Improv Quilt Class 1

Discover the freedom of improvisational quilting in this 12-hour series! Starting with wonky piecing using rulers and straight lines, you'll progress through ruler-free cutting and into curved piecing — building skills and confidence with each session. By the end of the course, you'll have enough improv pieces to assemble your own improv medallion quilt. Basic sewing skills and your own sewing machine with extension table are recommended.

Register for Class 1 and you're automatically enrolled in all three sessions. Between classes, Phyllis will be available on Monday Sew Days at Cottage Quilting for additional support.

Date & Time

• 3 Saturdays — January 16, 23 & 30, 2027
• 10:00am – 2:00pm each session
• Location: Room 210, 2nd Floor Classroom

What You'll Learn

Class 1 — Wonky Piecing

• Wonky piecing with rulers and straight lines, progressing to ruler-free cutting
• Multiple block styles with handouts — including wonky stars and slab blocks
• Stacking and cutting techniques (sharp rotary blade required)
• Discussion of your own improv quilt concept
• Homework: prepare more blocks in your own colours and fabric choices

Class 2 — Curved Piecing

• Gentle curves through to more complex and advanced curves
• Wagon wheel block from the sample quilt
• Review and discussion of your quilt block progress
• Homework: continue building blocks for your improv quilt

Class 3 — Quilt Assembly

• Assemble your improv medallion quilt top
• Design wall layout and final composition decisions

Class Prep

• Select your fabrics before Class 1 using the requirements below
• Choose two or more coordinating colours — solids and prints both work well
• Include some yardage that runs the full width of fabric for certain piecing techniques
• 100% of yardage is not required for the first class — practice pieces may or may not end up in your finished quilt

Supplies

Fabric (enough for a 60" × 60" quilt):

• Fat quarters, 10" squares, and small amounts of yardage in your chosen colours
• Some full-width-of-fabric yardage for certain piecing steps

Tools & notions:

• Sewing machine with extension table (preferred)
• Fresh piecing needle installed
• Thread to coordinate with fabric
• Rotary cutter with multiple extra blades (stacking and cutting required)
• Rotary cutting mat (must accommodate at least a 10" block)
• Small square ruler — 6.5" or 7.5" square
• Larger ruler — 6" × 24"
• Small pressing mat and iron (additional irons and boards available in the classroom)
• Seam roller (if you have one)
• Scissors
• Marking pencils or pens (temporary fabric marking)
• Stiletto or round toothpicks
• Pins
• Pencils, pens, and notebook for notes
• Large piece of batting, flannel, or flannel-backed vinyl tablecloth (for design wall in Class 3)
• Painter's tape and masking tape
• Fabric glue — optional for curved piecing (Acorn system may be used)
• Any other sewing aids you normally use are welcome!

Your Teacher

Phyllis Janzen — Phyllis is an avid and accomplished quilter with a broad range of skills built up over years of dedicated practice. From precise traditional piecing to the expressive freedom of improvisational quilting, Phyllis brings both technical expertise and genuine enthusiasm to everything she teaches. She has a natural gift for breaking down complex techniques into approachable steps, and her willingness to share her knowledge across a wide variety of quilting styles makes her classes both educational and inspiring. Phyllis is also available on Monday Sew Days at Cottage Quilting for ongoing support between sessions.