1. Where does your love for sewing come from, or the idea of turning it into a profession?
My passion for DIY fashion and entrepreneurship was instilled in me from a young age. My parents owned a home décor store where they sold curtains and carpets. In the workshop, hospital bed curtains were sewn, and as a child, I was allowed to help. I cut the fabric and made the buttonholes. My mother sewed all our clothes herself, and later I took a sewing course in my free time and made all the clothes for myself and my children. Eventually, I turned my hobby into my profession!

2. How long have you been running your shop?
I’ve been happily running Sisters Fabrics & Haberdashery for 13 years now. The doors of my shop opened on January 1st, 2012.

3. Why should a Sewista buy her fabrics offline instead of online?
A Sewista should buy her fabrics offline, because in a physical store, you can truly "feel" the fabric. It's important to assess the quality, weight, and drape in person to create your perfect garment. Online, it's difficult to judge the quality, color, and feel.

4. How important is personal contact with your customers?
I value personal contact with customers immensely. Many customers need advice, and I love thinking along with them to bring their project to life. It’s also nice to have a personal chat now and then. Customers really appreciate it – and thanks to that, word-of-mouth brings in new clients!

5. What added value does a physical store offer?
A physical shop adds value by allowing customers to see and touch fabrics and haberdashery items and to receive personal advice. This is especially important for fabrics – the right fabric can make or break your garment. You can also match haberdashery items like trims and buttons right away. And most importantly: you can take everything home with you immediately – which you can’t do online.

6. What can a Sewista expect in your store?
In my store, a Sewista will find a beautiful fabric collection, haberdashery, and good advice. We also have a wide range of yarns and all the accessories for knitting and crochet. I sell sewing and overlock machines and provide maintenance services as well.

7. Where do you find inspiration to buy new fabrics and patterns?
I find new fabric and pattern inspiration at trade shows and supplier showrooms.

8. Are there any fun hotspots near your store that might interest our Sewistas?
There are several fun hotspots near our store. Schaijk is a charming village in North Brabant with several attractions and highlights worth visiting. Here are a few:

• De Maashorst Nature Reserve – One of the largest nature parks in Brabant with beautiful hiking and cycling routes and wild grazers like bison and Exmoor ponies.
• Herperduin – A wooded part of De Maashorst, with sand dunes, forests, and play areas. Great for families.
• Eetcafé De Notaris – A cozy bistro in Schaijk’s center, ideal for lunch or dinner.
• De Potter – A popular local eatery with terrace, perfect for a bite after a day out.
• De Maashorst Mini Golf – Beautifully designed adventure mini golf in the forest.

9. What was the first pattern you ever sewed?
It’s been a long time since I sewed my first pattern. I remember my first project with my mother – a pair of pants. I was very disappointed that it wasn’t done within two hours, haha. I had underestimated it. Then I took sewing lessons and learned that quality takes time.