Classes
&
Private Lessons
Classes at Cabrillo College
Santa Cruz, California
Do you live in the Santa Cruz area and want to learn more about the art of quilt making? I offer a variety of classes throughout the year at Cabrillo College, in the Extension program. To sign up, follow the links below the classes to access Cabrillo Extension’s sign up process.
Fall & Winter Classes 2025-26
Tiny Quilt: Fiber Arts Postcard
Discover the joy of creating miniature fiber art quilt postcards using fabric and thread as you learn the art of quilt making. Jo will guide you through the basics and you will learn Foundation Paper Piecing and Appliqué techniques. You will have time to complete one to three 3” x 5” miniature quilt art pieces secured on a paper postcard. They are the perfect size to mail as a postcard to a friend, hang on a wall, or give as a thoughtful handmade gift.
Introduction to the Art of Quiltmaking
Design and create a quilt from start to finish as you learn all of the necessary skills and terminology. You will learn about choosing fabrics based on hue and saturation, quilt pattern design, basic quilt math, quilting tools, proper cutting techniques, how to create your quilt sandwich, and so much more! Each class will include a brief presentation, hands-on activities, demonstrations, lots of time for practice and experimentation, and a guest speaker in the last class! By the end of class you will have a 12” x 18” quilt, and the skills to make many more at home!
History of Quilt Making: Lecture
Dive into the history of quilts and quilt making through presentation, in-depth discussion, and hands-on activities. Explore the history of quilt making and better understand the context of quilt making throughout time. The artistic medium of quilt making has gone through many periods and styles, characterized by the philosophy and goals behind the quilts, specific location, time period, and techniques. Learn the key styles of quilts throughout history, the social movements behind quilt making, and hear about some of the most influential quilt makers.
Quilters Open Workshop
Bring your quilt project and Jo will provide skilled guidance, a communal and creative environment, and a spacious sewing studio. As you work on your individual project, there will be weekly tips and tutorials to help you expand your knowledge of quilt making, such as batch piecing and how to chain stitch blocks to speed up assembly time, and making mitered corners nice and neat! Jo will be available during class for any help you may need with your project.
History of Quilt Making: Lecture + Field Trip
Begin by diving into the history of quilts and quilt making through presentation, in-depth discussion, and hands-on activities. Then use your new in-depth knowledge of quilt making on a field trip to the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive in Berkeley (BAMPFA), and their current exhibit “Routed West: Twentieth-Century African American Quilts in California”.
This interactive class plus field trip is intended for anyone interested in learning about the artistic medium of quilt making - no quilting skills necessary.
Quilted Landscapes
Capture the beauty of your favorite landscape and create a work of art using fabric, thread and a bit of imagination. Learn how to transform layered fabric into multidimensional works of art that capture the beauty of nature—from rolling hills and dramatic sunsets to tranquil seas and abstract vistas.
This class is for intermediate quilt makers or for students who have taken the Introduction to the Art of Quilt Making class. You will choose from several pattern templates and fabric in natural color palettes and motifs that are provided in class. You will explore appliqué techniques, fabric layering, echo quilting, and building your landscape from background to foreground. You will have time to complete a 12” x 16” wall quilt with hanging tabs, ready to display!
In Person Lessons
Private Lessons
Do you have individual goals in mind or want more tailored guidance for your project? Private lessons may be right for you. Also available anywhere!
Online Lessons
Available to students located in anywhere in Santa Cruz County!
I will come to your house and help you directly in your sewing studio. Depending on your goals, I will bring essential tools for you to try out and give you assignments for your next lesson.
$40 / hour ~ 1 hour minimum
Available anywhere!
We can meet at your convenience over Zoom and discuss your specific quilt goals. I can help guide you towards specific tools and techniques to get you on track with your project.
$35 / hour ~ 1 hour minimum