More about me…
Hi my name is Jo and I’m The Rogue Needle Woman. ‘Rogue’ because I am largely self-taught and like to bend the rules to honour the creative process.
My textile journey started in 1999, when I saw a lace spiderweb that my friend had made. It reminded me of the brilliant artist Louise Bourgeois. I didn’t pursue this new passion until years later when I started a lace-making course with the renowned lace artist Gillian Dye. From here my discovery of textiles expanded and finally, I was encouraged by friends to do a degree in textile and surface design to consolidate my skills. After making my first corset on the course, I was invited to apply at Cleveland College of Art & Design for a course in costume making for the entertainment industry. From here, grew my love for historical dress and historical dressmaking techniques.
After finishing my course, I worked as an alteration hand. Later, I set up a business partnership making costumes for events and museums and also offering dressmaking and alterations. Life events and Covid led to me setting up a workshop at Bbox Studios, where you can find me now.
I am passionate about sewing and textile art and love creating new things. I have tried my hand at many textile-based processes such as felting, lace-making, spinning, weaving, printing, book-binding, machine and hand embroidery as well as sewing. I specialise in historical and performance costumes, but also create dress-up customisations. I am most passionate about the Dark Ages up to late Medieval. However, so as not to limit myself, I made some of the more complex designs from later periods for myself. This included Tudor (Channel 5 documentary), Georgian (Georgian Festival, Tall Ships), Victorian (Victorian Morning Outfit). I also made a Regency Dress before Bridgerton put it on the map.
My historical replica outfits for clients range from Roman to Viking, Norman to Late Medieval and beyond. This includes constructing undergarments like made-to-measure corsets and stays. As well as taking on historical commissions my bespoke dressmaking service includes modern-day garments that you may require for any special events in your life.
If you want to learn and develop your own passion for sewing I offer personalised 1-to-1 workshops.