Meet Jo Simpson

Before I started my journey in Surface Pattern Design, I did a lot of quilting in my free time. I had been creating characters and scenes out of fabric pieces and appliquéing these onto my quilts. When I discovered Immersion, I realized I could design the characters right in the fabric. It’s been such a gift.

When I first found the Immersion course, I was immediately drawn to it. I love taking courses and this one looked like a great fit. I loved the idea of being able to design my own fabric.  The best part of the course was learning Adobe Illustrator from Bonnie and being part of such a supportive, inspiring community. I went from being a complete beginner in Illustrator to feeling confident and excited about designing patterns on my own.

I’m grateful to have taken Immersion and learned design skills and now have the confidence to build a portfolio, attend H+H and Quilt Market, and have real conversations with art directors and shop owners. This is something I wouldn’t have imagined doing before.

Since completing Immersion, I signed a fabric contract with a fabric company! My first collection will be available for shops to order in January 2026 and will arrive in stores for Summer 2026.

I’m so excited for what’s ahead, seeing my designs on fabric, creating quilts and stuffed animals from my own collections, and continuing to grow as both a designer and a quilter. Having other creatives design and make quilts with my fabric is such a wonderful bonus!

Bonnie, thank you so much for changing my life story.