Welcome to my blog! I am Dutch, creative, tall and I’m a sewist at heart. My first passion is theatre – especially theatre costumes. My second passion is making my own clothes and sharing my sewing journey online. My goal is to create a me-made wardrobe that fits my body and my everyday lifestyle.
When I was 15 years old I picked up a needle and thread to customise my own clothes, and I haven’t stopped stitching since. I studied Theatre Design and worked in the costume and entertainment industry for over six years before moving from the Netherlands to Scotland to start fresh. In 2012, I launched my own business, RockingStitch, which has taken many forms over the years.
What started as selling handmade accessories led to teaching sewing classes and even opening my own sewing studio. Over the years I taught hundreds of people of all ages and abilities to sew. I organised creative events, meet-ups for like-minded people, and even ran kids craft parties. Along the way, I began my personal mission to build a fully me-made wardrobe.
After moving to London in 2017, I continued to work in the creative industry as a freelancer, sewing, teaching, blogging, and working for small businesses creating social media content. I also collaborated with online fabric shops, tested patterns for indie designers, and I have been featured in several sewing magazines. I designed and sold the must-have sewing tool, the Seamstress Gauge in 2018, and I co-hosted a YouTube channel, Pattern Pals, with my friends Lisa and Louise.
Now, I live near Oslo with my husband and two kids in our typical Norwegian wooden home. I work as the team coordinator for the sewing and production department at Riis Interiør, where my team and I make everything from curtains to cushions, to bedskirts and puffs, all custom-made to fit the clients home. I am very lucky to be working with the most beautiful high-end fabrics on a daily basis!
While I haven’t had as much time for personal sewing in recent years (small children will do that!), I’m still slowly but surely building my me-made wardrobe.
The dream would be to have a fully me-made wardrobe with meaningful pieces that I’m 100% in love with and will wear till they are beyond repair.
As for my career, getting to stitch for a living is already a dream come true. For now, I’m enjoying the fantastic work-life balance Norway offers and focusing on my family. Once my kids are a bit older, I’m sure I’ll dive into new projects and business opportunities. At the moment, my focus is on my family and making the most of this stage in life.