When Maartje (pronounced Marcha) heard about the latest trend of handmade handbags she went searching the stores for something she had in mind, but met with no success. She had envisioned tapestry fabrics with different textures and bright, brilliant colors. She was looking for a purse that would make a statement. A seamstress and quilter for 30 years she decided to make her own design just for fun. They turned out so well that she showed them to a local high-end boutique and got rave reviews and a large order. That got her new business started.
Maartje was born and raised in the Netherlands where she learned much about sewing from her mother as well as in school where sewing is a basic class for girls starting in the 2nd grade. She had wanted to become a sewing teacher ever since she was a young girl. She came to the United States when she was only 17 to attend college and it was here that she met her husband. Six children and one and a half grandchildren later they are still happily married. She has continued her sewing talents and beautiful quilts, pillows, table and mantle runners adorn her home. While Maartje is passionate about her growing business she still has time for her family.
Maartje had always wanted to have a business in her home so that she could spend time with her husband and family. She has found a perfect nitch with her unique bags that she can design and sew. Each handbag, backpack, diaperbag and tote is a masterpiece, using the highest quality upholstery fabrics, uniquely designed and individually created. You'll never see two alike. With the success of the handbags Maartje is soon to venture into other home accessory areas such as table and mantle runners and pillows. Harlequin Design by Maartje specializes in high quality and unique designs, our mark of excellence created with you in mind.
Maartje was born and raised in the Netherlands where she learned much about sewing from her mother as well as in school where sewing is a basic class for girls starting in the 2nd grade. She had wanted to become a sewing teacher ever since she was a young girl. She came to the United States when she was only 17 to attend college and it was here that she met her husband. Six children and one and a half grandchildren later they are still happily married. She has continued her sewing talents and beautiful quilts, pillows, table and mantle runners adorn her home. While Maartje is passionate about her growing business she still has time for her family.
Maartje had always wanted to have a business in her home so that she could spend time with her husband and family. She has found a perfect nitch with her unique bags that she can design and sew. Each handbag, backpack, diaperbag and tote is a masterpiece, using the highest quality upholstery fabrics, uniquely designed and individually created. You'll never see two alike. With the success of the handbags Maartje is soon to venture into other home accessory areas such as table and mantle runners and pillows. Harlequin Design by Maartje specializes in high quality and unique designs, our mark of excellence created with you in mind.