WINTER 2025
2025 is here, and I have workshops, talks, and guild presentations already scheduled from January to the beginning of March with more on the way! Sign up for my NEWSLETTER to be the first to know about new dates as soon as they are announced!
Use the buttons below to see what’s coming up in the Spring. More workshops and classes will be added soon!
FEBRUARY
Tuesday, February 4
Norfolk County Quilters’ Guild
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Location: Online (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.
Saturday, February 8
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.
Tuesday, February 11
Curved Piecing Workshop
Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Empire Make Space, Hamilton
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!
Thursday, February 13
Kanata Quilt Guild
Time: 9:30 am
Location: Online (Zoom)
All About Scraps
Where do scraps come from? How do we end up with so many? What should we do with them? Johanna Masko shares her insights into these burning questions that all quilters eventually face. From our fabric-purchasing habits to suggestions for sorting, storing and using scraps, Johanna will spark your desire to dive into your own scrap collections.
Friday, February 21
Cross Stitch Workshop
Time: 11:00 am - 2:30 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.
Saturday, February 22 & March 1, 8, 15, 22
Intro to Modular Quilting (SOLD OUT!)
Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm (5 weeks)
Location: Toronto Sewing School, Toronto/Etobicoke
If you dread machine-quilting anything bigger than a baby quilt, or spend a small fortune on long arm quilting services, then let Johanna’s Modular Quilting Method open up the possibilities for making the work you’ve wanted to make, even if you don’t have a lot of space.
In this 5-part course, we will learn a completely new set of skills to bring even bed-sized quilt projects to life. Starting with a simple One Patch quilt top, students will learn how to make and divide a quilt top into manageable sections for quilting and assembly. We will learn to baste our layers together without the use of pins, making machine-quilting exceptionally fast and efficient. Once the sections have been quilted, Johanna will show you how to assemble and finish your quilt, leaving no tell-tale stitching on the front of your masterpiece. This quilt course is for the brand-new quilter and the experienced quilt maker alike.
Sunday, February 23
Sewing Machine Basics
Time: 12:00 pm - 3:30 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, February 25 & March 4
Quilt As You Go Tote Class
Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Empire Make Space, Hamilton
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!
Wednesday, February 26
Libs Elliott’s Sew Squad
Time: 12:00 noon
Location: Online (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.
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.
Wednesday, March 5, 12, 19, 26
Mod Blocks Quilt (4 weeks)
Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Toronto Sewing School, Toronto/Etobicoke
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.
Friday, March 7
Foundation Paper Piecing
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.
Sunday, March 23
Sewing Machine Basics
Time: 12:00 pm - 3:30 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!
APRIL
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!
Saturay, 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.
Saturday, April 12
Foundation Paper Piecing
Time: 10:00 pm - 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.