The Force in Joe awakened in 2015 when Star Wars returned to the big screen. Joe was so excited for the return of his favorite franchise that he needed to escape into the world of embroidery to help himself from being bounced off the planet by the force.

Joe drew Yoda.

Val digitized Yoda.

And then Joe learned how to program and operate the machine.

Joe operates the machines and threads the needles with the dexterity of the finest surgeon. The sewing machine is industrial; there are a lot of STEM skills needed. It’s automated but takes a lot of time to program. Hooping is extremely difficult, but somehow Joe manages to get it straight every time. Within a flash of a light saber, Joe embroiders black-diamond-level designs with the machine.

He’s a true master at work, and now embroiders for the Prospector.

Joe embroiders vests, reserved seat covers, scarves, pom-pom hats, and other retail goods.

At the Prospector, we have a teaching and training method called “paddling with the current.” Joe’s journey with embroidery is a perfect example of that methodology. We mine for a Prospect’s sparkle - or talents and passions - and find creative, off-label uses to channel that sparkle power, like embroidery.

Joe has used the embroidery skills developed at the Prospector to start his own business. He has begun training an apprentice to help him as his business grows. Joe still works at the Prospector; his Prospect vest is covered with designs from movie releases.

He talked about his journey on a recent professional development Zoom with Dr. Temple Grandin, live from his personal workshop. Joe made a custom-embroidered shirt for Dr. Grandin as a thank you gift. She loved it!

Embroidery Requests

Want Joe to work on an embroidery project for you?

Contact the Prospector’s Embroidery team!