A playful, confidence-boosting sewing, piecing and quilting course from Willa Workshops
In this class*, Heather Kojan and Wendy Solganik will show you how to create something that you’ll be proud to display in your home!
* Click here if you don’t know how to use a sewing machine, we’ll help you out in our “Threaded and Sewn” Class!
Welcome to the Modern Improv Pillow project!
{perfection not required}
Modern Improv Pillow is a joyful, low-pressure introduction to both sewing and quilting-style piecing—wrapped up in a beautiful, functional project you can finish, use, and feel proud of.
Whether this is your very first time at a sewing machine or you’ve been quilting-curious for years, this course meets you exactly where you are.
A sewing experience you’ll want to repeat.
I’m ready to make the Modern Improv Pillow!
*$77 USD + tax is the Early Bird Price—Actual price of Modern Improv Pillow will jump to $97 USD + tax on December 1st, 2025
Meet your Teacher!
Heather Kojan
“As a quilter, my passion lies in the power of simplicity—how basic shapes and stitches can open doors to creativity, confidence, and personal expression. I believe quilting should be approachable, not intimidating, and that even the most modest pattern has the potential to spark joy and build lasting skills.
My work is grounded in making quilting accessible to everyone, regardless of their experience. I create designs that are clear, achievable, and deeply satisfying, serving as a foundation for growth. Through teaching and sharing my patterns, I aim to help others not just replicate, but innovate—to use the skills they learn as steppingstones to explore their own creative voices.”
Learn all about the Modern Improv Pillow by watching this video!
Why is this an “improv” pillow?
Because you’ll truly assemble it as you go!
This project is fun and no-stress. Heather will walk you through:
Alter fabric with watercolor paint to make your own “fabric fodder”
Learn how to piece fabric together like a pro
Construct a gorgeous, fully functional pillow cover with an envelope or zipper closure (yes, you can do this! Heather will show you how!)
Even if you’ve never imagined yourself sewing something like this, you absolutely can. With Heather’s step-by-step guidance, you’ll create a pillow that looks professionally made—by you!
But that’s not all!
You’ll also see how I (Wendy) followed along Heather’s instructions, and how I adapted the project to my preferences.
Alongside all of Heather’s video, I also filmed:
My Fabric selection process
How I pieced the fabrics, doing something similar to Heather, but uniquely to my own tastes
How I finished my pillows and how they look in their new home!
I was doubtful I’d ever be able to quilt, let alone make something that looks as cute and professional as this, but Heather makes it EASY (and I hope I provide some inspiration for you to take and make your own unique improv pillows)!
Why improv piecing?
Because it’s creative, forgiving, and deeply fun.
Improv piecing allows you to:
Trust your eye
Work intuitively with color and pattern
Let go of “doing it right”
End up with something that feels uniquely yours
No two pillows are ever the same—and that’s the point.
We’ll be waiting for you in the Classroom!
I’m ready to make the Modern Improv Pillow!
*$77 USD + tax is the Early Bird Price—Actual price of Modern Improv Pillow will jump to $97 USD + tax on December 1st, 2025
I still need to learn how to sew!
Thread Alchemy Vol. 1 Bundle
Save 20% when you bundle!
Threaded & Sewn (How to Use a Sewing Machine) + Modern Improv Pillow, what not to love about that?!
$157 USD + tax