Guy’s Naaicentrum was founded in April 1982. The story begins decades earlier, in the 1930s. Désiré Van der Vorst, the maternal grandfather of founder Guy, started trading in the Waasland markets with merchandise such as buttons, sewing thread, zippers, etc, to sell. Later he also starts a shop in the Slangstraat in Hamme.
Two of his three daughters, Annie (Guy’s mother) & Irène, later join the company with their respective husbands. Irène and Etienne successfully ran the shop in Hamme until 1997. Between the 1960s and 2005 Annie, Jozef and son Guy sold an extremely extensive range of high-quality sewing materials on the markets in Waasland and Dendermonde.
In 1982 Guy starts in the sewing machines. With a technical background as a background, he starts training with the most renowned sewing machine manufacturers of the time: Husqvarna in Huskvarna, Sweden on the one hand, and Pfaff in Kaiserslautern, Germany on the other. He learns all the basic elements to repair and adjust a machine. During the same period, he meets Chris, his future wife. Soon Chris, meanwhile his wife, begins to learn many tricks of the sewing trade from Guy.
During that period, Guy’s Sewing Center was located at 2 Plezantstraat in the center of Hamme. With the extensive range they already had at the time, they quickly proved to be an established value in the Waasland and beyond. Guy’s Sewing Center is bursting at the seams for the first time and a brand new store is opened in 1987 in the Roodkruisstraat. In the meantime, in addition to all possible sewing materials, from embroidery and overlock threads to an unprecedented range of zippers to scissors, various brands of machines have also been added to the range: the Japanese top manufacturers Babylock and Janome (then marketed in Belgium under the brand name Lewenstein). ) join the range. In the mid-1990s, the store was expanded for the first time with an underground warehouse, extra large showroom annex classroom and computers for software lessons. A few years later, the quality brand Bernina is also added to the range.
At the end of 2004, the range was expanded to such an extent that a new expansion was necessary. The new building with adjoining shop is being built in record time. In less than 12 months, Guy’s Sewing Center has doubled in size. Quilting fabrics, gems from Gütermann & Swarovski and an even more extensive range of handicraft items, such as knitting yarns from quality brands Lana Grossa, Rowan and Schachenmayr, further complete the range. With the sewing machines, the Japanese brand Juki completes the unparalleled selection of overlock machines and the quality brand Bernina is also included in the range.
From the autumn of 2012, his son Joris also joined the family business as the 4th generation in the sewing sector. He gradually learns the trade from both his father Guy and mother Chris as well as from the countless courses he regularly follows: he follows the lessons of Pfaff & Husqvarna VIKING, Bernina’s 3-4-5-7 series and the countless Janome- models, but also of all brands of overlock machines. Embroidery software and the multi-needle Janome MB-4/MB-7 series also hold no secrets for him.
In 2017, the decision was taken to tear down the adjacent building on the other side and build a completely new store: spacious, modern and light are the keywords here. Demolition will start in July 2017. After a tour de force, Guy’s Sewing Center 2.0 will open its doors in August 2018. An extra spacious showroom, much more light and space in all areas, efficient quality lamps to give the most true-to-colour image of the products,… Everything has been thought of. There is also a spacious classroom for the private lessons of the machines and workshops. The new store has a low carbon footprint in relation to its size:
large solar panel installation,
exceptionally economical LED lamps,
warehouse lighting sensors,
efficient and powerful ventilation,
heat pumps for heating and cooling,
using rainwater for the toilet.
The range of knitting wool and fabrics will be further expanded at that time. Lana Grossa even distinguishes Guy’s Sewing Center as a Lana Grossa Superstore.
Our permanent team of people now consists of Guy, Chris, Joris, Hilde, Anita, Liesbeth & Lore. Fixed points of contact to offer you the best possible service, each with its own specialty.
Far and wide, in East Flanders, Antwerp and Flemish Brabant, we are known for our customer-friendly service, clear explanations without buzzing marketing terms, large stock, unparalleled range. Guy’s Sewing Center is therefore the one-stop-shop for everything that has to do with sewing, needlework, knitting, ….
You read it. Passion and knowledge for and of our profession, it has been in our blood for generations. Since the 1930s, we have distinguished ourselves with the choice for
Greta Bogaerts started ’t Stoffenhoekske in 1985 at the Merksemsebaan 115 in Wijnegem. Now, more than 30 years later, this fabric shop is an established name in Antwerp.
After a technical training ‘Snit & Naad’ at the Sancta-Maria Institute in Deurne, Greta wanted to be able to experience her passion the way she wanted. This enthusiasm became a motivation to start her own business. On September 1, 1985, ’t Stoffenhoekske was born.
Several years after the start, the supply and the number of customers exceeded the capacity of the building. In 1990, ’t Stoffenhoekske moved from Merksemsebaan to its current location on Turnhoutsebaan. But again the corner burst at the seams after a few years. When the adjacent building was put up for sale, a great opportunity presented itself to further expand the store in order to offer customers a clearer overview. Ten years after this second expansion, the next adjacent building was also purchased, which was furnished as an additional studio space and training room.
At the same time, the services offered also expanded. ‘ t Stoffenhoekske started in 1985 with the sale of fashion fabrics and sewing supplies. Customers also got all the sewing advice they wanted. After the move, Greta started with the first sewing courses, in her own living room and on a much smaller scale and less frequent than today.
Customers increasingly asked for curtains and drapes. After additional courses, Greta started making quality custom curtains. The high-quality fabrics in the range and the perfect finish ensured satisfied customers and new customers. Greta’s daughters Saartje and Lientje, who both followed an intensive course in window decoration, have been working in the business for several years now. This collection of hands and expertise makes it possible to accept and complete larger assignments as well. For example, ’t Stoffenhoekske is now increasingly making curtains for schools, retirement homes, companies, etc. all over the country.
In the early years, ’t Stoffenhoekske also moved. Greta went to annual fairs with fashion fabrics and attended the annual Easter market on the Turnhoutsebaan in Wijnegem. There was also a fashion show in which every piece of clothing was made by hand. The fashion show is now history, but ’t Stoffenhoekske is still represented every year on the Easter market.
’t Stoffenhoekske has come a long way since the first stitch in 1985. Today you will not only find a wide range of unique fashion fabrics and merchandise, but you can also find tailor-made carpets and curtains with free measurement and installation. The repair service continues to deliver on time and neatly. And the intricacies of the trade are explained at the regular and pleasant sewing courses.
’t Stoffenhoekske is far from finished.
Who are we?
Greta Bogaerts
(Founder and business manager)
Started with the shop in 1985. She manages the business, does the bookkeeping, guides the employees and helps where necessary, eg with measuring and placing curtains. Greta also supervises the sewing courses for adults.
Saartje Danckers
(In permanent employment since 2014)
Specialized in sales, customization, and retouching. Saartje completed a six-year course and a specialization year in Fashion, which gave her extensive knowledge and skills in fashion fabrics and customization. She also supervises the sewing courses for children.
Lientje Danckers
(In permanent employment since 2016)
Specialized in curtains, drapes, pull-up systems, panels and electrical controls for curtains in all shapes and sizes. Lientje followed a three-year course to become an expert in everything related to custom curtains.
Peggy Van Sandt
(On an independent basis since 2006)
Peggy entered ’t Stoffenhoekske for the first time as a participant in our sewing courses. Today she works freelance specializing in machine embroidery and retouching.
Greta and daughters Saartje and Lientje regularly attend training courses to update contemporary knowledge and to keep abreast of the latest materials, techniques and instruments.
Opening hours
Tuesday up to and including Friday: 9.30am to 12.30pm & 1.30pm to 6pm
FairyTailors saw the light at the end of 2014. A hobby that got out of hand, very cliché. We built a webshop, found the most beautiful fabrics and got to know you during countless fabric fairs and pop-ups. When a building became available in 2018, a stone’s throw from our home, right in the thriving center of Tervuren, we took the plunge: in February 2018 we opened the brick shop at Klarastraat 4.
And “we” are Lieselot (the face of FairyTailors), Michel (builder of the webshop and the original interior of the store and above all eternal support) and the sweetest family and friends for supporting! And you of course, because without customers there would be no FairyTailors.
FAIRYTALE
An imaginative range for little and big princes and princesses. A creative journey of discovery by and for you and me.
FAIR
FairyTailors will pamper you with a colorful range of do-it-yourself stuff. We consciously choose fabrics with a positive story. Oeko-Tex, GOTS, Belgian designers, European productions, … Naturally, fabrics also have to be shipped. But did you know that fabrics take up a lot less space than finished pieces? So long live the DIY!
Your package will also be ecologically packed (recycled envelopes) and sent via Bpost. Our contribution to the fairy tale…
TAILOR
For and by tailors. And completely tailored to you. So don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or comments!
(R)(E-)TAILOR
FairyTailors sells directly to you, our beloved customer. 24/7 online, and live in our store in Tervuren.
Stoffe & Koffe is a fabric shop in Schoten, not far from Antwerp, that combines the pleasure of drinking coffee and sewing. While you are sipping your coffee, you can browse through many magazines from our library, discover our range of fabrics and think in peace about which fabric and which pattern you want to use to make that trendy dress or cool jacket. You can also order your favorite fabrics online via the webshop of our fabric store.
A wide range at our fabric store near Antwerp
In our fabric store near Antwerp and online you will find a lot of women’s, children’s and decorative fabrics with which you can get started cheerfully. Our range is very extensive, with fabrics in many different styles and colours. So come and take a look at our fabric store or discover the products in our webshop. In addition, we also have all kinds of other supplies and accessories such as haberdashery, ribbons, vlieseline, and much more. You can also view and order all kinds of fabrics at your leisure in the online shop of our fabric store.
Sewing courses and workshops
Have you ordered the material you need via the webshop of our fabric store near Antwerp? Then you can get started! We also organize various sewing courses for both beginners and advanced in our fabric shop near Antwerp. Do you want to delve into the world of sewing? Could your sewing skills use a refresh? Register now. Would you like to order fabrics via the webshop of our fabric store before you participate in these courses and workshops? That is possible. You can order the desired fabrics online via our online fabric store. A wide range of fabrics are available in the web shop of our fabric store, from uni cotton to coat fabric.
Discover our coffee house ‘Coffee’
Are you a big fan of cappuccino or latte? Does your day always start with a steaming cup of coffee? Then you will certainly appreciate our coffee house and our fabric shop in Schoten, near Antwerp! You choose from an extensive range of quality coffee; from a quick espresso to a relaxed latte. But you can also come to us for a nice tea or a soft drink. There is something for everyone, including in our online fabric store! The icing on the cake is our nice library with a lot of reading material on the theme of ‘sewing’. Are you curious about our offer? Then take a quick look at the webshop of our fabric store.
Bobby Sewing started as a tiny fabric shop in Mortsel and moved a year later to a beautiful building down the street. Our customers are not only fans of the wide range of beautiful fabrics and the fast service, but also of our enthusiastic and professional advice. In the meantime, you can also view the collection of fabrics and haberdashery online in our webshop and make them yours with a simple push of a button.
But who is that Bobby Sewing anyway? I often get emails that start with ‘Hello Bobby’, but my real name is Joanna, married to Geert and mother of 2 sons and a daughter who are gradually starting to stand on their own two feet. I graduated as a historian, found nice jobs and great colleagues and started in 2013 with the biggest challenge of all: my own fabric store!
Britt Guetens and Evelien Cabie each bring over ten years of experience creating sewing patterns and tutorials for hobby sewers.
Evelien is pictured on the right. She has been sewing since childhood, and becoming a patternmaker was destined for her, but life first led her down a path to become an architect. She enjoyed a successful career in architecture (where she met her husband). After numerous sewing and pattern-drafting courses, she published a series of highly successful sewing books. Evelien also worked for several years at the renowned Belgian sewing magazine ‘La Maison Victor’ as a designer/pattern maker for women’s clothing.
She lives with her husband and three children in West Flanders.
Britt (pictured left) chose specialized fashion training from a young age and also studied fashion design for a time at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, after which she earned a degree in journalism. Britt helped launch the sewing magazine ‘La Maison Victor’ in 2013 and served as editor-in-chief for many years until she joined the design team in 2020 and began developing men’s and children’s patterns.
Britt is a mother of two and lives in Antwerp.
“In 2023, we launched Notches to channel our skills into something that sparks joy for many people while adding value to the world. For us, this means empowering people to create sustainable wardrobes that reflect their personality. We believe sewing can be a powerful tool for building self-confidence. This is incredibly important because it nurtures resilience—and resilience is essential for a happy life.”
“When you sew for yourself, it’s not just about making clothes; it’s a way to create a lifestyle where you work slowly, mindfully, and creatively, regularly claiming some ‘me-time.’ Isn’t that a wonderful way to achieve a calm, balanced mind?”
As a hobby sewist, you have the freedom to create a wardrobe that reflects your body and personality, breaking free from fast-fashion trends and seasonal must-haves. At Notches, our patterns are designed with versatility in mind—you don’t have to “hack” them to get creative results. With every pattern, we offer options that allow you to create garments that reflect your unique style, without the stress of figuring everything out yourself. Whether you want a slight variation or something completely different, our designs give you the freedom to make it your own.
We believe that true beauty emerges when you are authentically yourself. That’s why our slogan is, ‘Bring out the YOU in you!’ Our patterns are designed to help you express that authenticity with every stitch.
We will help you from scratch with tailor-made advice. This means that we are happy to help you find a suitable pattern for your figure. We provide advice on the right fabric for the chosen model in a color that suits you. We can help you with all materials from patterned paper and crayons to zippers and buttons and everything in between. You will always receive the correct explanation to bring your project to a successful conclusion. Even if you are not confident enough to start it alone, you will certainly feel at home here. We give sewing lessons in the back of the store in a very homely atmosphere. You can come here as a beginner, but also to sew in a fun group.
Greta Bogaerts started ’t Stoffenhoekske in 1985 at the Merksemsebaan 115 in Wijnegem. Now, more than 30 years later, this fabric shop is an established name in Antwerp.
Customers increasingly asked for curtains and drapes. After additional courses, Greta started making quality custom curtains. The high-quality fabrics in the range and the perfect finish ensured satisfied customers and new customers. Greta’s daughters Saartje and Lientje, who both followed an intensive course in window decoration, have been working in the business for several years now. This collection of hands and expertise makes it possible to accept and complete larger assignments as well. For example, ’t Stoffenhoekske is now increasingly making curtains for schools, retirement homes, companies, etc. all over the country.
Who are we?
Britt Guetens and Evelien Cabie each bring over ten years of experience creating sewing patterns and tutorials for hobby sewers.
