1. Where does your love for sewing come from or your reason to enter this sector?
When I had children, I looked up to people who could sew. One day I was talking to my neighbor Helena, who had a sewing machine, and now I have one too. One thing led to another and I co-founded the first sewing studio at home. I was hooked and immediately bought my own machine. Now, 7 years later, that hobby has completely taken over. I love sharing this passion with others, just like I discovered it 7 years ago.
2. How long have you had your store?
I started about 2 years ago with a mini sewing studio at home to make custom creations. I also did embroidery and began offering workshops. Due to the pandemic, everything sped up. The shop opened after the first lockdown, in May 2020.
3. How important is personal contact with customers to you?
Personal advice is incredibly important to us. We take time with each customer and try to help them find the perfect fabric and supplies.
4. What’s the added value of an offline store?
Service is essential. Online fabric samples don’t mean much to many people. Experience lets us recommend the right fabric. In-store, customers can see and feel the fabric and match colors directly.
5. What can sewistas find in your store?
A wide range of quality fabrics and necessary haberdashery. Our women’s collection is especially popular. We also offer ecological fabrics and a masculine line.
6. Where do you find inspiration for new fabrics and patterns?
Online — fashion blogs, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest. I also buy what I personally like. Quality is key. You won’t find cheap fabrics here — I want them to hold their shape and fit the store’s vibe.
7. Any fun hotspots near your store?
Huis Nicole on Kloosterstraat. She’s been a Brother dealer for 30+ years and has a huge selection of patterns and supplies. Super helpful and friendly!
8. What was the first pattern you ever made?
A child’s poncho with a hood. My first real pattern was the Odette dress from La Maison Victor.
9. Do you see a revival of the DIY sewing trend?
Absolutely — especially during and after the pandemic. Lots of new people have joined in. Many come back to sewing once their kids grow up, bringing lots of experience.
10. Do you get young sewistas in your shop?
Yes! Even boys. Kids from around age 9. My 8-year-old daughter has her own machine and helped sew masks during the first lockdown. She’s my test subject for kids’ workshops.
11. Which sewistas do you look up to?
Many! But Lotte Martens and Isabel from Bel Etoile especially inspire me. I love seeing what they come up with each year.
12. What’s your ultimate dream?
To develop my graphic skills and launch my own VanPiekes pattern line — something practical for my daughter. Maybe not for 20 years, but it’s the dream!
13. What is your favorite Fibre Mood pattern?
My taste has changed since losing 30kg — I experiment more. I love the new Claudie skirt: simple, elegant, timeless, and finally something that suits my figure!
14. What is your favorite Fibre Mood fabric?
The floral fabric from the Claudie & Julie projects, used in the Giulia dress — great drape and shine. I love wearing it!
15. What pattern do you recommend for beginners?
With summer approaching, the Ida top, Vita T-shirt, and Giulia dress are great options.
16. What pattern is a challenge for more advanced sewistas?
The Feliz dress is quite challenging — lots of techniques and precision, but the result is worth it.
17. What’s your golden tip for sewistas?
Don’t be too hard on yourself — mistakes happen! Even after all these years, I still make silly ones. Celebrate your results and be proud of what you make!
