When I started teaching fabric collage, the format was pretty straightforward: I traveled (usually local enough to drive) to a fabric shop or a quilt guild and I taught in-person for a day or two. Nowadays, I have so many more variations on that basic teaching format: I teach at week-long quilting retreats across the country or internationally, five-day online workshops from my studio, and individually via Zoom through online coaching.
What I try to do—and frankly what makes teaching exciting—is to reach out and meet people wherever they are—whether that’s in their own home or at a boutique hotel in Medieval Italy. So as you read through this listing of upcoming classes, you’ll see weekly Open Studio coaching opportunities that one can squeeze into a half hour, and you’ll find another week-long trip to Tuscany in 2026—with various field trips to local attractions, including saffron dying and an excursion to see Renaissance mosaics.
Both of these sorts of options excite me as a teacher as they give me a chance to flex different teaching muscles: in one I’m giving a shot of intense advice and in the other I’m sharing an immersive experience. I hope you can join me.
New Class—October 19-24, 2026
Serendipitous Fabric Collage: Fantastical Fish of Tuscany—Pesci Fantastici di Toscana
I’ll be returning to teach at Strada Toscana in Città della Pieve, Italy
Registration Now Open—Click Here
All-Levels
Let serendipity step in and “cut loose” with creating Pesci Fantastici (Fantastical Fish) surrounded by the colors and magic of the Tuscan hills, while in the company of other travel-loving fabric enthusiasts.
The definition of fantastical: whimsical, wonderful, splendid, fanciful in appearance, extravagant. The fantastical fish of this class will be inspired by the species, Salmo trutta fario, a fantastically spotted brown river trout. It’s referred to as an ancient fish that genetically survived the last Ice Age and is fished in Italy today. This fish owes its longevity to its ability to diversify in form and thrive in a variety of environments—such as the rivers and streams of Tuscany.
All-in-all, Salmo trutta fario, is a perfect subject to explore in the ancient surroundings of Strada Toscana with our diverse fabrics and our vivid imaginations. These pescare have no need to correspond to acknowledged facts or criteria, because they will be fantastical.
Purple saffron crocus fields and saffron harvesting are an October event of this region of Italy where Umbria meets Tuscany—in Città della Pieve. On our first day of class, we’ll learn about the history of saffron and in the afternoon, how to dye fabric into a beautiful range of yellow coloration. Being able to then use these fabrics in our collages will be a special addition to this class. On that day, we will dine on a saffron-inspired dinner. Talk about an immersive experience!
Between our classroom sessions, we’ll enjoy an excursion to the medieval hill town of Orvieto. Rising above the Umbrian landscape, Orvieto is famous for its magnificent Gothic cathedral, richly decorated with mosaics and carvings. We’ll be inspired by vivid designs of Maiolica ceramics in the shops—a centuries-old art that began in Orvieto. The town offers a treasure trove of inspiration—from architectural details to vibrant patterns and colors—perfect to interpret into our projects.
Who knows, maybe a Salmo trutta fario collaged with saffron-dyed fabric will find itself displayed on a fish platter pieced with Maiolica-inspired fabric designs? It’s all fantastically possible.
Toward the end of the week, we’ll discuss how to move forward on our fantastical fish portraits—considering where and how to add more details using sheer fabrics, found lace or other materials, or whatever speaks to us. These additions put the finishing touches on the projects and memories of our week of Serendipitous Fabric Collage in Italy.
Registration Now Open—Click Here
Ongoing Open Studio Hours—2025
One afternoon a week (in this case a Tuesday) I’ll be available to help, encourage, and coach anyone who needs it—between the hours of 1pm-4pm Eastern Time. This could be to continue working on an in-progress collage, or to begin a new project—whatever is desired.
Time slots are 1/2 hour/$65 each—five slots each Tuesday. Sign-up can be for one day or multiple days—every week, every two weeks, once a month or once only. These sessions will be recorded, just as regular hour-long coaching sessions are, so they can be referred to as needed.
We provide a link to sign up—just type your name into the time slot(s) you would like to reserve. Once you are signed up Tom will send you the Zoom link via your email address and a PayPal request for payment of the number of slots you have selected. You may also pay by check.
During the hours of each weekly session, you may log in ahead of your time slot or stay late that day to absorb info given to others (or even to visit with each other during the few minutes between each time slot)—though your particular feedback will happen during your chosen time.
November/December Dates
(November through December sign-up will open early-October)
November 25 (two days prior to Thanksgiving)
December 2
December 9
December 16
SIGN UP FOR OPEN STUDIO HOURS TIME SLOTS HERE
All are Tuesdays. First time slot at 1:00 pm Eastern Time – fifth time slot at 4:00 pm Eastern Time.
Just click on a slot—all times based on eastern time—and type in your name. Don’t forget to include an email address for us to contact you and confirm!
I received this Open Studio Hours testimonial from a trial run attendee and long-time student, LeahGrace Kayler. It was quite lovely for me to read. Thank you LeahGrace.
I took Susan’s week-long class in June and, no surprise, it was wonderful. There’s nothing like the support of Susan, Tom, and an intensive group of fellow students to launch a new project and get traction on it, no matter if you’ve been through other classes with Susan. It’s always fresh and new! At the same time, I found myself wishing I were a little further along with my zebras (my most recent subject) during our class so I could continue the learning and benefit from Susan’s sage counsel throughout the life of my project.
To my delight, Susan started an open studio coaching format (1/2 hour coaching sessions) just a few weeks after we finished class. If you’re like me – looking for ongoing support and timely course corrections on your project – I can’t recommend enough this new format. I’ve met with Susan three times since our class (once a week) and each session has been inspiring, motivating, and very helpful in terms of defining my path forward (and also creating some accountability relative to that path…). Before each session, I think about what areas I would like to focus on and send off a photo with my questions. In this way, I get from Susan exactly the support I need, plus a video recording to remember it. Meanwhile, preparing for my session helps me make my project a priority so I see ongoing progress, which is gratifying.
Honestly, this was the format I was hoping for. I told Susan I wanted to write a testimonial about it because I was so happy she was offering it. So, if you’re like me and a periodic check-in keeps you learning, growing, and doing your best work, sign up for coaching. Maybe I’ll see you there (you get to listen in on other sessions during the open studio you attend).
Fall 2025 Fabric Collage Class Schedule
Bar Harbor, Maine, with MISA—Madeline Island School of the Arts
Fabric Collage Immersion with MISA—a 10-Day Class in Bar Harbor, Maine
September 8 -19, 2025
All Levels—one space available
Please click here for sign-up information
For my 2024 Bar Harbor Class blog post write-ups—Part 1 here and Part 2 here
Tuscany, Italy, with Strada Toscana
Serendipitous Fabric Collage: Under the Tuscan Sun (celestial portrait class)
October 19-24, 2025
All-Levels—waitlist only
Click here for my 2025 Tuscan Sun blog post!
5-Day Live Online Class
November 17-21, 2025
Intermediate-Advanced
Price: $1,495 $1,295
Find more information about my 5-Day Live Online Classes in this post: 2025 Susan Carlson Fabric Collage Classes.
To Register: This class is for students familiar with the fabric collage process at the intermediate or advanced level. Please submit your request to register to Tom ([email protected]) and he will send you the link to register or ask for further information. Thank you.
2026 Fabric Collage Class Schedule
5-Day Live Online Classes
Santa Fe, New Mexico, with MISA—Madeline Island School of the Arts
Fabric Collage Quilting in Santa Fe
March 23, 2026 – March 27, 2026
Please click here for sign-up information
All-Levels—5 Spaces Left
For my 2022 Santa Fe Class blog post write-ups—Part 1 here and Part 2 here
For my 2025 Santa Fe Class blog post write-ups—Part 1 here and Part 2 here
Woodland Ridge Retreat, Downsville, Wisconsin
Fabric Collage Immersion at Woodland Ridge Retreat
April 21-25 and April 28-May 2, 2026—10-Day Class!
All-Levels—2 Spaces Left
Please click here for sign-up information
Once a year I pick a location for a Two-Week Intensive class which follows a format of five work days, two days off, then another 5 work days. Out-of-class activities are planned according to the location—such as field trips to interesting local and possibly fabric oriented attractions. In Wisconsin, Chris (the owner of Woodland Ridge Retreat and Dye Candy Fabrics) and I have already discussed locations to visit over the open weekend including: Cultural Cloth: https://www.culturalcloth.com/, SR Harris: https://srharrisfabric.com/, and for a special dinner out, Owamni: https://owamni.com/.
Click here for my Woodland Ridge Retreat blog post write-ups (take your pick!)
Bar Harbor, Maine, with MISA—Madeline Island School of the Arts
Fabric Collage Quilting in Bar Harbor
September 14-18, 2026
All Levels—6 Spaces Left
Please click here for sign-up information
The Atlantic Oceanside Resort has panoramic ocean views and waterfront access to gorgeous Frenchman Bay. It is just one mile from the shops and restaurants of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.
For my 2024 Bar Harbor Class blog post write-ups—Part 1 here and Part 2 here
Tuscany, Italy, with Strada Toscana
Serendipitous Fabric Collage: Fantastical Fish of Tuscany—Pesci Fantastici di Toscana
October 19-24, 2026
All-Levels
Please click here for sign-up information
Let Serendipity step in and “cut loose” with creating Pesci Fantastici (Fantastical Fish) surrounded by the colors and magic of the Tuscan hills. The definition of fantastical: whimsical, wonderful, splendid, fanciful in appearance, extravagant. The fantastical fish of this class will be inspired by the species, Salmo trutta fario, a wildly spotted brown river trout. It’s referred to as an ancient fish that genetically survived the last Ice Age and is fished in Italy today. This fish owes its longevity to its ability to diversify in form and thrive in a variety of environments—such as the rivers and streams of Tuscany.
Salmo trutta fario, is a perfect subject to explore in the ancient surroundings of Strada Toscana with our diverse fabrics and our vivid imaginations.