Fall 2025
My Fall 2025 NEWSLETTER is coming out soon!
OCTOBER
Friday, October 17 | 11:00-2:00
Herringbone Patchwork
Fabric Spark
Sold Out
Brick garden paths and ceramic tiles are often arranged in a beautiful, woven-look Herringbone pattern. In this workshop, we will learn to use “partial seam” construction to reproduce the Herringbone design in fabric. This gorgeous patchwork is an ideal project for using 2 1/2” pre-cut “jellyroll” strips, and is also a lovely way to use some of your favourite scraps.
Saturday, October 18 | 11:00-2:00
Sewing Machine Basics
Toronto Sewing
School
Sold Out
Welcome to the practical and creative world of machine sewing! In this workshop, you will gain an overall understanding of how to set up and operate a sewing machine. We will cut and construct an envelope-style pillow cover to learn the basics of cutting, pinning, and sewing on a beginner-friendly project. No experience necessary, sewing machines provided.
Sunday, October 19 | 11:00-2:00
Sewing Machine Basics
Toronto Sewing
School
Sold Out
come to the practical and creative world of machine sewing! In this workshop, you will gain an overall understanding of how to set up and operate a sewing machine. We will cut and construct an envelope-style pillow cover to learn the basics of cutting, pinning, and sewing on a beginner-friendly project. No experience necessary, sewing machines provided.
Monday, October 20 | 11:00-2:00
Curved Piecing Workshop
Empire Make
Space
Build your curved piecing confidence! Intentional pinning, some alignment tips, and a simple sewing machine modification make this Drunkard’s Path base block much easier to assemble.
Join us to learn all the tips and tricks, and sew curves like a pro!
Tuesday, October 21 | 6:00-9:00
Intro to Sewing: Envelope Pillow Case
Empire Make Space
Sold Out
Welcome to the practical and creative world of machine sewing! In this workshop, you will gain an overall understanding of how to set up and operate a sewing machine. We will cut and construct an envelope-style pillow cover to learn the basics of cutting, pinning, and sewing on a beginner-friendly project. No experience necessary, sewing machines provided.
Friday, October 24 | 11:00-2:00
Improvised Patchwork Lettering
Fabric Spark
Make a statement with Improvised Patchwork Lettering!
In this workshop, we will break down the alphabet into groups with similar characteristics. By applying specific construction strategies, we will bring our bold letterforms to life in fabric.
Johanna will discuss effective fabric selection and share a variety of typeface inspiration to help you confidently have your say in patchwork.
Sunday, October 26 | 11:00-2:00
Sewing Machine Basics
Toronto Sewing
School
Sold Out
Welcome to the practical and creative world of machine sewing! In this workshop, you will gain an overall understanding of how to set up and operate a sewing machine. We will cut and construct an envelope-style pillow cover to learn the basics of cutting, pinning, and sewing on a beginner-friendly project. No experience necessary, sewing machines provided.
Sunday, October 26 | 3:00-5:30
Simple Mending for Busy People
Toronto Sewing
School
Sold Out
You only need a needle, thread, and a pair of sharp snips to repair your clothes and to maintain your everyday home textiles!
In this workshop, you will learn the basics of sewing by hand with the most useful stitch techniques to prolong the life of your favourite clothes and household goods. Learning this important life skill will build your confidence in doing things for yourself and will help you save money, too!
Tuesday, October 28 | 6:00-9:00
Economy Block
Empire Make Space
The Economy block is a patchwork classic and is one of my favourite block designs! We will learn how to handle stretchy edges with ease while making this lovely block. Measurements are given for a 12” finished block PLUS a bonus 6” mini version.
We will practice the following skills in this block:
▪ Working with shapes cut “on the bias”
▪ Tips for stitching patches together with seam ends that don’t align
▪ Correct use of a rotary cutter, ruler and mat
▪ Accurate cutting
▪ The importance of “alignment” and how to pin effectively
▪ Working with a 1/4” seam allowance
▪ Proper pressing technique
▪ A review of “straight of grain,” “crossgrain” and “bias”
NOVEMBER
Saturday, November 1 | 2:30-5:30
Sewing Machine Basics
Toronto Sewing
School
Sold Out
Welcome to the practical and creative world of machine sewing! In this workshop, you will gain an overall understanding of how to set up and operate a sewing machine. We will cut and construct an envelope-style pillow cover to learn the basics of cutting, pinning, and sewing on a beginner-friendly project. No experience necessary, sewing machines provided.
Sunday, November 2 | 1:00-4:00
No-Two-Alike 9-Patch Technique
Empire Make Space
The 9-Patch block is a classic in traditional patchwork quilts. In this workshop, Johanna will show you how to easily make a coordinated set of “no-two-alike” blocks, taking the guesswork out of combining fabrics. We will cover practical cutting techniques, as well as how to achieve an accurate seam allowance and best practices for pressing.
Monday, November 3 | 11:00-2:00
Sewing Machine Basics
Toronto Sewing
School
Welcome to the practical and creative world of machine sewing! In this workshop, you will gain an overall understanding of how to set up and operate a sewing machine. We will cut and construct an envelope-style pillow cover to learn the basics of cutting, pinning, and sewing on a beginner-friendly project. No experience necessary, sewing machines provided.
Saturday, November 8
Secrets of a Patchwork Pro:
Quilt Math
Sew Squad with
Libs Elliott
Quilt Math can be fun! Let Johanna show you how to do the math that quilting often requires.
You'll learn how to calculate fabric requirements for sashings, bindings, borders, and backings, as well as for the patchwork units within quilt blocks. You will learn some handy formulas and practical strategies for using them to your best advantage.
Best of all, no math test at the end! Just a chance to feel more confident in your calculations and give your quilting skills a boost.
Sunday, November 9 | 3:00-6:00
Sewing Machine Basics
Toronto Sewing
School
Sold Out
Welcome to the practical and creative world of machine sewing! In this workshop, you will gain an overall understanding of how to set up and operate a sewing machine. We will cut and construct an envelope-style pillow cover to learn the basics of cutting, pinning, and sewing on a beginner-friendly project. No experience necessary, sewing machines provided.
Monday, November 10 | 7:00 pm
Talk: Modular Quilting: Making Big Quilts at Home
Durham Trillium
Quilters’ Guild
If actually quilting your quilts, even the small ones, is the part of the process you enjoy the least, you are definitely not alone. Let Johanna Masko help you get your quilts- ALL the quilts- finished! Save money and time by using her practical modular quilting techniques to complete even very large quilts, on your own, at home.
Tuesday, November 11 | 6:00-9:00
Staple Sling Bag
Empire Make Space
The Staple Sling Bag by Motif Studios has an intentionally
unstructured, slouchy design, which dispenses with the usual interfacing and hardware elements common in other bag-making patterns. The unique, built-in handle is cut with the body of the bag, and uses a simple tie closure for structure and security.
This quick and satisfying project is a great opportunity to practice useful sewing techniques like topstitching, sewing curved seams, and partial seam construction.
Our modifications from the original design and directions include:
▪ Omitting the interior lining pockets
▪ Streamlining the tie closure by using twill tape or pre-made bias tape
▪ Choice of 1.0 cm OR 0.5” seam allowance
While the Staple Sling Bag adapts easily to improvised patchwork and creative re-use of secondhand textiles, our in-class project will use off-the-bolt yardage with all pieces cut whole with no additional seams.
For time and cutting space, we will make the “small” version of the Staple Sling, which is a still-roomy size bag you’ll want to carry every day!
Friday, November 14 | 11:00-2:00
Herringbone Patchwork
Fabric Spark
Brick garden paths and ceramic tiles are often arranged in a beautiful, woven-look Herringbone pattern. In this workshop, we will learn to use “partial seam” construction to reproduce the Herringbone design in fabric. This gorgeous patchwork is an ideal project for using 2 1/2” pre-cut “jellyroll” strips, and is also a lovely way to use some of your favourite scraps.
Saturday, November 15 | 11:00-2:00
Patchwork Christmas Stocking
Toronto Sewing
School
Let's get in the holiday spirit together and join up to make Patchwork Christmas Stockings! We have sourced all kinds of wintry and Christmas-inspired fabrics for this fun and easy all-materials-included workshop.
Quilting and sewing expert Johanna Masko will walk you through this 3-hour workshop. You’ll learn quilting and construction techniques, and you’ll finish with a gorgeous, quilted Christmas stocking!
All materials, including sewing machine, are provided. Let's get ready for the holidays together and sew up this beautiful and festive project!
Saturday, November 15 & 22 | 3:00-6:00
QAYGO (Quilt As You Go) Tote
Toronto Sewing
School
QAYGO aka the “Quilt As You Go” technique accomplishes patchwork and quilting at the same time, which is well suited for small- to medium-sized projects that will additionally be lined. This roomy, practical tote can be made very simply with large-scale patchwork on just one side, or it can be constructed with a multitude of your favourite fabrics on both sides. Either way, your QAYGO Tote might just become your favourite bag, ever!
LIVE ONLINE SERIES (4 DATES)
Monday, Nov. 17, 24, Dec.1, 2. | 6:30-8:30
Around the Block With Johanna Masko
Fabric Spark
Are you hoping to become a better quilter? Do you want to set yourself up for success and a finished product you're happy with?
Johanna Masko has put together a fantastic series of block based workshops to help take your quilting skills and confidence to the next level. She's chosen four block patterns and will hold a two-hour session on each block to help you master the skills to make that block. You'll learn techniques and methods that will allow you to take on more complex quilt patterns, and create more successful outcomes.
What a great way to end the week with a little creativity and skill building!
Each block workshop will help improve your:
▪ Block construction - piecing strategies, associated quilt math and efficient cutting and assembly▪
Fabric selection - incorporating feature fabrics, blenders, and getting more from your background fabrics. Working successfully with larger scale prints, directionality, and solids.
▪ Perfect vs. Workable and knowing when to pursue them - You'll be better able to set yourself up for success if you know when precision really matters and some great cutting, assembly and ironing tips to help you achieve that.
Block 1 - Lily - Learn how to use larger scale prints, create clean intersections and matching points, learn to assemble with squares on point, and how to choose impactful backgrounds.
Block 2 - Daisy Twist - Learn small scale piecing, construct no-trim HSTs, create a flat "pinwheel" intersection.
Block 3 - Rosey Posey - Creating a block construction strategy for less conventional blocks including using a template, getting the right measurements, and cutting accurately
Block 4 - Ocean Waves - Building on the diagonal, working with bias edges and understanding fabric grain. You'll also learn to calculate block measurements and mathematics and strategies for efficient construction.
Who should take this class - You're already making quilts, but want to advance your skills, or maybe you have doubts or have had mixed success in your making and want to add to your skills, abilities and confidence to take on a either a more complex quilt pattern, or to have better outcomes.
NOTE: This class will take place online (not at the store). Johanna will be teaching live, so you will be able to ask questions and get answers in real time!
Tuesday, November 18 | 6:00-9:00
Intro to Sewing: Envelope Pillow Case
Empire Make Space
Welcome to the practical and creative world of machine sewing! In this workshop, you will gain an overall understanding of how to set up and operate a sewing machine. We will cut and construct an envelope-style pillow cover to learn the basics of cutting, pinning, and sewing on a beginner-friendly project. No experience necessary, sewing machines provided.
Friday, November 21 | 1:30-5:00
Cross Stitch
Fabric Spark
Science agrees with what many of us knew all along: Crafting provides creative satisfaction, boosts mood, improves cognitive function, and promotes overall mental well being. As a bonus, you have something beautiful to show for it!
In this introductory class, you will learn to read a cross stitch pattern, prepare your fabric, work with a frame, and my best methods for working with colour as you stitch an original floral design created just for beginners.
Saturday, November 22 | 11:00-2:00
Sewing Machine Basics
Toronto Sewing
School
Welcome to the practical and creative world of machine sewing! In this workshop, you will gain an overall understanding of how to set up and operate a sewing machine. We will cut and construct an envelope-style pillow cover to learn the basics of cutting, pinning, and sewing on a beginner-friendly project. No experience necessary, sewing machines provided.
Sunday, November 23 | 1:00-4:00
Patchwork Christmas Stocking
Empire Make Space
’Tis the season for cute, handmade patchwork stockings! This roomy “string-pieced” stocking has great proportions - big enough to hold lots of goodies for your favourite folks! This delightful striped stocking is constructed using the “foundation piecing” technique, giving us a durable patchwork panel with a built-in lining. The simplified construction makes quick work of whipping up personalized stockings for your friends and family, even when the holidays are fast approaching. Workshop students will be offered a beautiful variety of pre-cut strips - as well as backing fabric options - so we can focus on making the best stockings, ever!
Tuesday, November 25 & December 2 | 6:00-9:00
QAYGO (Quilt As You Go)Tote
Empire Make Space
QAYGO aka the “Quilt As You Go” technique accomplishes patchwork and quilting at the same time, which is well suited for small- to medium-sized projects that will additionally be lined. This roomy, practical tote can be made very simply with large-scale patchwork on just one side, or it can be constructed with a multitude of your favourite fabrics on both sides. Either way, your QAYGO Tote might just become your favourite bag, ever!
Saturday, November 29 | 3:00-5:30
Simple Mending For Busy People
Toronto Sewing
School
You only need a needle, thread, and a pair of sharp snips to repair your clothes and to maintain your everyday home textiles!
In this workshop, you will learn the basics of sewing by hand with the most useful stitch techniques to prolong the life of your favourite clothes and household goods. Learning this important life skill will build your confidence in doing things for yourself and will help you save money, too!
Sunday, November 30 & December 7 | 3:00-6:00
Wholecloth Baby Quilt
Toronto Sewing
School
Whether you’re new to quilting or have been making quilted projects for some time, the Wholecloth Baby Quilt will change the way you think about quilt construction! Using one piece of fabric for the top (the “whole cloth”) and another single piece for the back, this little quilt proceeds directly to finishing techniques - offering clear and simple answers to the “what should I do next?” question. The Wholecloth Baby Quilt is made entirely by machine in this two-part class.
DECEMBER
Saturday, December 6 | 11:00-2:00
Sewing Machine Basics
Toronto Sewing
School
Welcome to the practical and creative world of machine sewing! In this workshop, you will gain an overall understanding of how to set up and operate a sewing machine. We will cut and construct an envelope-style pillow cover to learn the basics of cutting, pinning, and sewing on a beginner-friendly project. No experience necessary, sewing machines provided.
Tuesday, December 9 | 6:00-9:00
Zippered Pouch
Empire Make Space
If you haven't put in a zipper before, or just enjoy the satisfaction of a useful and speedy lil' project, then Zippered Pouch is just the ticket!! Endlessly versatile and delightfully gift-able, you'll want to make dozens of these handy well made bags. The Zippered Pouch is fully lined and neatly finished on the inside, with your choice of a flat pouch or a standing pouch with boxed corners.
Saturday, December 13
Improvised Patchwork Lettering
Sew Squad with
Libs Elliott
Make a statement with Improvised Patchwork Lettering!
In this workshop, we will break down the alphabet into groups with similar characteristics. By applying specific construction strategies, we will bring our bold letterforms to life in fabric.
Johanna will discuss effective fabric selection and share a variety of typeface inspiration to help you confidently have your say in patchwork.
Tuesday, December 16 | 6:00-9:00
English Paper Piecing
Empire Make Space
A great choice for precise, geometric patchwork, English Paper Piecing is sewn completely by hand. This fun, take-it-anywhere technique shows off clever fussycuts and is a beautiful way to use your favourite scraps. In addition to traditional hexagons, this method works equally well for diamonds, half-hexagons, jewel shapes and more. This 3-hour workshop is suitable for all levels, from beginners to veteran sewists.