About

Welcome to Peppa-Jo Patterns!

My name is Erica and I design and make a range of patchwork, applique and stitchery patterns with a distinctive country style.

My story begins in the late eighties.  I had been interested in trying out quilting and decided that my very first project should be a log cabin cushion. This was followed closely by a teddy bear themed bed quilt for my daughter. What started out as a hobby soon turned into a full blown passion (and a house full of UFOs, fabric and assorted quilting paraphernalia)! In 1991 I joined Cottage Patch Quilters Guild in Amanzimtoti where I began to meet and mix with our local quilting world. Sadly, once I returned to work, I was no longer able to attend the weekday meetings. That didn’t stop me though!!! Together with some friends, we founded Masterpieces Quilting Group in 1992. We chose to meet on a Saturday afternoon to cater for the working quilter like myself.

Through the years, I developed a soft spot for country themed patterns. However, I noticed that patterns in the style that I truly enjoyed making were seldom available in my home town. I started to design and make my own cushions and samplers and was soon hearing the “you should sell these” suggestions. That sparked the idea that was to become Peppa-Jo patterns in early 2006.  My “launch" was at my very own Masterpieces group. I wanted to test the patterns on friends and friendly faces to get an honest idea of the interest they could generate. The response was truly amazing and it gave me the courage boost I needed to approach KwaZulu Natal Quilters Guild for a vendor’s table. My very first meeting was a nerve wracking affair but once again I was gob smacked by the response!! Did I really have something worthwhile here? Well…The rest as they say is history!!

My inspiration for the patterns comes from everywhere and anywhere and from virtually anything - from a flower to a random shoe or quote. Cats, dogs and crawlies are some of my favourites. My own two cats are a constant source of inspiration and amusement. I keep a notebook and pencil on me at all times because you never know when inspiration may strike...usually on a busy day in the office!

Aside from my regular spot at KwaZulu Natal Quilters Guild meetings, I have been invited to sell at the wonderful, annual Sisters at St Matthews Quilt show at the St. Matthews Church in Pietermaritzburg. I also had a stand at last year’s “Images of Sport” show which was held to celebrate the 2010 Soccer World Cup right on our doorstep. Aside from that, I have sold at the Izotsha Quilting Weekends Fun Friday night markets on several occasions.

I am lucky to have an extremely supportive family who are always encouraging me to grow Peppa-Jo in new and bigger directions. I have been known to use my husband and son as slave labour in the weeks leading up to a big meeting or market and my wonderful daughter is always on hand to help me pack and run the stand! She is also currently teaching me to blog!

I love interacting with other like minded quilters, sharing ideas and finding inspiration by meeting curious and interesting people.  If you are reading this then you must be as passionate about quilting as I am and I’d love to know more about you. If you have any questions, comments, feedback or you are just looking for that extra stitch of inspiration I’d love to hear from you. Even if you only want to say hi, send me an email on  peppa.jo.patterns@gmail.com.


A friendly reminder that all Peppa-Jo Patterns are my own designs and copyright is expressly reserved.  You may not use these patterns for commercial gain.  You may not copy, distribute or teach any of these patterns without written permission from Peppa-Jo Patterns.