« I buy old dresses, curtains and tablecloths from charity shops, and turn them into new dresses, cushions or whatever I feel inspired by »

Brilliant and bubbly Suzie is a Crouch-End-based sewer and maker. She lives in a lovely flat with boyfriend James.

Born in the Netherlands and raised in Australia, Suzie is a true embodiment of London’s international creative culture.

3 steps morning routine

I wake up around 8ish and make coffee while listening to Radio 6 music.

Then I usually go to a coffee shop nearby to do all my admin work. There are tons of nice places in Crouch End - I love the whole experience at Edith’s House, but I often end up at Harris & Hoole which is really laptop friendly.

I start sewing when I come back home - I sit in front of a nice big window that opens on a beautiful garden, while drinking lots of tea and coffee!

Suzie's sewing tools

3 steps evening routine

Dinner time pretty much depends on James’s work schedule and how late he comes home - he’s a comedian and host.

We usually watch Netflix’s Nordic Noir to decompress from our creative lives. We love The Bridge, The Killing… It is so removed from our daily lives it’s a great way to unwind.

While we watch I’ll have a mint tea or a G&T - depending on how wired I am! - while doing small jobs like hand sewing lavender bags. I don’t like sitting still while watching TV!

A colourful and inspired wardrobe

Top 3 creative moments at home

I enjoy doing a bit of interior styling - doing up my flat, making cushions and lampshades for my home.

Trawling vintage fabrics from charity shops is also on my top list. I buy old dresses, curtains and tablecloths, and turn them into new dresses, cushions or whatever I feel inspired by.

I recently went to a macrame plant hanger workshop at Nest - it’s a lovely craft shop in Crouch End. I have a pop-up there until the end of May - go and check it out!

The maker in her home studio

Top 3 relaxing moments and habits

I listen to The Minimalists’ podcast - it’s all about creating a meaningful life, and I find it quite inspiring.

We often go for walks with James, along the Parkland walk or towards Highgate.

I love to read Frankie or Flow. They champion creative and local stuff, and are a bit more thoughtful than your usual women’s magazine. Frankie is Aussie and Flow is Dutch, and as I’m a Dutchie raised in Australia I like the connection to these two countries.

Stocking up cushions and pouches

Secret life hack

If you have fabric with selvedge sides and you want curtains, then the best way forward is to buy curtain rings and clips at Ikea. You just need to hem your fabric’s top and bottom, then clip it to the rings - Ta-da! There goes your beautiful curtain! 

Most treasured possession

An original signed screen print by Sanna Annukka - a Finnish designer I love.

Suzie's most treasured possession

Worst pyjama set

I use a lot of mix and match stuff at the moment - Our flat is so cold, during summer I wear night dresses with UGGs!

Dream home outfit

Loose dress and woolly socks - I like to be comfortable.

Culture vulture - Suzie's current recommandations

Last series:

The Alienist on Netflix. A crime series in costumes!

Last book:

I read mostly non-fiction. I found Steal like an artist by Austin Kleon truly inspiring.

Last podcast:

The Minimalists - it puts me in a de-cluttering mood.

Last movie:

The Shape of Water by Guillermo del Toro - really good and a lot lighter than Pan’s Labyrinth.

Last recipe:

I always make a smoothie for breakfast: turmeric, oats, almond milk, banana, peanut butter and cinnamon. It’s basically a banana smoothie but it’s very soothing for the tummy.

Last playlist:

Suzie’s playlist on Spotify - I love Spotify’s Discover Weekly playlists!

Favourite Instagram accounts:

I’m really a dog person, so at the moment @Dogs_infood really makes me laugh. I’m also a big fan of Gorman clothing @gormanclothing