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JOHN
MET
BETTY

''Betty'' clutch, Brass frame with vintage barkcloth, $60
''The Forest'' clutch with handles. Brass purse frame, vintage barkcloth fabric. $60 ''Nora'' clutch with handles.  Brass frame with vintage barkcloth fabric, $65
"Betty" clutch, Brass frame with vintage barkcloth, $60 "The Forest" clutch with handles. Brass purse frame, vintage barkcloth fabric. $60 "Nora" clutch with handles. Brass frame with vintage barkcloth fabric, $65

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I’m Jillian and my company is John Met Betty. I create unique clutches made from a mix of vintage materials and designer cottons. I’ve been designing bags since 2006, recently I started selling my bags on Etsy.com. I first became interested in making handbags while attending school for Fashion Design at George Brown College, in Toronto, Canada. It was there that I developed industry sewing and pattern drafting skills, which gave me the confidence to make my designs a reality.

I didn’t launch my business on a professional level until my husband and I moved to the United States in 2007. It was then that I finally had the time to devote to my business full-time. I’ve always had a love of vintage textiles and buttons and have been collecting them for years. I love bringing new life to something from years gone by. I’m currently in the beginning stages with my line. Each bag is truly one of a kind, each piece is individually handmade by me.

All of my bags are truly unique. I’m constantly sourcing one of a kind vintage textiles and buttons. I want to provide my customers with a quality handbag that stands out in a crowd. When working with vintage materials it can be difficult to source interesting linings to match. When I can’t find a vintage print to match I often use designer cottons. I search for unique and interesting prints that compliment the vintage textiles I use. The frames I use in my bags are often new frames on occasion I may use an antique frame. I have chosen to use frames made to look “antique” this look compliments the vintage materials I use to create my bags.

I started my formal line in October of 2008. I had been selling my handbags at local shows and to family and friends. Many people were asking where they could purchase my bags and it was then I decided to start selling my purses online. It was many years of tinkering with different art forms before I learned to sew and develop a passion for clothing and accessory design. I had studied Fine Arts at the University of Waterloo taking courses in everything from drawing, printmaking and even computer animation. I hadn’t found a medium that I truly felt passionate about until I began working in fashion. It was when I was employed as a design assistant for a leather company called Beardmore Leathers, that I found I had a real passion for clothing and accessories. After working for three years in the industry I pursued Fashion Design at George Brown College in Toronto Canada. I earned invaluable sewing and pattern making skills and was finally able to turn my creative ideas into something tactile.

I originally did not plan on making frame purses. I stumbled into a lot of frames from a leather company going out of business. I had been collecting vintage handbags for years and always loved the look of their structured designs. When I received this lot of handbag frames I began playing around with them and taught myself how to use them. I also had many helpful tutorials found through the internet along the way!

Thankfully thus far I haven’t had a nightmare design story. I think the most challenging design is when you are designing for someone else. I find custom orders the hardest to complete because I truly enjoy the process of picking the fabrics and trim’s myself.  My greatest achievement so far would be launching my online shop. It’s something I dreamt of doing for several years. To see others find joy in the items I create truly makes all the effort worthwhile.
 

 
What is your name? Jillian Darnell
Where are you from? Toronto, Ontario Canada
Where do you live now? Bainbridge Island, WA
How old are you? 28
Do you have a design background? Yes
Do you still have a day job? No
What year were your bags born? 2008
Bag brand name: John Met Betty
What is their retail price range? $18 - $100
Where can a shopper buy your bags? http://JohnMetBetty.etsy.com
For more information, contact: http://JohnMetBetty.etsy.com 

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