My name is Isabell Muller, creative entrepreneur and founder of Vlijtig‑Iesje.
Ever since I was a child I was surrounded by creative people. My mother and aunt would knit, embroider, and use the sewing machine to create unique costumes for school parties. Whenever I was bored, I was given something to do: untangle wool, sort yarn, thread buttons—I loved it. My toys consisted of boxes of coloured clay, colouring books, paint-by-numbers kits, and Ministeck.
I've always been busy with my hands, using all sorts of techniques, to create something beautiful—either for myself or as a gift. The end result gave me a sense of satisfaction, and the recipient's smile warmed me to the core.
Knitting & embroidery
My mother taught me to knit and embroider. I quickly gave up embroidery because I kept poking my fingers. The knitting went reasonably well, but casting on and fastening off remained tricky – my mother often had to help me with this.
Crocheting with Grandma
Luckily, my grandmother was patient and often came to stay with cotton and a crochet hook. She asked if I wanted to learn too. Her encouragement gave me the courage to try. Soon, I was crocheting scarves, stuffed animals, and doll clothes—all on my own.
Pimping my ride
When I was sixteen, I begged for an old bicycle for my birthday. My parents looked surprised, but I was allowed to fix it up. After hours in the shed, it was painted bright yellow with red polka dots, the spokes covered with colored tape, and the bell replaced with a clip-on horn. It was my own unique two-wheeler. The fun part for me was that no one else had one like it.
The caravan transformation
Years later, as a married mother, I decided to replace our worn-out trailer tent with a secondhand caravan. The project turned out to be a huge undertaking, but every minute was worth it. After ten years of camping in our "home on wheels," it's still a joy.
From hobby to business
After the caravan makeover, I felt a creative slump until a niece asked if I could make some things to sell. That's how it started: a pillow for my child, a blanket in the colors I wanted, personalized baby gifts for newborns, and later all sorts of everyday items – pillows, rugs, kitchen towels, plants, bags, scarves, hand warmers, stuffed animals, and diaper cloths.
Customers kept coming and asking, “Can you make … for me?” – and I said yes.
Happiness for all
When a product is finished, I feel pride, joy, and warmth. Each piece is handmade with love, attention, and passion, has a certain "wow factor," and exists nowhere else. Even if I follow an existing pattern, I give it my own twist to ensure it remains unique.
Mission statement
I want to make you happy with a unique, handmade product and contribute to a better world. By using sustainable materials and reusing leftovers, I create items that defy our throwaway culture.
Nature holds a special place in my heart; as an avid camper, I love flowers—especially pink. That's why my brand is called Vlijtig‑Iesje, inspired by the vibrant flowers of Vlijtig Liesje (Busy Lizzy).
Sustainability
- Reusing materials – I give everything I can a second life. A new bunting can be created from an old sheet; broken crockery becomes a cake stand or candlestick.
- Residual material – I buy materials that others throw away and transform them into new items.
- Conscious choices – I pay attention to environmentally friendly dyeing processes and natural raw materials without plastic.
This is how I continually create new, fresh and sustainable products that I know will put a smile on your face!
Looking for something specific?
Send me a message below with your wishes, I will gladly make it for you!