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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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”.
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 while you enjoy a tasty lunch with new friends.
■ Flying Geese and Friends
The Flying Geese unit, composed of triangles, is a classic and versatile element in many traditional patchwork designs. In our four-part 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 your quilt can be finished with a variety of easy-to-handle quilting designs.
Class sample measures approximately 45” x 48.”
Secrets of a Patchwork Pro (crash course - guilds)
Beginner Cross Stitch Embroidery*
Simplified Double Wedding Ring
Basket Weave Patchwork
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.
Drunkard’s Path (raw edge appliqué)
Multi-Session Classes
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!
Modular Quilting: Making Big Quilts at Home*
Mod Blocks Quilt*
Ribbons Quilt*
Superstar Quilt (Lonestar based)*
Sampler Quilt*
Nine of Diamonds (9 Patch)*
Foundation Paper Piecing: Houses*
Hourglass Express Quilt*
Flying Geese Quilt*
Amish Bars Quilt
Economy Block Baby Quilt
Scrappy String Quilt
Simply Squares Quilt
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.
Boardwalk Quilt (Robert Kaufman pattern)
Double Four Patch Quilt
The Wireless Quilt*
* Original design by Johanna Masko.