1. Where did your love for the sewing sector come from?

I’ve been crafting, sewing, and creating since childhood. In secondary school, we had a few hours of sewing classes each week. I went into nursing, and sewing became my creative outlet. After graduating, I attended sewing school to learn the craft properly. I made a lot of clothes for myself and my children. At one point, I took a break — too much work, young kids, etc. But it kept calling, and once my kids were older teens, I started offering workshops (alongside my job as a nurse), mainly for local associations. After 10 years, I finally opened a shop. My mother also used to sew and once had the chance to take over a fabric and notions store — she didn’t, but maybe that inspired me to take the leap.

2. How long have you had your store?

My physical store has existed for five years now, but I had already been giving workshops before that.

3. How important is personal contact with your customers?

It’s great to get to know people personally; in a store, you can help customers better and understand their needs.

4. What is the added value of an offline shop?

You can give tailored advice about fabrics, their uses, and match customers with what suits their needs — especially for beginners.

5. What can sewistas find in your shop?

A large selection of fabrics for all kinds of projects, as well as a wide range of notions. I’m especially obsessed with ribbons and lace, and we have a nice lingerie section too.

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

From fashion magazines, shows, stores, social media — and when buying fabric, I always think about what projects it can be used for.

7. Any fun sewista hotspots near your shop?

I’m not located in a city, but in a village on a connecting road between two towns, so there aren’t any notable hotspots nearby.

8. What was the first pattern you ever made?

I remember making a bib in high school — a soft old pink terry cloth with brown ribbons and an appliqué. I think it’s still stored somewhere in a box.

9. Have you noticed a revival in DIY sewing?

Yes — the revival had slowed down a bit, but since the first lockdown, many people have rediscovered sewing and its joy. The demand for workshops is huge.

10. Do you get many young sewistas?

Yes, I have a mixed audience, but I see more and more young people picking up sewing — especially young mothers sewing for their kids.

11. Which sewista do you look up to?

I love seeing how creative people can be. Some customers really inspire me with their creations.

12. What is your ultimate dream?

I’m very happy I opened my shop. I moved to a larger space in February 2020, and my dream is to turn it into a successful business.

13. Favorite Fibre Mood pattern?

No real favorite — I like them all.

14. Favorite Fibre Mood fabric?

No specific favorite, but I like flowing, drapey fabrics.

15. Which pattern do you recommend for beginners?

The Alice sweater comes to mind — it’s simple and works in many types of fabric.