Saying that Natalie is a creative person would be an understatement. She is a “touche-à-tout” as we say in French. She has her hand in many creative crafts and everything she touches becomes art. Not only the quality of her sewing is exceptional, she is also very talented in macrame, weaving, painting… We invite you to discover Natalie’s portrait through her interview.
Natalie’s Presentation
Can you shortly introduce yourself?
My name is Natalie, I’m 43 years old and I’m from Brussels, Belgium. I’m a maker, from the morning until the evening and I teach workshops. I’m very passionate about making things, all sorts of crafts in general but I’m most passionate about sewing and any sort of fiber art going from weaving, punch needling and macrame to embroidery.
How did you start sewing? What brought you to this?
My mum taught me the basics of sewing when I was about 18 years old. I then had a break for several years. I suppose I got a bit distracted moving to Dubai and settling into my new life. Around 2005 I bought myself a sewing machine here in Dubai and never stopped sewing…
What benefits do you get from sewing?
Apart from the skills of a craft I truly believe sewing, just like any craft teaches you the value and time that goes into making things. In a world where, let’s face it, the majority of people still buy fast fashion it’s important to know that no matter how cheap your dress was someone has still taken hours to make it for you. Also, pricing of items make a lot more sense when you realize people work hard to deliver you a certain product.
Creative hobbies
You like creative hobbies (sewing, macrame, weaving etc.), tell us more about what you do?
What importance have creative hobbies in your life?
Yes, as I mentioned before crafts play a very important part in my life. I eat, breath and sleep crafts… When I’m not making anything I’m planning a new project. It’s a never ending list… I currently teach workshops macrame and weaving at Tribe in Al Quoz but there will soon be some exciting news 😉
Where do you find your creativity?
I find my creativity anywhere… Needless to say social media play a large part in it and I feel very lucky to live in a day and age where people can share their skills and ideas with each other freely. It’s a never ending source of inspiration. But I also get inspired by life around me. I’m lucky enough to have been able to travel extensively and get inspired by different cultures, which are always a great inspiration.
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Her approach to sewing
How do you approach sewing? What is your philosophy?
I don’t usually plan my sewing. Having sewn so much in the last 20 years I usually never sew out of necessity. I do have a soft spot for high fashion and I have a great appreciation for the detail and skill that goes into creating those garments. I can get really mesmerized by the work that goes into making haute couture. I therefore quite often go and wander in high fashion department stores so I can actually see how some items of clothing are made. Nothing more rewarding than making your own mini collection for a fraction of the price!
What is/are your favorite fabric(s)? And what are your criteria when choosing it?
I don’t have any favorite fabrics simply because it depends on the garment I’m making. I try to go as much as possible for sustainable fabrics and try to avoid polyester. But then again, there are not that many available in Dubai and having them sent from overseas is definitely not the answer. I’m also very lucky to come from a family of sewers. My mum had a huge collection of high end deadstock fabrics she used to buy outlet sales. Since she doesn’t sew anymore I get to bring many of them to Dubai…
What is/are your favorite items to sew and wear in Dubai?
Being in Dubai you can never go wrong with a nice summer dress…
Any sewing secret you’d like to share?
Attention to detail. This counts for any craft I believe if you don’t want your piece to look “homemade”. No matter how long you have been sewing, your seam ripper is and will always be your best friend! Even if you have to start over 10 times, it’s worth it and I’m not happy unless it is 100% as it should be. I can’t tell you how many projects I’ve had to chuck in the bin because they were seam ripped beyond repair…
Her 4 Favorite
| Favorite fabric: viscose | Favorite color: off white |
| Favorite print: no print | Favorite designer: – |
Where can we find you online?
My instagram page is @the_heirloom_factory
You can follow Natalie’s creative journey on her Instagram account @the_heirloom_factory You can also take part to her different workshops. To have more information, you can contact her directly on Instagram.
