Workshops
Workshops are single-session classes. Most are about 3 hours (“half-day” for quilting guilds), but some are 5-6 hours (or “full day” for guilds).
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.
