SPRING 2025
2025 is already well underway! I have workshops, talks, and guild presentations scheduled into APRIL with more to be added soon! Sign up for my NEWSLETTER to stay in the know!
MARCH
Saturday, March 1
English Paper Piecing Workshop (SOLD OUT!)
Time: 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location: Toronto Sewing School, Toronto/Etobicoke
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. This 3 hour workshop is tailored for all levels of sewing experience. Newbies and veterans alike will benefit from the skills taught in this fun workshop. With expert guidance and hands-on practice, you'll elevate your sewing and quilting skills to the next level by mastering this beautiful and useful technique. A sewing machine will be not used in this workshop.
Friday, March 7
Free Friday Streaming Lunch & Learn: “Let’s Talk About Colour and Print”
Time: 12:00 noon
Location: Fabric Spark, Toronto (Zoom)
Let’s Talk About Colour and Print
For many quilters, choosing fabric for a new project is fraught with uncertainty. Where do we begin? Let Johanna Masko help you get going with her lively discussion about working with colour and print in quilts. A scholarly understanding of the colour wheel is not required!
Johanna shares many of her sources of inspiration and the methods she uses to make artistic choices for her work, and hopes you’ll walk away with a boost of confidence to do the same for yours.
Friday, March 7
Foundation Paper Piecing: “Houses”
Time: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location: Fabric Spark, Toronto
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 for fee. You will be able to complete the rest at home on your own with your new skills!
*Original design by Johanna Masko
Friday, March 21
Free Friday Streaming Lunch & Learn: “Quilt Math”
Time: 12:00 noon
Location: Fabric Spark, Toronto (Zoom)
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.
Sunday, March 23
Sewing Machine Basics
Time: 11:00 am - 2:30 pm
Location: Toronto Sewing School, Toronto/Etobicoke
Calling all sewing newbies! This is THE class for all beginners with no or very little sewing experience. No sewing machine is required - we will provide you a class machine to learn on. During this 3.5-hour workshop, our beginners will work with sewing expert Johanna Masko and learn to master the basics of the sewing machine. Students will practice their sewing by completing a lovely cushion cover. We will take you from zero to confidence in one afternoon! You will get to shop for your own fabric and complete your simple, stylish project while learning the foundational skills of sewing. You'll learn to thread your machine, wind a bobbin, and sew with confidence by the end of this course! Students will be learning on our classroom sewing machines. Join us to get your sewing journey started with expert instruction and a small class size!
Tuesday, March 25
Dresden Plate
Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Empire Make Space, Hamilton
The elegant, circular Dresden Plate and its companion, the Fan, are hybrids of Traditional patchwork, combining appliqué with piecing. You will learn Johanna's 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. This 3-hour workshop is tailored for intermediate level and confident beginners. To get the most out of this workshop, some sewing experience is necessary. With expert guidance and hands-on practice, you'll elevate your sewing and quilting skills to the next level by learning a beautiful and fun technique.
Note: A sewing machine will be used in this workshop. You may bring your own, or use one at the school.
Wednesday, March 26
Herringbone Patchwork
Time: 11:00 am - 2:30 pm
Location: Fabric Spark, Toronto
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. I’ll share some wonderful tips along the way!
Wednesday, March 26
Intro to Quilting
(3 weeks)
Time: 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Location: Toronto Sewing School,Toronto/Etobicoke
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. I’ll share some wonderful tips along the way!
Saturday, March 29
Sewing Machine Basics
Time: 11:00 am - 2:30 pm
Location: Toronto Sewing School,Toronto/Etobicoke
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. I’ll share some wonderful tips along the way!
APRIL
Tuesday, April 1
English Paper Piecing
Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Empire Make Space, Hamilton
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. This 3 hour workshop is tailored for all levels of sewing experience. Newbies and veterans alike will benefit from the skills taught in this fun workshop. With expert guidance and hands-on practice, you'll elevate your sewing and quilting skills to the next level by mastering this beautiful and useful technique. A sewing machine will be not used in this workshop.
Friday, April 4
Sewing Machine Basics
Time: 11:00 am - 2:30 pm
Location: Toronto Sewing School, Toronto/Etobicoke
Calling all sewing newbies! This is THE class for all beginners with no or very little sewing experience. No sewing machine is required - we will provide you a class machine to learn on. During this 3.5-hour workshop, our beginners will work with sewing expert Johanna Masko and learn to master the basics of the sewing machine. Students will practice their sewing by completing a lovely cushion cover. We will take you from zero to confidence in one afternoon! You will get to shop for your own fabric and complete your simple, stylish project while learning the foundational skills of sewing. You'll learn to thread your machine, wind a bobbin, and sew with confidence by the end of this course! Students will be learning on our classroom sewing machines. Join us to get your sewing journey started with expert instruction and a small class size!
Saturday, April 5
English Paper Piecing
Time: 11:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Location: Toronto Sewing School, Toronto/Etobicoke
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. This 3 hour workshop is tailored for all levels of sewing experience. Newbies and veterans alike will benefit from the skills taught in this fun workshop. With expert guidance and hands-on practice, you'll elevate your sewing and quilting skills to the next level by mastering this beautiful and useful technique. A sewing machine will be not used in this workshop.
Sunday, April 6
Quilted Patchwork Tote
(2 weeks)
Time: 11:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Location: Toronto Sewing School, Toronto/Etobicoke
Discover the joy of quilting with my 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, you will transform your quilted panels into a beautifully constructed tote you’ll want to carry every day!
Wednesday, April 9
Log Cabin Patchwork
Time: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Fabric Spark, Toronto
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.
Note: This is a patchwork technique workshop. Students will work on a number of Log Cabin blocks which can be completed into a project of their choice at home.
Saturday, April 12
Foundation Paper Piecing: “Houses”
Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Fabric Spark, Toronto
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 for fee. You will be able to complete the rest at home on your own with your new skills!
*Original design by Johanna Masko
Saturday, April 12
Intro to Cross Stitch
Time: 1:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Location: Fabric Spark, Toronto
Did you know that the rhythmic, repetitive motion involved in stitching by hand is reputed to have a calming, almost meditative effect, reducing stress and anxiety?
In this workshop, you'll learn the brilliant and ancient art of Cross Stitch, a wonderful and portable pastime that will engage you at home, travelling, in transit or in a waiting room.
You'll learn how to read and follow a pattern, count stitches, change colour, and bury your thread ends. You'll also learn Johanna's unique methods for clean and consistent stitches and work, front and back.
Tuesday, April 15
Wholecloth Baby Quilt
(2 weeks)
Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Empire Make Space, Hamilton
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.
Sunday, April 27
Sewing Machine Basics
Time: 11:00 am - 2:30 pm
Location: Toronto Sewing School, Toronto/Etobicoke
Calling all sewing newbies! This is THE class for all beginners with no or very little sewing experience. No sewing machine is required - we will provide you a class machine to learn on. During this 3.5-hour workshop, our beginners will work with sewing expert Johanna Masko and learn to master the basics of the sewing machine. Students will practice their sewing by completing a lovely cushion cover. We will take you from zero to confidence in one afternoon! You will get to shop for your own fabric and complete your simple, stylish project while learning the foundational skills of sewing. You'll learn to thread your machine, wind a bobbin, and sew with confidence by the end of this course! Students will be learning on our classroom sewing machines. Join us to get your sewing journey started with expert instruction and a small class size!
MAY
Tuesday, May 6
Hand Mending Clothing with Patchwork
Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Empire Make Space, Hamilton
Revive your favourite clothes and add a personal touch with my 3-hour hand mending class! In this workshop, you’ll learn the timeless art of patching up your garments, with the creative twist of using beautiful patchwork quilted pieces.
We’ll cover a variety of hand mending techniques, from basic stitching to creative patch placement, so you can fix tears, holes, and worn-out spots in style. Whether you’re looking to repair a beloved item or simply enjoy the therapeutic process of hand sewing, you’ll leave with new skills, a one-of-a-kind patched piece, and the satisfaction of giving your clothes a second life. Join us for a cozy, creative session and let’s get stitching!
Note: Supply list provided with registration, but most supplies will be provided. Please bring a few special items to mend!
Tuesday, May 20
Intro to Cross Stitch
Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Empire Make Space, Hamilton
Did you know that the rhythmic, repetitive motion involved in stitching by hand is reputed to have a calming, almost meditative effect, reducing stress and anxiety?
In this workshop, you'll learn the brilliant and ancient art of Cross Stitch, a wonderful and portable pastime that will engage you at home, travelling, in transit or in a waiting room.
You'll learn how to read and follow a pattern, count stitches, change colour, and bury your thread ends. You'll also learn Johanna's unique methods for clean and consistent stitches and work, front and back.