Personal Background
Jo, as we dive into your story, could you provide a snapshot of who you are and take us on the journey that led you to where you are today?
I grew up near the New Forest in the south of England. After gaining a degree in Psychology I worked in Human Resources for a number of years, but when the opportunity arose to travel and live in other countries with my husband’s job, we jumped at the chance, and spent 10 years living overseas, in Singapore, Italy, and Australia. We returned to the UK around 14 years ago now and are fully settled back here now.
Quilting Journey
When and how did you start quilting? What drew you to quilting as a form of expression?
It was whilst living in Australia that I started quilting. I had always sewn little things, but the thought of investing so much time in making a quilt did not fill me with joy! But a couple of friends encouraged me to try! And the rest is history, lol!
Pattern Designing
What inspired you to start designing quilt patterns? How do you approach the creative process of designing a new pattern?
I had been teaching basic sewing skills whilst living in Australia, and so when we came back to England it seemed natural to continue. So I started teaching in my local fabric shop. During that time I continued making quilts and so started to submit ideas to quilting magazines. Once I’d done a few I decided to start writing patterns to sell.
My creative process usually begins with a sketch on a scrap of paper or a post it note! It then finds it’s way into the design software I use: EQ8. At that point many iterations begin until I’m happy with it.
Style and Aesthetics
How would you define your pattern style? Are there specific themes or elements that consistently appear in your designs?
My pattern style I think falls into the Modern Traditional category. I do like curves so in my later designs you’ll often find some sort of curve.
Color
How does color play a role in your pattern designing? Do you have a favorite color? Are there certain color combinations you find particularly appealing?
I LOVE colour! Bold, bright colours paired with a neutral is my favourite. I don’t really have a favourite colour, I love to work with the full rainbow spectrum, but if I had to choose I’d say blue/green.
Business Activities
Apart from designing patterns, what other activities are integral to your quilting business?
(Membership, notions, courses, etc)
Whilst I am a pattern designer, the main part of my business is teaching. It’s where it all began afterall! I love helping others find new skills and enjoy their hobby more. These days my teaching is mainly online though, unless I’m teaching a quilting group/guild or at an event like the Festival of Quilts.
You can find most of my patchwork and quilting classes inside my Quilt Hive membership club. I also teach a free motion quilting course online and often offer block of the month programs.
I visit guilds and groups to give talks about various subjects: Creativity for wellbeing; How to Avoid Quilt Freeze; and am an Aurifilosopher so can happily chat to you all about the merits of using Aurifil thread!
Online Presence
Where can people find your work online? (Website, social media handles, online marketplaces). How do you use online platforms to connect with your audience and fellow quilters?
Website: https://www.thecraftynomad.co.uk/
Instagram: @thecraftynomadfleet
Facebook: The Crafty Nomad
Upcoming Projects
Can you provide a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or designs you’re working on? Any exciting collaborations or events?
Yes! I have two exciting things happening right now.
The first is a really fun design collaboration with three other British pattern designers. I am super excited about our design. Our theme for the 2025 project is ‘Make Time to Do What Makes You Happy’!
In a busy world where our lives are full of work commitments, family responsibilities, and the distractions of social media, we are reminded of the importance of making time for activities that nourish our souls, make us happy, and force us to slow down and reconnect with what’s really important.
We have each designed blocks around the following sub themes: Creativity; Self Care, Nature, and Friendship. The design is available as a pattern with a full sewalong, including support from the designers in the way of technique tutorials and a Facebook group for questions and inspiration. It’s a little like a BOM but compressed into 3 months instead of 12!
The second fun collaboration is a new class inside my Quilt Hive membership. We’ve just added a fantastic class from a guest teacher. Angie Attwood is a leading expert on ruler quilting, and she has delivered an amazing class for those quilters just starting out in ruler quilting.
QuiltInk Experience
How has QuiltInk contributed to your quilt pattern design business? Could you share your experience with the platform and how it has influenced your creative process and connected you with fellow quilters?
I love Quilt Ink and have used it for my past Block of the Month programs: The Glitter Ball; Kaleidobloom; and Geometree. It has given my participants the ability to visualise their ideas and decide if they will work well or not without wasting their money on fabric.
Quilt Ink has provided quilters with a great way of find new designers and designs. My customers love it! One described it as like going down a rabbit hole. She lost hours in there playing with colour!!
