September18.nl was founded in September 2018. And we pronounce 18 in English, so eightteen :-). I have been running ZIJDAR & Zijdewinkel.nl (less easy to pronounce, sorry), since 2013. A wholesaler, webshop and store around silk, fabrics, silk painting, wick wool and creative materials.
I noticed that there was an increasing need for ready-made packages. “I want to make this, how do I do it, and what exactly do I need…..?” This is how September18.nl was born; ready-made DIY boxes with beautiful materials that are sent monthly.
September18 was, as the name says: set up in September 2018 and started from a love for natural materials such as wool and silk. It is inspired by making beautiful products for your interior and fine luxury accessories for yourself such as a lovely scarf, big blanket or jewelry. All our boxes and patterns are based on this and you can use it to make the nicest and coolest items for yourself or someone else.
Are you looking for new knitting or crochet techniques? Do you want to get new creative ideas? Or are you simply ready for a new hobby and are you looking for a fun leisure activity to find peace in making your own things? Whatever you want, September18 has all the creativity you’re looking for!
Founder Sarah Ruijter
“You can read more about me, my other two companies ZIJDAR Natural Silk & Zijdewinkel.nl and my passion below. Nothing is as satisfying as creating things with your own hands. Really, that makes you calm, happy and relaxed. My great team , members and ambassadors help me to grow September18 even more and to meet the wishes of all DIY fans around the world.”
Warm regards,
Sarah Ruijter | @sarah_ruijter
Introducing: Founder Sarah Ruijter
My background
Hi, I’m Sarah. September18 I started – in September 2018 😉 – from a love for natural materials such as wool and silk and making beautiful products with them. I myself have a background in Hospitality Management and in 2013 I bought the companies Zijdar & Zijdewinkel.nl. I had no idea of everything that was possible in the field of silk, silk painting, felting, XXL knitting etc.
In recent years I have further developed the company, founded in 1982, into a true experience around silk with a B2C shop, B2B wholesale, studio, courses, masterclasses and its own silk museum (now only digital available).
Why September18
What gave me the itch to set up September18.nl is that my customers at ZIJDAR and Zijdewinkel.nl are mostly textile professionals and hobbyists with experience. While there are so many people (like myself) who really enjoy making something, but how?! They have little or no experience, or a lot, but just not the time, the courage or the idea to get started.
Handmade luxury
Through my purchasing experience at Zijdar and Zijdewinkel.nl, I have the opportunity to inexpensively offer these DIY boxes for anyone who enjoys getting started themselves. Pure, honest, natural and beautiful materials for the Handmade Luxury feeling. With a clear video instruction where I explain step by step how to make your interior eye-catcher, fashion item or accessory.
Relax!
That’s why I started these DIY patters and videos for everyone who likes to get started themselves. We always use pure, honest, natural and beautiful materials for the Handmade Luxury feeling. With a clear video instruction in which I explain step by step how to make your interior eye-catcher, fashion item or accessory. Come and join us!
Together with Alisa
Together with Alisa (right) I run these creative companies with great pleasure. Alisa has been with us since 2017. And she’s super creative, and very technical. She converts everything we think of into a clear pattern. Even if you are not creative. Useful! Who knows see you soon!
As long as I can remember I love textiles, clothing and making things. The great thing about fabrics is that it is so flexible and it is something that everyone is wearing on every day. That is why I decided to study fashion design. I learned a lot at AMFI, but it turned out not to be the right place for me. Fortunately, I was able to start working at Zijdar, since November 2017, and I am working every day with the most beautiful materials; silk, wool and cool DIY projects for September18!”
