my passion. On September 24, 2016, I opened my brick-and-mortar store, and soon it got busy. My mom also joined the business.
3. How important is personal contact with customers for you?
We offer advice in the broadest sense: combining fabrics, finding the right colors, and also supporting the sewing process—all with a smile!
4. What can sewistas find in your store?
We have a wide range of children’s prints in jersey and cotton. For women, we offer many prints and solid colors. We balance well-known materials with innovative fibers. We also carry imitation leather and bag-making supplies.
5. Where do you find inspiration to buy new fabrics and patterns?
Our biggest source of inspiration is the sewistas who visit our shop. We keep them in mind when choosing, though it’s a challenge when your customers are aged 8 to 92!
6. What was the first pattern you ever made?
A tissue box cover based on a pattern from Riet’s blog “leven met liv”. I’m one of her biggest fans!
7. Have you noticed a revival in DIY sewing?
Absolutely! We see a beautiful mix of boys and girls inspired by their mom, aunt, grandma, or teacher. Since the first lockdown, people have kept their sewing machines out!
8. Do you get many young sewistas in the store?
Yes! Either with their class or on their own. Our workshops for children aged 8+ are always full.
9. Which sewista do you look up to?
So many! Deborah from Cas & Nina, Hanne from Naadjes en draadjes, Joke from The Needle of Choice—they all inspire me. The individuality and pride of our sewistas are amazing!
10. What is your ultimate dream?
Just to keep doing what we love: curating and presenting our collection in store. My personal dream? Releasing my own pattern.
11. What’s your favorite Fibre Mood pattern?
Hard to choose, but I’d say the Feliz dress from a recent issue.
12. What’s your favorite Fibre Mood fabric?
I love bold prints! The blue and orange Elodie dress fabric is definitely one of my favorites.
13. Which pattern would you recommend to a beginner sewista?
The Alice sweater—it’s quick and easy. For spring, I love the Hettie skirt. And the Etta bag is beginner-friendly too!
14. Which pattern is perfect for an experienced sewista?
The Pola and Feliz require more precision but are a joy to wear.
15. What’s your golden tip for Fibre Mood sewistas?
Don’t be scared off by the number of stars on a pattern. Step out of your comfort zone—there’s always someone ready to help!
