Curved Piecing
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.
Dresden Plate
The elegant, circular Dresden Plate and its companion, the Fan, are hybrids of Traditional patchwork, combining appliqué with piecing. You will learn my secret for speed-cutting and constructing these radial segments and explore a variety of machine appliqué options in this technique class. A discussion of block variations and quilt settings will help you plan your own dynamic Dresden Plate project.
English Paper Piecing (Hexagons and/or Diamonds)
A great choice for precise, geometric patchwork, English Paper Piecing is completely sewn by hand. This fun, take-it-anywhere technique shows off clever fussy cuts 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.
Hand Quilting with DIY Frames
Handmade frames make hand quilting your pin-basted quilts a breeze! Portable and easy to store, DIY frames are inexpensive and quick to make.
In this workshop, you will learn how to construct and use a DIY quilting frame. I will also share with you my favourite methods, tools and supplies for Perle cotton hand quilting. Create gorgeous texture and add a truly “made by hand” beauty to your quilts, large or small.
Herringbone Patchwork
Decorative brick garden paths are the inspiration for Herringbone Patchwork. In this workshop, we will learn about “partial seam” construction, with our practice pieces all based on a 2 x 4” finished rectangular patch.
Two different designs using this unique, skill-building technique will be explored - a Simple Woven Block and the more complex woven-look Herringbone. This gorgeous patchwork is an ideal project for using 2 1/2” pre-cut strips, and is also a lovely way to use some of your favourite scraps.
Intro to Sewing: Envelope Pillow Case
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.
Machine Foundation Paper Piecing: Houses
In this workshop, you will learn the freezer paper-based method of foundation paper piecing, how it differs from traditional block construction, and why so many quilters love it! You'll learn to make the first row of houses featured in our image, which will enable you to complete the rest at home on your own with your new skills!
*Pattern included. Quilt dimensions: 16” x 28”, plus the border.
Modern Flying Geese: Machine Foundation Paper Piecing
(Original design by Johanna Masko)
Achieve razor-sharp precision patchwork with Machine Foundation Paper Piecing! In our workshop, we will learn a freezer paper-based method of foundation paper piecing, how it differs from traditional block construction, and why so many quilters love it. Add these quirky Flying Geese blocks to your quilts, totes and gifts.
Note: Other original designs are available for this workshop.
Pineapple Log Cabin
This Log Cabin patchwork variation is often foundation-pieced, or made with the use of specialty rulers. However, it is easy to construct using ordinary grid rulers to keep the blocks square. Fabric choices can be kept simple with just two colours, or you can go scrappy and use as many fabrics as you care to cut! In this workshop, we will work on a Pineapple Log Cabin block that finishes 12 x 12”.
Practical Mending & Hand Stitching
There is a satisfying feeling in being able to look after the many loose buttons, torn seams, fallen hems and stains that reveal themselves day to day in our clothes as well as the household textiles we live with. This workshop focuses on the simple, useful, utilitarian stitches that will make repairing items in your wardrobe entirely within your skill set. It only takes a needle, thread, sharp snips and know-how to save time and money by mending things yourself. Additionally, we will touch on approaches to “visible mending,” a DIY movement that celebrates the handmade and shines a light on sustainability and the beauty of well-loved textiles.
SECRETS OF A PATCHWORK PRO (SERIES)
■ Half Square Triangles
A Half Square Triangle or "HST" is patchwork unit composed of two triangles joined with a diagonal seam. In this technique-based workshop, we will explore many different methods for constructing this versatile patchwork design element, as well as strategies for choosing which methods work best according to the needs of your projects. We will demystify the “quilt math” behind these techniques so that you can move forward with your own designs with confidence.
■ Quilt Math
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.
■ Flying Geese and Friends
Rectangular Flying Geese units are a mainstay in block-style patchwork, and there are several ways to construct them. I will share my criteria for deciding which Flying Geese method to use according to the project, and various ways to make these versatile units, with a bonus lesson on “Square In A Square” units. You’ll be soaring into your next quilts with confidence!
■ Secrets of a Patchwork Pro
Includes Half Square Triangles, Quilt Math, and Flying Geese and Friends in an all-day crash course!
Sewing Machine Basics
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.
Simple Mending for Busy People
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!
Traditional Log Cabin
Join Johanna for a day of play with colour and cotton!
The traditional Log Cabin block has long been a favourite with quilters, often blending the frugal use of materials with bold, visual impact.
In this technique-based workshop, students will learn a variety of efficient preparation and construction methods as we build a batch of Log Cabin blocks from scratch. We will explore the creative possibilities in deliberate colour and value placement as we delve into dynamic patchwork layouts.
Multi-Session Classes
Amish Bars Quilt (4 weeks)
“Bars”-style quilts are bold and simple, two signature traits of traditional Amish quilts. The patchwork is made simple to offer a backdrop to often stunning and complex quilting designs. Typically worked in solid fabrics, you may use solids, prints or a combination of both. Our Amish Bars Quilt provides a great opportunity to produce an easy quilt top quickly so we can get into the layering, machine quilting and binding aspects of quiltmaking.
Flying Geese Quilt
(Original Design by Johanna Masko)
The Flying Geese unit, composed of triangles, is a classic and versatile element in many traditional patchwork designs. In our class, Flying Geese units take centre stage as the major design motif in this column-style quilt. Efficient piecing methods make easy work of sometimes tricky triangles, and our quilt will be finished with a unique, curved-corner binding.
Class sample measures approximately 45” x 48.”
Foundation Paper Piecing: Houses
(Original Design by Johanna Masko)
In this workshop, you will learn the freezer paper-based method of foundation paper piecing, how it differs from traditional block construction, and why so many quilters love it! You'll learn to make the first row of houses featured in our image, and you'll have the whole pattern (which finishes at 16" x 28" plus the border) included in the workshop fee. You will be able to complete the rest at home on your own with your new skills!
Mod Blocks Quilt
(Original Design by Johanna Masko)
The Mod Blocks quilt is inspired by the simplicity and graphic punch of Mid Century Modern design. In this course you will learn how to cut and construct your own lap-sized quilt, with thorough guidance in all the basics of quilt construction. Cutting technique, consistent seam allowances, and assembling layers to prepare for quilting are a few of the many skill-building highlights to look forward to in this beginner-friendly course.
Sample measures 48” square.
Modular Quilting: Making Big Quilts at Home
(Original design by Johanna Masko)
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.
Postage Stamp Improvised Patchwork
(Original design by Johanna Masko)
A “Postage Stamp” quilt is a traditional design, made entirely of very small 1” squares. In this class, we will dive into small scale improv patchwork, creating a dialog between the “traditional” and the fully “improvisational” that combines the best of each. Our Postage Stamp technique will use variants of strip-piecing for complexity, without set measurements or repetitious outcomes. Johanna will share her Art School approach to working in quantity while we create dynamic, exuberant quilt blocks.
QAYGO Tote
(Original design by Johanna Masko)
QAYGO means “quilt as you go.” This 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!
Quilted Patchwork Tote
(Original design by Johanna Masko)
Discover the joy of quilting with our Quilted Patchwork Tote! Whether you’re new to patchwork or have a few quilts under your belt, this sturdy fully-lined bag is a quick and satisfying make.
In this two-part class, we will dive into the core skills useful in making quilts and quilted projects of any size:
▪ Safe and efficient fabric cutting
▪ Perfecting the Quarter Inch Seam Allowance
▪ Effective pressing techniques
▪ Glue-basting for pucker-free quilting
▪ General best practices
Your patchwork can be a simple combination of just two fabrics, or you can use a wider variety of solids and prints to craft your perfect mix of pattern and colour. To show it all off, we will transform our quilted panels into a beautifully constructed tote you’ll want to carry every day!
Wholecloth Baby Quilt
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.
