Overview








All 3-hour workshops have been specifically developed for learning via Zoom and focus on a different freeform piecing technique. The classes are standalone or you can pick and choose a series for your group. Please email me for my availability and rates.
Longer Format Workshops designed for in-person classes or multi-segment virtual events are also available. View the Serendipity Student Gallery.
2023 Workshops
Join Brenda for a live, interactive Zoom workshop with a focus on free-form piecing techniques and the 4 Cs: colour, composition, construction and confidence-building for creative momentum. Spaces are available in the following Guild workshops. Book with the group directly via the links:
- Geometricks 3-6pm Saturday 14 October (EDT-USA): hosted by Orange Durham Quilters
- FUNdamentally Circles 9am – 12 noon Saturday 9 March 2024 (UK time): hosted by The Loft: The Quilters’s Guild of the British Isles
Each workshop will also be recorded and available for viewing for 30 days afterwards even if you are not able to attend the live Zoom. Please e-mail Brenda if you have any questions.
Look out for more workshops in 2024!
Improv Rocks!
This design and technique Zoom workshop includes:
- Digital sketching (optional): how to design and colour using the SketchClub app for iOS devices. (This step can also be done with pencil and paper.)
- An introduction to improvisational freeform piecing linear motifs including a curved line, zig zag and ImproVine designs
- Discussing the qualities of solids and prints and how they interact
- How to inset a large organic curved shape with ease.
Suitable for all skill levels.
Logs & Ladders: Building with Improvisation
Build your own composition with improvisational log cabin and/or ladder units. Learn freeform cutting without rulers and how to join irregular blocks. Explore the design principles of repetition and variation. Suitable for all skill levels. See the Serendipity Student Gallery – Logs & Ladders!
Line Dancing
Learn versatile methods of piecing expressive fine lines and undertake improvisational design exercises to create small compositions. See the Serendipity Student Gallery – Line Dancing.
Geometricks
Tips and tricks for creating geometric shapes with freeform piecing: triangles, quadrilaterals and hexagons. Explore the design possibilities of repeating motifs and learn how to join irregular shaped blocks. (The content of this workshop overlaps with the in-person workshop Improvisation Plus! ) See the Serendipity Student Gallery – Geometricks.
FUNdamentally Circles & Beyond FUNdamentally Circles
Focus on the core technique of freeform piecing circular designs without pins and templates. It’s liberating and it’s FUN. After some skill-building exercises, students will start on their own compositions with confidence. See the Serendipity Student Gallery – FUNdamentally Circles

Beyond Fundamentally Circles goes deeper into the design possibilities of half circles and curvilinear shapes and is designed for graduates of the first FUNdamentally Circles workshop. See the Serendipity Student Gallery – Circular Explorations: Beyond FUNdamentally Circles
The X Factor
Apply the X factor to a layer cake of your favourite fabric range to create cross design projects. Discover the liberation of free cutting and curved piecing techniques.No rulers, no templates and no pins! Also suitable for solids and scrap-busting. See the Serendipity Student Gallery – The X Factor!
Strip Ease
Learn an effective, improvisational strip-piecing technique to create new “fabrics” layer by layer and explore design possibilities for incorporating these strip sets into your own compositions. Indicative designs shown below.(The content of this workshop overlaps with the in-person workshop Strata Various! ) See the Serendipity Student Gallery – Strip Ease.