1. Where does your love for sewing come from, or the idea to turn it into a profession?

My babysitter used to be very good at sewing and made clothes for my stuffed monkeys. I thought it was amazing! Later, I started making my own clothes by cutting up old ones that were too small and turning them into something new. It didn’t always turn out great. It wasn’t until I was 18 that I started taking sewing lessons. I enjoyed it so much that, alongside my studies, I pursued an evening course to become a dressmaker. Once I graduated, I started teaching sewing, and it went so well right from the start that I was able to make it my full-time job.

2. How long have you been running your shop?

I started teaching sewing in my own studio 8 years ago. Since January 1, 2024, our fabric shop has been open, located next to Zijlstra Sewing Machine Shop in Groningen.

3. Why should a Sewista buy fabrics "offline" instead of "online"?

We do have a webshop, but it only showcases a fraction of the fabrics we carry in-store. Don’t buy online—feel the fabric, see how the color matches your complexion, and drape a whole piece over your shoulder to see how it falls! Plus, we help you gather everything you need for your project. All our colleagues are experienced sewists.

4. How important is personal contact with your customers?

The most important thing of all!

5. What added value does an "offline" shop offer?

You can browse the fabrics yourself, and inspiration will come naturally! If not, you can always ask for help with your search.

6. What can a Sewista expect when visiting your shop?

Colorful, high-quality fashion fabrics and staff who think along with you.

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

I live in downtown Groningen. I have a few favorite shops whose window displays I keep an eye on. I also find a lot of inspiration on Instagram from fellow Sewistas.

8. Are there any hotspots near your shop that might interest our Sewistas?

Our Zijlstra Sewing Machine Shop, of course! It’s located right next to our store. We are on a car boulevard outside the city, with free parking right in front of the door!

9. What was the first pattern you ever sewed?

A waistcoat! That was my first pattern, my second, and my third… I made them in all sorts of colors and prints.

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

Since I started teaching sewing, I’ve noticed that many students didn’t learn it from their parents, whereas their grandparents did, either at school or at home. Everyone who can sew now does so because they want to, not because they have to.

11. Do many young Sewistas count among your customers?

Yes, we see customers of all ages in our shop! Young customers, for instance, make stuffed animals or hobby horses.

12. Which Sewista do you admire (e.g., your mother, grandmother, a blogger)?

Fashion Basement: she has such a beautiful studio and makes very clear videos with fun themes.

13. What is your ultimate dream (regarding your shop, or something you’ve always wanted to do)?

To expand the shop with a second workshop space, right in the middle of all the fabrics. I’d also love to print fabric on demand using a textile printer.

14. What are your favorites from Fibre Mood?

I love coats and jackets, like the classic Hunter coat.

15. What is your favorite pattern from Fibre Mood?

The Delma cape, so elegant and timeless.

16. What is your favorite fabric from Fibre Mood?

Jacquard is my favorite fabric because its patterns are created through weaving. They are true works of art!

17. Which pattern would you recommend to a beginner Sewista?

The Lucca swimsuit; it’s a great base for a top or dress.

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

Make a coat like the Giselle Jacket. Choose a unique fabric without pre-quilted wadding and sew the wadding onto the fabric yourself in a custom pattern. This way, you can turn your coat into a true masterpiece!

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

“It’s an understandable excuse to say, ‘I need to finish something first,’ before buying new fabric. But my tip is to work on 3 or 4 projects simultaneously so you can pick whichever one suits your mood!”