SUMMER 2025
Summer is here, and I’ve been busy adding more workshops, talks, and guild presentations. I’ve also been creating brand new classes and workshops that I’m very excited to bring to you! My next NEWSLETTER is coming out soon, so if you haven’t signed up, yet, now is a great time!
JUNE
Sunday, June 1 & 8
Quilted Patchwork Tote
(2-part class)
Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Toronto Sewing School, Toronto
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!
Thursday, June 12 & 26
Postage Stamp Improvised Patchwork (Sold Out)*
Time: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location: Fabric Spark, Toronto
* Next available: July 11 & 18
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.
Saturday, June 14
Sewing Machine Basics
Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Toronto Sewing School, Toronto
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, June 17
Intro to Sewing: Envelope Pillow Case
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Location: Empire Make Space, Hamilton
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.
Wednesday, June 18
English Paper Piecing
Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Toronto Sewing School, Toronto
*More sessions coming soon!
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.
Saturday, June 28
Simple Mending for Busy People (SOLD OUT!)*
Time: 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Location: Toronto Sewing School, Toronto
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, June 29
Intro to Sewing: Envelope Pillow Case (SOLD OUT!)*
Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Empire Make Space, Hamilton
*Next available: July 15
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.
JULY
Saturday, July 5
Simple Mending for Busy People
Time: 11:00 am - 1:30 pm
Location: Toronto Sewing School, Toronto
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!
Saturday, July 5
Sewing Machine Basics
Time: 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Location: Toronto Sewing School, Toronto
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, July 6
Simple Mending for Busy People
Time: 11:00 am - 1:30 pm
Location: Toronto Sewing School, Toronto
*Next available: July 17
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, July 6
Sewing Machine Basics
Time: 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Location: Toronto Sewing School, Toronto
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, July 11 & 18
Postage Stamp Improvised Patchwork
Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: Fabric Spark, Toronto
*More sessions coming soon!
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.
Saturday, July 12
Zippered Pouch
Time: 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Location: Toronto Sewing School, Toronto
*Next available: July 23
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.
Sunday, July 13 & 20
Wholecloth Baby Quilt
Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Toronto Sewing School, Toronto
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?”
Sunday, July 13
Cross Stitch
Time: 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location: Toronto Sewing School, 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.
Monday, July 14
Sewing Machine Basics
Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Toronto Sewing School, Toronto
*Next available: July 20
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, July 15
Intro to Sewing: Envelope Pillow Case
Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Empire Make Space, Hamilton
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.
Thursday, July 17
Simple Mending for Busy People
Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Empire Make Space, Hamilton
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, July 20
Sewing Machine Basics
Time: 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location: Toronto Sewing School, Toronto
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.
Wednesday, July 23
Zippered Pouch
Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Empire Make Space, Hamilton
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.