About Me
Hi, I’m Joanne (Jo) and I love anything to do with sewing and craft. Ever since I was little I have been into some kind of craft. But my favourite is sewing. I have been sewing since my mum taught me as a young child, so nearly 4 decades now. I want to keep the art of sewing alive for future generations and I want to share the joy of making something with your own two hands - the pride of finishing a project, the comfort of fabric in your fingers and the freedom to create something truly your own.
I used to teach children to sew in my business called Sew and Stitch Kids. I taught for 6.5 years in my home studio and loved every minute of it. I met many wonderful kids and families, and I miss them so much.
I decided to pursue my passion of becoming a pattern designer this year. I am currently learning pattern making and grading and how to bring my patterns to life. I hope to release my first pattern by the end of the year.
My new business is Jo Vogler Patterns and I hope to design many patterns and bring all of my patten designs out into the world of sewing, whilst keeping this beautiful tradition alive and to make sure it continues to weave its way into the future.
I was born in England and emigrated to Australia in 1979 when I was 5 years old, with my parents and my younger sister. We came with 2 suitcases and started a new life away from the cold and rain. It has been hard over the years being away from our big family in England but I am grateful for the great life we have had in Australia. I went back for holidays with my mum and dad and I recently went back for my honeymoon and saw my 94 year old Nan before she passed away. I will treasure this time forever and I am very thankful I had this opportunity.
I remember the cold in England when I was little and all of the cute outfits my mum dressed me in.
I recently married my soul mate and we live on the Sunshine Coast in Qld Australia.
My mum made my prom dress and I remember helping her with parts of it. I have loved sewing from a young age and made dolls clothes and barbie doll clothes, blankets, bags and simple clothes. I always had to be creating and using my hands and I have tried many crafts over the years. Apart from sewing I also love knitting, crochet and embroidery. I am currently learning crochet and made my first cardigan and I am now making a top. I also love scrapbooking and journalling and their sentimentality and have tried applique, folk art, painting, weaving, macrame, signwriting, finger knitting, pottery and ceramics, decoupage, stained glass painting, cross stitch, upcycling and thrifting.
I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A SENTIMENTAL GIRL, WHO LOVES TAKING PHOTOS, KEEPING MEMORIES ALIVE, JOURNALLING MOMENTS. WRITING LETTERS, KEEPING A DIARY, SCRAPBOOKING AND HAVE KEPT LOTS OF MEMORABILIA.
I ALSO REMEMBER MY MUM WRITING AEROGRAMS TO OUR RELATIVES IN ENGLAND AND I USE TO WRITE TO MY NOW HUSBAND WHEN I WAS AT SCHOOL. I ALSO USE TO WORK IN A POST OFFICE AND LOVED MEETING PEOPLE WHO WERE PICKING UP MAIL FROM LOVED ONES. AND OF COURSE I LOVE SEWING TOO, AND IT ALL TIES TOGETHER IN THE OLD TRADITIONS THAT ARE BECOMING A LOST ART IN TODAYS DIGITAL WORLD. SO, THIS BRINGS ME TO MY NEW IDEA THAT WILL BE LAUNCHING SOON
I ALSO HAVE A CAT AND DOG. OLAF THE CAT IS AWAYS IN MY SEWING ROOM AND IS MY LITTLE SIDE KICK WITH ALL THINGS SEWING AND HUMPHREY THE DOG IS NEVER FAR AWAY ALSO.
My new business Jo Vogler patterns which I created mid 2025. I can’t wait to bring you my first pattern!
I have also been working behind the scenes on an idea I have had for some time now - I want to connect generations through sewing, storytelling and slow mindful creativity and sentimentality. Threaded Letters Snail Mail Club is launching in October.
For me sewing has always been a connection to the past - a craft lovingly taught by my mum or grandma and I believe sewing is more than fabric and thread, it’s a tradition.
Please follow me to keep updated on this exciting news. Thank you for reading my ‘about me’.
