1. Where does your love for sewing come from, or the idea to turn it into a profession?
I have always been creative. I loved my previous job, but my passion for fabrics kept growing. Being my own boss and sharing that passion with others… I’m still glad I took that step.
2. How long have you been running your shop?
Madeline has existed for 10 years—both as a brick‑and‑mortar store and as a webshop.
3. Why should a Sewista buy fabrics “offline” instead of “online”?
We offer our fabrics both online and offline.
4. How important is personal contact with your customers?
Personal contact is very important to me. You share your passion and energy, you sense what your customers need, and helping them is incredibly rewarding. Many have become friends. The sewing community is a warm one.
5. What added value does an “offline” shop offer?
The big advantage is that customers can physically touch the fabrics. You can lay bolts side by side to discover beautiful combinations you might miss online. And of course there’s that warm, in‑person interaction.
For our online customers, we try to be the “eyes and hands” of our shop via videos and photos.
6. What can a Sewista expect when visiting your shop?
We carry a wide range of fabrics—from basics to seasonal prints. We love helping you find exactly what you’re looking for. If you get stuck while sewing, just pop in with your question. A fabric shop for us is more than just sales; we want you to enjoy sewing as much as we do.
7. Where do you find inspiration for new fabrics and patterns?
I find inspiration everywhere: people‑watching on the street, window shopping, following the collections of big fashion brands. Instagram is also a major source—I follow many international pattern designers.
Here in Flanders, we’re fortunate to have magazines like Fibre Mood and inspiring independent designers.
8. Are there any hotspots near your shop that might interest our Sewistas?
Lier is a charming town, perfect for a day trip—lovely cafés, great lunch spots, a sewing machine shop and a yarn store. Ideal for creatives!
9. What was the first pattern you ever sewed?
That was a long time ago. Like many, I believe it was an apron.
10. Have you noticed the revival of the trend for self‑made fashion?
Our beginner sewing courses are always fully booked. That’s perhaps the best sign that sewing is here to stay. Some people learn just to make alterations, but most discover how fun it is to add a personal touch to their wardrobe.
11. Do many young Sewistas count among your customers?
Our audience is very mixed in age: long‑time sewists, beginners later in life, and also teens and twenty‑somethings who love a unique look. In our children’s workshops, we teach kids from age 8—our youngest (and very enthusiastic) customers.
12. Which Sewista do you admire?
Our customers often produce true gems, and I love that. Naming just one would be impossible.
13. What is your ultimate dream (regarding your shop, or something you’ve always wanted to do)?
Owning my own premises was a dream that recently came true. I hope my shop can continue to grow and flourish there. My biggest dream is to make it an even bigger meeting place—where sewing fosters connections and fun social interactions.
14. What are your favourite Fibre Mood patterns?
It’s hard to choose! But Didi is definitely one of my favourites—a sweater I wear often.
15. What is your favourite fabric from Fibre Mood?
Fibre Mood has released many beautiful fabrics, but my favourite is the bamboo blend used for the Kai blazer. We’ve carried it in many colours. It’s a delightful fabric—drapey, wrinkle‑resistant, and top quality.
16. Which pattern would you recommend to a beginner Sewista?
It depends on what they want to make, but patterns we always recommend to beginners include the Jo sweater, the Vita T‑shirt, and the Erica T‑shirt.
17. Which pattern is perfect for a Sewista looking for a challenge?
I found the Constance dungaree a really fun challenge—puzzling together the pieces and topstitching. The Maggie coat is also a great challenge.
18. Do you have a golden tip for our Fibre Mood Sewistas?
Enjoy sewing and creating—it’s the best hobby ever. And if you get stuck, ask your fellow sewists for advice. The sewing world is a warm and supportive community.
