Where does your love of sewing come from, or the idea of turning it into a profession?

My love of sewing has been with me since childhood. My grandmother was a dressmaker, and as a schoolgirl I already loved sitting behind a sewing machine. Although I later studied law, the desire to create something of my own never left me. Starting with the first fabrics stored in our attic, Stoffekontor gradually grew step by step, turning my passion into my profession.

How long have you been running your store?

Stoffekontor has been around since 2005, which means we have now been in business for more than 20 years.

Why should a Sewista buy her fabrics “offline” rather than “online”?

Since we have both a physical store and an online shop, nobody really has to choose. We are delighted to welcome customers in person because colours, texture, and drape can be experienced best on site. However, we are also always available to advise our online customers. Thanks to our fabric sample service, customers can feel the fabric at home and make their decision at their own pace.

How important is personal contact with customers to you?

Personal contact is very important to us. We love getting to know the ideas and stories behind sewing projects, helping customers find the perfect fabric, and sharing their excitement when something truly unique comes to life. We especially appreciate feedback and photos of our customers’ finished creations. These encounters are what make Stoffekontor more than just a store.

What added value does a physical store offer?

In a physical store, you can touch fabrics, compare colours directly, and try different combinations. New ideas often emerge while browsing. At Stoffekontor, personal advice, a huge selection, sewing machines to test, and our sewing café all come together. This makes buying fabric a real experience.

What can a Sewista expect when visiting your store?

Across approximately 1,000 square metres, visitors will discover an extraordinary variety: more than 15,000 fabrics for clothing, patchwork, and home décor, as well as over 40,000 sewing-related products. From patterns, threads, and buttons to premium sewing, embroidery, and overlock machines, we offer everything needed for the next project. In addition, customers can enjoy expert advice, our impressive 15-metre BERNINA display, sewing classes, and a cosy sewing café.

Where do you find inspiration when purchasing new fabrics and patterns?

We find inspiration at trade fairs, through our suppliers’ collections, and of course through current fashion and colour trends. However, the wishes of our customers are equally important. Through personal interaction, we learn directly which fabrics, colours, and patterns are currently in demand.

Are there any hotspots near your store that may be interesting for our Sewistas?

A visit to Stoffekontor can easily be combined with a discovery tour of Leipzig. Nearby you will find the famous Leipzig Cotton Mill with its galleries and studios, as well as the Karl-Heine Canal. The creative district of Plagwitz, with its cafés, small shops, and unique atmosphere, is also well worth a visit.

What was the first pattern you ever sewed?

To be honest, I can no longer remember exactly. My first sewing project dates back far too long. I started sewing while still at school, and since then countless handmade garments and projects have followed.

Have you noticed the revival of the self-made fashion trend?

Absolutely. Self-made fashion is no longer a niche hobby but has become a conscious and creative alternative to ready-made clothing for many people. Modern patterns, contemporary fabric designs, and inspiration from social media are attracting more and more beginners. We see this reflected in the demand for unique fabrics as well as the strong interest in sewing classes and new projects.

Do many young Sewistas belong to your customer base?

Yes, more and more young people are discovering their creative side through sewing. They want to create something with their own hands, bring their own ideas to life, and wear clothing that truly reflects who they are. What is especially inspiring is their willingness to experiment. Modern patterns, unique fabrics, and social media inspiration are combined naturally and creatively.

Which Sewista do you admire?

Without a doubt, my grandmother. She was a dressmaker and shaped my love of sewing from an early age. She taught me how much skill, patience, and creativity are involved in true craftsmanship. At the same time, I admire today’s Sewistas who boldly experiment with new patterns, develop their own style, and continuously inspire others.

What is your ultimate dream?

My biggest dream is to make Stoffekontor the most beautiful fabric store in Europe—a place every sewing enthusiast wants to visit at least once. A place where exceptional fabric selections, personal advice, creative events, and a genuine community come together. Stoffekontor should encourage people to bring their ideas to life and continually rediscover their passion for sewing.

What are your Fibre Mood favourites?

In fact, we love the entire concept: modern and wearable patterns, a wide variety of styles, creative designs, and matching fabric inspirations. What we particularly appreciate is that the patterns are designed for all kinds of people—slim, curvy, plus-size, young, or old. At Fibre Mood, every Sewista can find something that suits her style and body shape.

What is your favourite Fibre Mood pattern?

From Fibre Mood 38, we especially love the ISOLA and ZOEY patterns. They beautifully demonstrate that fashion has no age limit: trends return, are reinterpreted, and can be worn in completely different ways by different generations.

What is your favourite Fibre Mood fabric?

With so many beautiful fabrics, it is impossible for us to choose just one favourite. We love both the unique colours and prints and the carefully selected qualities that are enjoyable to sew and wear. Every new collection brings new favourites.

Which pattern would you recommend to a Sewista who is just starting out?

For beginners, we recommend simple tops such as the MAELA top. The pattern consists of only a few pieces, is easy to understand, and quickly delivers a beautiful result. That sense of achievement is especially important at the beginning because it keeps the joy of sewing alive and inspires confidence for the next project.

Which pattern is perfect for a Sewista looking for a challenge?

Those who want to gradually build their skills can start with a pair of trousers, which already involve some more advanced techniques depending on the pattern. For a real challenge, we recommend the MARTHA trench coat. Because of its many pattern pieces, it requires time and patience, but thanks to Fibre Mood’s excellent instructions, it is definitely achievable. And in the end, you will proudly hold a handmade trench coat in your hands.

Do you have a golden tip for our Fibre Mood Sewistas?

Just go for it! Don’t wait for the perfect moment or until you feel you know everything. Every project teaches you something new, and even a crooked seam or an unpicked stitch is part of the learning process. Choose a pattern you truly love and get started. In the end, perfection is not what matters—it is the pride of having created something uniquely your own.