April Showers Bring May Flowers

Posted by Diana Wendorf on

Well I hope I have not jinxed us by removing the Weather Notification segment from our newsletter.  However, it was just time for it to go!  

If you signed up for the Sleep-In-Your-Own-Bed Retreat, taking place on April 28th and 29th, and have not received an e-mail from me please reach out to the shop as soon as possible. 


There are still three spaces open for the 
Laura Heine Teeny Tiny Collage Class on April 29th.  This class was rescheduled from the original April 1st date because of a snow storm.   To sign up for this class call the shop, or stop in, to reserve your spot!  The next class is scheduled for October 21, 2023.  
We sew some quilt projects to expand our skill set as we learn new blocks and techniques.  It is not any different for those of us who do long-arm quilting.  I was struggling with how to quilt this piece and decided to break away from my normal edge-to-edge that typically I do and play around with a little custom work.  Thank you to everyone I talked to about how-to-quilt this one for your suggestions and ideas.   It is always fun to try something new!

With that being said our newest sample is High Notes, Low Notes designed by Laureen Smith of Tourmaline & Thyme Quilts.   This piece is not only simple, but also elegant!  Eau De Parfum from Northcott Fabrics was the line used and measures 58" x 54".  Kits are available for $65.99.
Spring is in the air so let's Color Me Happy with some springy new batiks from Batik Textiles featured on the left.  Just for fun I had to get a bolt of these crazy batik cats, Venus Cattails featured on the right.  Since their arrival the cats have been a big hit.  
Collage by Janet Clare for Moda Fabrics reflects the passion the designer has for scrapbooking and doodling to create fun and interesting abstract fabrics.   Now you'll be able to cut and piece them together to create our very own stitched collages.  
If you are unable find an item you are looking for, talk to any Affinity For Quilts team member and we will do our best to order it for you.  We wish we could carry all of the items for your quilting needs, but some things need to be special ordered.  

Classroom Space
Our classroom space is currently open.  If your group would like a place to meet please contact Affinity For Quilts at 651-429-1039.  Evening meeting space is available; however, there will be a fee that will need to be negotiated with the shop for evening meetings.

Reoccurring Store Specials
  • 1st Tuesday of each month - Double Punch Tuesday
  • 2nd Monday of each month - Freebie Monday
  • 3rd Wednesday of each month - FQ Wednesday - Buy 6 Get 7th Free
  • 4th Friday of each month - Take an extra 10% off all Sale Wall Fabrics 

Sewing Machine Service
Is your sewing machine in need of tune-up or repair?  If so, Jordan is on site to assist you with all of your machine needs.  When bringing your machine in for service, include the sewing machine, foot control, power cord, standard zig-zag foot if your machine sews a zig zag stitch, bobbin case, bobbin and thread.  Jordan can be reached at  612-275-3356 if you would like to speak to him directly or to make an appointment. He is currently offering curbside pickup and delivery.


The Quilting For Affinity Group
Share your finished projects!  Join the "Quilting For Affinity" Facebook group to share your work and be inspired by others. Just click here, and you will be taken to the Facebook group.  Select 'join group' and you will be added.  It's that easy!  

 
Tip of the Week!  The little boxes that the Tic-Tac candy is sold in make great boxes to keep by your work are to put old pins and needles in.  When full just snap the lid closed and throw away.
Just a reminder if you have a tip you would like to share with our readers just e-mail Diana at quilt@affinityforquilts.com.  
Classes and Events
In order to give all of our customers the opportunity to take classes we will be requesting payment at the time of registration.  If you need to cancel, we ask for notification 7 days prior to the class date so we can offer your spot to someone on our wait list and refund your registration fee.  Thanks so much for your understanding of this policy change and happy quilting everyone.

When you sign up for a class at Affinity For Quilts you will receive information about the class including any supplies needed for the class and often a few things that need to be completed before the day of the class.  Be sure to read through the supply/class prep list to ensure you have everything you need for a really wonderful class experience.  If you sign up and pay by phone, not to worry, we can email you all of the information you need for a successful class experience. 

If you are interested in an event and it is full, please add your name to the wait list, if someone can not attend then we will call the first person on the wait list to see if they are available to take that spot.   


The wait list is also used to see how popular an event is and if we should offer it again in the future.

You can register and pay for classes in person at 2199 4th Street, White Bear Lake Minnesota or by phone at 651-429-1039.
 
All Minnesota Shop Hop
April 1, 2023 thru May 31, 2023

 
Are you following the All Minnesota Shop Hop on Facebook?  If not, I strongly encourage you to do so.  The adventures of all your fellow Shop Hoppers can be found there.  Read the rules of your passport and remember you only need to visit (5) five shops in the whole state of MN to submit your passport into the general drawing.  
    We are looking forward to seeing everyone as the snow melts and the weather warms during the April-May All Minnesota Shop Hop. 

    We have the official Shop Hop fabric and just a few magazines available.  
    Open Embroidery With Sharon

    Bring in your embroidery projects, or follow along with Sharon as she stitches Crabapple Hill's newest embroidery Block Of the Month Superstition.  The group will meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month from 10:00am-3:30pm.  Feel free to bring you lunch, or you can always go out and grab a bite to eat with your fellow stitching buddies at any of the great restaurants in Downtown White Bear Lake.  Sharon will be available to answer any questions you may have.  Remember to bring your Show and Tell.

    Date:  Thursday, April 20, 2023
    Time:  10:00am-3:30pm
    Class Fee:  $12.00
    Instructor:  Sharon Lenertz
    Midnight Open Sew

    Are you looking for a fun way to spend a Friday night? Join Diana for Midnight Open Sew. Bring your current project, machine, and basic quilting supplies for 8 fun filled hours of just sewing.  We will be having Chicken Tacos, Spanish Rice, and Toffee Cracker Bars for dessert.  

    New for 2023, show-and-tell!  Inspire your fellow quilters with your handiwork.  We will be having show-and-tell after supper, at approximately 6:30pm.   

    Add your name to the wait list.


    Date:   Friday, April 21, 2023 
    Time:  4:00pm-Midnight
    Event Host: Diana Wendorf
    Class Fee:  $20.00
    Duck, Duck, Goose Mini

    Join Becky for a day of quilting to create the adorable Duck, Duck, Goose Mini Quilt.  In this class you will machine piece the project and be introduced to applique, machine stitching embroidery as well as a bit of hand embroidery. Becky will walk you through the steps and share one of her favorite tools, the Easy Angle Ruler, and how it can be used. Becky’s kind and informative teaching style, sewing expertise with her sewing tips and tricks will make this day of quilting great fun!

    Class Prep: There is cutting required at home before the day of class

    Date: Saturday, April 22, 2023
    Time: 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
    Instructor: Becky Umenthum
    Skill Level:  Confident Beginner
    Class Fee:  $50.00

    There will be a half hour break for lunch

    Sew-In-Sunday

    Are you ready to spend the day quilting with friends?  Bring your own project(s) to work on and spend the day sewing!  Dinner will be served at 5pm.  We will be having Chicken Tacos, Spanish Rice, and Toffee Cracker Bars for dessert.  

    New for 2023, show-and-tell!  Inspire your fellow quilters with your handiwork.  We will be having show-and-tell prior to supper, at approximately 4:30pm.  


    Date:   Sunday, April 23, 2023   
    Time:  1:00pm - 7:00pm 
    Event Host: Diana Wendorf

    Class Fee:  $20.00

    Laura Heine Teeny Tiny Collage Class

    Join Lori for a day of fabric collage! During this all day class you will learn how to assemble one of Laura Heine's whimsical Teeny Tiny Collages. These fun projects are a great way to use up those fabric pieces that you have been saving for just the right thing. This project is it, you have found it! Our in store sample is just one of several pattern choices for this class. The results are beautiful and the possibilities are endless!

    Date:  Saturday, April 29, 2023
    Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Instructor: Lori Adameitz

    Affinity For Quilts Sleep In Your Own Bed Retreat
     
    Grab your quilting friends and join Diana for a fun filled weekend as we host our Spring Sleep In Your Own Bed Retreat.  This weekend will be nothing short of fun and will include: 
    • A Gift Bag for each Attendee
    • Great Door Prizes
    • Make-It-Take-It project each day of the retreat 
    • Short product demo each day 
    • In Store Shopping Discounts for retreat participants   
    • Salad and Pizza Friday night from Carbone's Pizzeria & Pub
    • Catering by Todd Scheel for our Saturday evening meal.  The menu includes Tossed Garden Salad, your choice of Pan Seared Chicken Breasts or Marinated Choice Tender Tips with Mushrooms, Cheesy Potato Bake, Green Bean Almondine, and a Fudge Brownie with Raspberry Mousse for dessert.
    If you are interested in attending the retreat you must register by  Saturday, April 15, 2023. Late registrations will not be accepted; however, we can place you on a wait list in case of a cancellation.   We are requesting a 30% deposit upon registration with full payment by April 15, 2023.  Deposit for Friday/Saturday would be $52.50.   Please indicate your food preference;  the Seared Chicken Breasts or Marinated Choice Tender Tips with Mushrooms, when registering. 

    Dates/Time:  Friday, April  28, 2023 10:00am - 10:00pm
                         Saturday, April 29, 2023 9:00am - 10:00pm
    Location:  White Bear Lake Masonic Lodge at 4923 Stewart Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110

    Retreat Fee:  $175.00 for Friday and Saturday
    Downtown White Bear Lake Spring Fling

    Join the businesses in beautiful downtown White Bear Lake as we welcome Spring. There will be a musician performing from 1-4 and yard games in the Sweet Life Lane courtyard.

     

    Affinity for Quilts will be celebrating in style with some special discounts

    15% off all your fabric purchases

    10% off all patterns

     

    We will also have a drawing for:

    Quilters gift box valued at $50.00

    The newest 3-Yard Quilt Book:  Make It Modern

    $10.00 Affinity For Quilts Gift Certificate

     

    Date: April 29, 2023

    Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm

     

    The Cube Bag Class

    Join Ruth for The Cube Bag class. In this class you will make a bag, work with foam, create pockets, and put a zipper in your project. This pattern is a smaller version of the popular Boxy Tote! It is the perfect bag to use for your on the go sewing supplies, small knitting projects, make-up bag, and more. Ruth's detail oriented teaching style and written instructions will give you the confidence and tools to make this bag again on your own!  

    This class is intended for a confident beginner student and requires fabric to be cut based on instructors handout prior to class.  

    Date:  Saturday, May 6, 2023
    Time:  9:30am – 3:30 pm
    Instructor:  Ruth Thompson
    Class Fee: $45.00

    There will be a half hour break for lunch

    Sashiko Stitching Club

    Join our instructor led open Sashiko stitching group.  During your time together, you will be able to work on your own individual projects and get tips and pointers from other stitchers, and our beloved and talented instructor Tammy Berry. During each club Tammy arrives prepared to share patterns, techniques, or a new project. Participants will also receive a 15% discount for their Sashiko supplies, and fabric purchases.  Discount exclude thread, notions and Quilt MN fabrics.

    Be sure to call today to reserve your spot in this fun club!


    Date:  Wednesday, May 10, 2023  
    Time:  12:30pm-3:30pm
    Instructor:  Tammy Berry
    Class Fee:  $12.00
    Boro Sashiko

    Join Tammy for the Boro  Sashiko class.  In this class you will combine your fabric scraps with Sashiko embroidery to create beautiful textile art. This is a great way for quilters to put  favorite leftover bits of fabric to use. This will be a raw edge, hand sewn project. You will learn about creating variations too! Gather your fabric scraps, scissors and embroidery supplies and begin creating using the Japanese tradition of Boro Sashiko.  No Sashiko stitching experience necessary. 


    Date: Friday, May 12,  2023
    Time: 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm 
    Class Fee: $25.00
    Instructor: Tammy Berry
    Pineapple Rings Quilt Class

    In this class you will learn the pineapple block technique using the Creative Grids Pineapple Trim Tool. Sewing square pineapple blocks can be challenging, however, with Becky's guidance and using the Creative Grids ruler you will create 10” square pineapple blocks while learning precision piecing, pressing, and trimming providing students with the tools to finish the project at their own pace. Once the process is learned, the project goes together fairly quickly. You will love the way this project goes together and secondary design that the block layout in creates!

    There is some class prep for this class. Follow the instructions on the supply list for fabric cutting.

    Date: Saturday,  June 3, 2023
    Time: 9:30 am- 4:30 pm 
    Class Fee: $50.00
    Instructor: Becky Umenthum
    Skill Level: Confident Beginner

    The Art of Embellishment

    Embellishment is a technique that uses various materials to decorate an object. In this class Linda will teach you how to embellish your project.  She will be discussing material mediums and ways to embellish your projects.  Then you will be working on your own embellishment project.  It can be something as simple as a notebook cover or embellishing a collage quilt that you have created, such as the seahorse featured in our photo.

    Prep:  If embellishing a collage, students must bring a completed collage piece to class.  If embellishing a notebook, students must bring a notebook to work with in class.  A complete list of supplies needed will be provided at time of registration.  


    Skill Level:  Beginning
    Date:  Tuesday, May 16, 2023
    Time:  9:30am - 12:30pm
    Class Fee:  $25.00
    Instructor:  Linda Treague

    Dresden Clock Class

    Make this quilted clock, based on the classic Dresden plate pattern. Choose a neutral palette or colorful hues. The clock is held in a 12” quilting hoop and uses a standard clock kit. It will be a perfect addition to your sewing room or gift to a quilting friend. Only basic sewing skills needed. Patterns are provided. The design is inspired by the book Hoop Quilts for Beginners. 

    Date: Saturday, May 20, 2023
    Time: 9:30 am - 1:30 pm
    Instructor: Kris Livingston
    Class Fee:  $35.00
    Beginning Sashiko

    Join Tammy for this introductory class and learn the art of Sashiko. Students will learn the Japanese running stitch embroidery, using the pre-printed coasters project that is perfect for beginner students. This stitch method can be used in the traditional way to mend cloth items or to add texture and interest to new projects. Tammy will share her tips, tricks, and expertise as she teaches you this beautiful form of hand stitching. Supplies are few to try this addictive hobby.

    Date: Saturday, June 10, 2023
    Time: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
    Class Fee: $20.00
    Instructor: Tammy Berry

    Barn Quilt Block Painting Class

    Join Aryn and create your own unique barn quilt design on reclaimed barn wood! Locally sourced, carefully selected, sanded and assembled. Choose from nine beautiful designs! Pick your own color scheme and relax at Affinity For Quilts in White Bear Lake, Minnesota.

    Designs include:
    1. Pinwheel
    2. Flag
    3. Faded Star
    4. Friendship Star
    5. Marigold
    6. Hidden Cross
    7. Blue Cross
    8. Tulips
    9. Pumpkin

    Registration is handled by The Blue Fox and must be done using the link below.  The $50.00 class fee includes all supplies needed for the call.  Follow the link below to register: 
    https://www.eventbrite.com/e/395665475087

    Date:  Saturday, June 24, 2023
    Time:  1:00pm - 4:00pm
    Instructor:  Aryn Lill
    Class Fee:  $50.00  Follow like above to register.  Class fee includes all supplies.
    Thank you for your continued support, you are appreciated more than words can ever express.

    Stay well and happy quilting everyone.   Remember, you cannot keep a good quilter down.
     
    Lone Star Tote Class

    Create a custom tote bag to show off your quilty skills! This tote leaves a lot of room for adding your own personalized touch with your fabric choices, the lone star layout and finally quilting your design. It is the perfect summer bag! Natalie's experience teaching and her relaxed teaching style will make this a day of creating you won't want to miss!

    There is some cutting completed prior to class

    Skill Level: Very Confident Beginner/Intermediate

    There will be a half hour break for lunch

    Date: Saturday, July 22, 2023
    Time: 9:30am – 4:30 pm
    Instructor: Natalie Novacek
    Class Fee:  $55.00


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