An Interview with Jill2Day

Jill Kerttula goes by the name Jill2Day on her Etsy Shop online. Jill creates absolutely gorgeous handmade clothing out of recycled items and sells them. Her business is very successful. Read why Jill2Day started her business, how she started it:

1. How did you get started making the sweaters and other items?

I was an art/non-traditional quilter, and a frustrated clothing maker. Frustrated because I had ideas, but really disliked the intricacies of tailoring. I don't remember what moved me to try, but I tried out a reconstructed sweater made from some things I was going to donate. It turned out okay! So I wore it a while, and received many compliments when I did, so I tried on a few more... then I got laid off from my job, so it seemed a good product to sell in an Etsy Shop. I had found Etsy and loved how easy they made it to open a shop.

2. Where do you get your sweaters?

Anywhere I can! Friends and relatives now know they can donate them to me, my own closet, some of my customers provide me with them, eBay and Artfire. But, the majority are from charity shops. I like that when I buy my materials, that I am also supporting the businesses that run the thrift stores.

I was worried, at first, that I might be denying others when I purchased my goods, but this post on the Goodwill site allayed my fears:

"If I shop at a Goodwill store, will I be depriving disadvantaged people of stuff they need?

No. Goodwill serves disadvantaged people by educating, training and placing them into jobs. By becoming gainfully employed, these individuals gain resources to buy the things they need. Many disadvantaged people who are in training or are employed by Goodwill Industries are offered vouchers or discounts at Goodwill retail stores."

3. How long have you been making sweaters?

My Etsy shop opened about a year ago. The art training for my color and design choices started when I got my first Crayolas and continued through BS and MA art degrees, and 30 years as a professional art director. The sewing morphed from making clothes for myself and my children many years ago, followed by my more recent art quilt exhibiting days.

4. On average how long does it take to make a sweater?

Irregular-depends on the sweater.

5. Do you ever have specials on your items?

Rarely, but if I do, it is usually announced through Facebook for my fans, not instituted throughout the store.

But I do have a lot of special items!
Custom orders have included Memorial sweaters made from a loved ones sweaters, team color sweaters, and unique sizing challenges.

6. Do you have any information you want to share about your shows you do?

I only do a few shows a year, Etsy is my number one outlet. Selling sweaters in the outdoor craft shows of summer is neither practical or fun! I prefer the fall and holiday shows. I do intend for the Chicago OOAK show to be my largest annual event. It is a great event and close by.

7. Anything customers have shared with you on how much they love your sweaters?

I would guess that the majority of my customers are repeat customers (some many times over)! Those are the best testimonials! My feedback sometimes brings me to tears with how much the sweaters have meant to my customers. Here are some highlights:

"Wow - I am so pleased with this purchase. A beautifully made creation that is absolutely one-of-a-kind. So well designed and constructed from beautiful knits - I really am speechless! Beautifully packaged - secure, fast delivery. Do not hesitate to buy from this Seller! Thank You Very Much!"

"After searching for years trying to find a long and artistic sweater creation, I came upon this design and fell in love. When it arrived, it was just what I'd hoped for. It's classic, creative, independent and one-of-a-kind. I'm so pleased that it is now "mine"! Great delivery, pleasant exchange, fine artistry."

"Fast delivery, neat packaging, and beautiful design! Such a fun piece. Very well done (and destined to be a favorite). I'm please and proud to be a return customer. My first sweater even got a compliment from Santa Claus!"

"Wonderful & whimsical art to wear! Each one unique, a masterwork of carefully considered and clever construction!"

"Great cardigan - better than I possibly could have imagined. Great communication, patience and intuition. Couldn't recommend more highly!"

"Clever as could be. This one's a cool addition to my growing wardrobe of Jill2day delights. Love it!"

"Perfect fit, excellent workmanship, super fast shipping. Jill is the ultimate professional from start to finish, from making it easy to purchase from her, good communication, fast responses, timely updates, and willingness to include her clients in the design process. One hundred percent satisfied customer--will be buying from Jill2day again."

8. What is the process of creating your custom clothing?

Process:

1- I start with color. I sort my 100s of recycled sweater parts into "bundles of potential" - parts from between 4-8 sweaters that blend, contrast or make a statement.
2- Then I look to construction. Sometimes a unique neckline of one of the recycled sweaters will determine whether the sweater will be a pullover, a coat or a shrug. Sometimes the parts provide the fabric for one of my tried and true design styles. Sometimes the pattern of one of the fabrics will help to determine the direction. Then customer feedback is taken into consideration. I know what has worked, is flattering, is practical, and is preferred. Every item is individually draped and constructed on one of my dress forms. I do not use patterns.
3- Sizing is also based on customer feedback and trends.
4- Then it comes to the sewing. I use an industrial quality serger for most of the sewing. Some hand work to finish each item up. Then it is into the washing machine and dryer to refresh, prove the seaming and soften the fabrics.

9. What are the demographics of folks buying your custom clothing?

Most of my customers are "gutsy women of a certain age", many are professionals, most do not want to blend into the wood work and are not happy with department store selection. "funky and artsy" are often the descriptors they use for themselves! There are many reconstructed garments out there for the young, fairy, hippie, and steam punk crowds, but jill2day is for the woman who wants color or fun in her wardrobe without looking silly!

My styles are also designed and sized for this same group of mature confident women. It is one shop where the size 6-8 may have a harder time finding something than will the 14-16+ sized woman.

Jill, thank you for letting us get to know you better! I appreciate learning all about your custom clothing. Thank you for helping to keep our Earth greener.