Our newsletter is arriving a little later than usual this week—but as they say, better late than never! Thanks for your patience, and we hope it was worth the wait.
With fall officially here, what better way to enjoy the season than with beautiful fall colors, quilt shops, and a road trip! The Northwoods Quilt Trek is coming up next week, October 2–9, and Affinity For Quilts is excited to be one of 11 participating shops. Follow Highways 35 and 61, enjoy the fall scenery, and discover a unique fall-themed quilt block kit available for purchase at each stop. There will be prize gift baskets along the way, and quilters who visit all 11 shops will be entered to win a JUKI sewing machine!
Grab your quilting friends and start planning your route. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone next week! You’ll find all the Northwoods Quilt Trek details in our Classes & Events section below.
A big thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate National Jelly Roll Day with us! We loved seeing so many familiar faces, talking quilts, sharing inspiration, and spending the day with our wonderful quilting community. We hope you had as much fun as we did—and maybe went home with a little inspiration for your next Jelly Roll project!
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We may have officially run out of room for new samples at the moment, but some patterns are just too perfect not to share! Wellspring Diamond Trail by Fancy That Design House Co. was designed especially for the Moda Wellspring collection featured below in our New Fabric section. The pattern beautifully showcases the warm, earthy colors and prints throughout the collection. If you fall in love with both the fabric and the pattern, just let us know—we’d be more than happy to put together a special kit just for you!
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Fresh from the sewing room, we have a beautiful new sample to share! Tarah created this striking lap quilt using the Matcha Green Tea fabric collection by Clothworks and the Domino Five pattern from Villa Rosa Designs. Pieced entirely with half-square triangle blocks, the pattern gives these gorgeous greens, blacks, and whites a fresh, modern look. The finished quilt measures 56" x 64", and limited kits are available for $109.99.
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Just in time for spooky season, we have a new sample to share—and this one definitely reflects Diana’s love of Halloween! Salem Road, designed by Doug Leko of Antler Quilt Design, features the Coven collection by Robin Pickens for Moda Fabrics. Filled with witches, pumpkins, ravens, haunted houses, and plenty of Halloween color, this fun quilt finishes at 69" x 86". Limited kits are available for $152.99.
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What do you do with the leftover panel blocks from your Coven kit—or any panel project? Turn them into something useful! The Happy Helper Tote by Robin Pickens is a great way to give those extra blocks a new purpose. The finished tote measures 18" across the top, 15" across the bottom, and features a 2" gusset for a little extra room. It’s a fun project and a great reminder not to toss those leftover panel blocks—you never know what they might become!
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It’s never too early to begin your holiday quilts! Becky created Merry Melody, designed by Stephanie Sheridan, featuring the 12 Days of Christmas collection by Nancy Halvorsen for Benartex Fabrics. This festive 44" x 64" quilt brings together classic Christmas colors and charming holiday prints for a project that’s sure to add a little cheer to your holiday decorating. Limited kits are available for $106.99.
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Soft, sweet, and oh-so-cozy! Love You to the Moon Flannel by Echo Park Paper Co. for Riley Blake Designs features a charming mix of pastel prints and timeless patterns perfect for little ones. This cuddly flannel collection is a wonderful choice for baby quilts, nursery projects, and handmade gifts made with a little extra love.
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Wellspring by Stephanie Sliwinski of Fancy That Design House Co. for Moda Fabrics brings together a warm, earthy palette with delicate florals and nature-inspired details. Cream, eggshell, caramel, rust, dark clay, vintage blue, storm, and charcoal create a beautifully grounded collection, complemented by small florals, botanical flourishes, and speckled dots. With its soft, timeless feel and rich mix of colors, Wellspring offers plenty of possibilities for quilts, home décor, and projects that transition beautifully from season to season.
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The squirrels are back—and this time they’ve taken over the sewing room! The Secret Life of Squirrels IV by Nancy Rose for Clothworks Fabrics follows these mischievous little characters as they quilt, knit, sew, and play their way through colorful fabrics, buttons, yarn, and sewing notions. The collection also includes the adorable Nuts About Crafting! storybook panel, perfect for creating a fun fabric book to enjoy or give as a gift. With whimsical scenes, coordinating prints, and plenty of tiny details to discover, this cheerful collection is perfect for quilts, bags, sewing-room projects, and anyone who loves a little squirrel mischief mixed with their stitching.
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Classroom Space
If your group is looking for a place to meet, we invite you to contact Affinity For Quilts at 651-429-1039 to check availability.
Our classroom is available for private group rentals for $10 per day, per group. We also welcome quilting guilds and nonprofit organizations to use our space for meetings, workshops, and special events. If you're interested, we'd love to chat—give us a call and we'll be happy to discuss the details and help you make arrangements.
We offer two free Open Sew Days each month—on the 1st Friday and the 3rd Tuesday—from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Space is limited, so registration opens on the 15th of the month prior.
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Recurring Store Specials
- Double Punch Tuesday: Every 1st Tuesday of the month.
- Freebie Monday: Every 2nd Monday of the month.
- FQ Wednesday: Every 3rd Wednesday of the month. Buy 6 Get 7th Free.
- Sale Wall Friday: Every 4th Friday of the month. Take an extra 10% off all Sale Wall Fabrics.
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Sewing Machine Service
Does your sewing machine need a tune-up or repair? Jordan is on-site and ready to help with all your machine servicing needs.
When dropping off your machine, please be sure to include the following:
• Sewing machine
• Foot control and power cord
• Standard zig-zag foot (if applicable)
• Bobbin case, bobbin, and thread
To schedule an appointment or speak with Jordan directly, call him at 612-275-3356. For added convenience, curbside pickup and delivery are currently available.
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Join the Quilting For Affinity Facebook Group
We’d love to see what you’ve been working on! Share your finished projects and get inspired by fellow quilters in our Quilting For Affinity Facebook group.
Simply click on the "Join Now" button below to visit the group, then select "Join Group"—and you're in! It’s a great way to connect, share ideas, and celebrate the joy of quilting together.
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Here’s a little quilting reminder that’s always worth repeating: before starting a new project, take a few minutes to read through the entire pattern from beginning to end. It’s a simple step that can save a lot of time—and maybe a little frustration—later! It’s also a good idea to visit the designer’s website to check for any pattern corrections or updates before you begin. After all, we’re all human, and mistakes happen!
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Classes and EventsRegister On-Line, In-Person or by Phone
Register for classes online, or sign up in person at 2199 4th Street, White Bear Lake, MN, or call us at 651-429-1039. If registering in person or by phone, spots will only be guaranteed for students who have completed payment.
Class Prep Information
Many of our classes include preparation instructions in the supply list that are meant to be completed at home before class. To help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone, we kindly ask that you arrive with all prep work finished and ready to make the most of our class time together.
Join the Waitlist
If a class is full, add your name to the waitlist. We’ll reach out if a spot opens, and the list helps us gauge interest for future classes.
Class Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made at least 7 business days prior to the class are eligible for store credit or a full refund. If a cancellation occurs within 7 business days of the class, we’re happy to offer a refund only if we’re able to fill the spot from the waitlist.
Happy Quilting!
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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.
Our menu will include Garden Salad, Sweet & Spicy Chicken with Veggies, Bread, Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.
Continue to inspire your fellow quilters with your handiwork during Show-and-Tell, which will take place after supper.
Date: Friday, September 25, 2026
Time: 4:00pm - Midnight
Event Hostess: Diana Wendorf
Class Fee: $28.00
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Sew-In-Sunday
Looking for a relaxing and creative way to spend your Sunday? Join us for Sew-In-Sunday and enjoy a full day of sewing alongside fellow quilting enthusiasts. Bring your own project(s), your machine, and your favorite supplies, and settle in for a day of stitching and fun!
Dinner will be served at 5:00 PM. Our menu will include Garden Salad, Sweet & Spicy Chicken with Veggies, Bread, Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.
Prior to supper, take part in our Show-and-Tell session—share your progress, admire others’ creations, and leave feeling inspired!
Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026
Time: 1:00pm - 7:00pm
Event Hostess: Diana Wendorf
Class Fee: $28.00
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Spellbound Witch Hat
Create a whimsical witch hat that's perfect for Halloween, dress-up play, costume parties, or seasonal decorating! This fun project combines sewing, shaping, and finishing techniques to create a hat you'll treasure for years to come—and may even become a favorite family tradition.
Choose to make the adult size taught in class, and you'll also receive instructions for a child-sized version that can be made from the same pattern.
In this class, students will learn how to:
- Work with foam or fusible fleece to add structure and shape
- Properly apply Pellon Decor Bond 809 for a crisp, professional finish
- Create and apply bias binding as both an edge finish and decorative flat binding
- Construct a sturdy hat that can be enjoyed for many Halloweens to come
Whether you're sewing for yourself, a child, or creating a special costume piece, you'll leave class with new skills and a magical project that's sure to bring smiles year after year
Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Time: 9:30 am – 1:30 pm
Instructor: Lisa Giebink
Skill Level: Beginner +
Class Fee: $45.00
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Northwoods Quilt Trek – October 2-9, 2026
Celebrate autumn in Minnesota by joining us for the Northwoods Quilt Trek, a special shop hop along Highways 35 and 61 during peak fall color season. From Friday, October 2nd through Friday, October 9th, you’ll have the opportunity to visit 11 wonderful quilt shops from Lutsen to White Bear Lake.
What You’ll Find Along the Way
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Prize Drawings – Register at each shop for a chance to win a $75 gift basket.
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Exclusive Quilt Block - At each stop along the Northwoods Quilt Trek, you’ll receive a unique 12" quilt block pattern designed especially for the event. Love the block? Each shop will also have a coordinating kit available for purchase for just $5.00!
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Grand Prize – Complete the hop and to be entered into the drawing to win a JUKI sewing machine (valued at $1,799), generously provided by Country Loft Quilt & Design.
Participating Shops (North to South)
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47 Degrees North – Lutsen
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Quilt Corner – Beaver Bay
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One Old Loon – Two Harbors
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StitchCraft Quilt Factory – Duluth
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Creations Quilt Shop – Duluth
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Quilted Dog Quilt Shop – Cloquet
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Quarry Quilts & Yarns – Sandstone
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The Cutting Edge Quilt Shop – Rush City
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She Shed Quilts – North Branch
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Country Loft Quilt & Design – Almelund
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Affinity for Quilts – White Bear Lake
This year, every participating shop will have guaranteed Northwoods Quilt Trek hours, making it easier to plan your route! All 11 shops will be open Monday–Friday from 10:00 am–5:00 pm and Saturday–Sunday from 11:00 am–3:00 pm.
Affinity For Quilts will be open additional hours during the Quilt Trek. Be sure to check our complete hours listed below as you plan your visit!
Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy Minnesota's fall beauty, stock up for the winter season, and support your favorite small-town quilt shops.
Dates: October 2nd - October 9th, 2026
Northwoods Quilt Trek Hours: Mon-Fri10am-5pm, Sat-Sun 11am-3pm
Affinity For Quilts Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm Sunday October 4th 11am-5pm.
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Top-A-Long Sewing Adventure
We’re excited to bring back the Affinity For Quilts Top-A-Long for another season of sewing, sharing, and quilting fun! Our last Top-A-Long was such a wonderful experience, and we’re looking forward to gathering our quilting community together once again.
If you’re new to the fun, a Top-A-Long is a collaborative sewing experience where quilters work on the same quilt top or runner each month. With the cooler months ahead, it’s the perfect excuse to spend a little more time in your sewing room while being part of a fun quilting community.
Over the next seven months, we’ll make a different quilt top or runner each month using patterns from Villa Rosa Designs. Along the way, we’ll also introduce you to some of the talented designers behind these popular patterns. We encourage you to shop your stash and finally use some of those special fabrics you’ve been saving for just the right project!
On the first Saturday of each month, we’ll gather at Affinity For Quilts for our Top-A-Long event. You’ll receive that month’s FREE pattern, enjoy show-and-tell from the previous month, and see the new sample quilt or runner revealed in the shop. And there’s a little mystery involved—you won’t know which pattern we’re making next until the meeting!
Can’t attend in person? You can still participate! We’ll mail your free pattern so you can sew along from home. Send us a photo of your completed quilt top or runner by text or email, and you’ll be included in that month’s prize drawing.
Finish your project each month and you’ll be entered to win a fun quilty prize! Plus, quilters who participate throughout the seven-month Top-A-Long will have a chance at our grand prize: one lucky participant will have the quilt top of their choice professionally longarm quilted, courtesy of Diana!
Whether you join us at the shop or sew along from home, we hope you’ll be part of another season of sewing, sharing, stash-busting, and quilting fun at Affinity For Quilts!
Kick-off Date: Saturday, October 3 , 2026
Time: 9:30am
Instructor: Diana Wendorf and Becky Umenthum
Class Fee: $20.00 (includes monthly Villa Rosa pattern)
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Open Embroidery with Sharon
Join our embroidery circle for a day of creativity. Work on your personal embroidery projects in good company, and feel free to bring lunch, or perhaps venture out with your fellow stitchers to explore the offerings of Downtown White Bear Lake’s eateries. Sharon, our resident expert, is ready to help with any embroidery questions you might have. Be sure to carry along your completed projects for show-and-tell session.
Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026
Thursday, October 15, 2026
Time: 10:00 am - 3:30 pm
Fee: $15.00/monthly gathering
Instructor: Sharon Lenertz
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Affinity For Quilts Fall Sleep In Your Own Bed Retreat
Get ready for a weekend of quilting, fun, and friendship!
The countdown is on for our Affinity For Quilts Sleep in Your Own Bed Retreat, and we can’t wait to welcome you for an unforgettable weekend filled with stitching, laughter, great food, and plenty of time to relax and enjoy quilting with friends!
This retreat is packed with fun perks and surprises, including:
- A special gift bag for every attendee
- Fantastic door prizes throughout the weekend
- Exclusive in-store discounts just for retreat participants
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Delicious meals and snacks, including:
- Friday & Saturday Afternoon: Meat and cheese snack tray
- Friday Evening: Chicken and beef taco bar
- Saturday Morning: Pastries, muffins, fresh fruit, and juice
- Saturday Evening: A delicious catered dinner by Todd Scheel
Our Fall Retreat is currently full, but we’d be happy to add you to the waitlist! If a registered participant is unable to attend, we’ll reach out to those on the waitlist as openings become available. Our final head count will be confirmed on September 26th, so there’s still a chance to join us for a fun weekend of quilting, friendship, and creativity!
Dates:
Friday, October 9, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Retreat Fee:
Both Days: $195.00
One Day (Friday OR Saturday): $145.00
Location: White Bear Lake Masonic Lodge, 4923 Stewart Ave, White Bear Lake, MN
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Flash Monday – October
October Wraps
Create festive fall décor with October Wraps, part of a collection of twelve seasonal pillow wraps designed to give one pillow a fresh new look throughout the year!
In this Flash Monday class, you’ll learn how to create a reusable pillow cover and seasonal wrap that can be changed out as the seasons and holidays come and go. Simply swap the pillow cover and decorative wrap to create an entirely new look—an easy and fun way to add hand made seasonal décor to your home without making or storing twelve different pillows.
During class, you’ll also receive instructor-provided pattern adjustments and construction details that are not included in the original pattern, providing the guidance you need to successfully complete the project. These helpful modifications are exclusive to registered class participants.
Limited kits will be available for purchase for students who would like an easy way to gather the fabrics needed for their October Wraps project.
Join us for Flash Monday and learn a fun home décor technique you can use again and again for every season!
Date: Monday, October 12, 2026
Time: 1:30pm – 4:30pm
Instructor: Ruth Thompson
Skill Level: Confident Beginner - Applique Experience Required
Class Fee: $15.00
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Sashiko Club
Join our Sashiko Club! This is an instructor led open stitching group. During your time together, you will work on your own individual projects and get tips and pointers from other stitchers, and our talented instructor Tammy Berry. During each club Tammy arrives prepared to share patterns, techniques, or a project she is working on. Stitchers are welcome any time throughout the year. Join us for every session or for a few sessions as your time allows.
Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Time: 9:30pm-12:30pm
Instructor: Tammy Berry
Class Fee: $15.00
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Featherweight Friends
Calling all Featherweights! Join us on the third Friday of each month for a day of sewing, sharing, and camaraderie.
Featherweight Friends is a gathering of sewing enthusiasts who share a common passion for Singer Featherweight sewing machines. Whether you're a seasoned Featherweight owner or new to the world of these compact and iconic machines, our club welcomes all sewing skill levels. Diana, our experienced instructor, will oversee our Featherweight Friends club! This is a wonderful opportunity to connect and sew with fellow Featherweight sewing machine owners. Exchange anecdotes, discuss your latest sewing triumphs, and share your current sewing projects with a friendly community of like-minded individuals.
What to Bring:
- Your Singer Featherweight sewing machine
- Sewing supplies and materials for your current project
- Any finished projects you'd like to share with the group
- Your enthusiasm and love for sewing!
Date: Friday, October 16, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Club Leader: Diana Wendorf
Club Fee: $15.00
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Scrappy Half-Rectangle Triangle Quilt
Foundation Paper Piecing
Have you been curious about foundation paper piecing but aren’t quite sure where to start? This beginner-friendly class is a fun, approachable introduction to the technique—and a great way to put some of your favorite scraps to work!
Using Leila Gardunia’s Scrappy Half-Rectangle Triangle Foundations Pad, you’ll learn the basics of foundation paper piecing while experimenting with fabrics, colors, and block arrangements.
You’ll also get to try freezer paper foundation piecing and compare it with the traditional method. Pre-printed freezer paper foundations and the materials needed to try this technique will be provided in class.
In this class, students will learn how to:
- Understand the basics of foundation paper piecing
- Create accurate half-rectangle triangle blocks
- Try both traditional and freezer paper foundation piecing
- Use scraps, prints, and solids in different color combinations
- Arrange finished blocks in a variety of creative layouts
Turn your blocks into mug rugs, table runners, a quilt, or something completely your own. Once you learn the technique, the possibilities are nearly endless!
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time: 9:30am–4:30pm
Instructor: Susan Drabek
Skill Level: Beginner Paper Piecing
Class Fee: $70.00
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Starburst Tree Skirt
Add a handmade touch to your holiday decorating with the Starburst Tree Skirt! This beginner-friendly foundation paper piecing class is a great opportunity to learn new techniques while creating a beautiful tree skirt to enjoy for years to come.
In this class, students will learn how to:
- Build confidence with foundation paper piecing
- Use chain piecing to make construction more efficient
- Accurately align angled pieces for precise piecing
- Bind angles that are different from the traditional 90-degree corners
Whether foundation paper piecing is new to you or you'd simply like more practice, this festive project is a fun way to build your skills and create something special for the holiday season.
Class Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Class time: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Instructor: Susan Drabek
Class Fee: $70.00
Skill Level: Beginner Paper Piecing
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Big Giant Quilted Bow Class
Go big with the Big Giant Beautiful Bow! This fun, oversized project is perfect for making a statement on your front door—dress it up for the holidays, add a festive touch for a party, or create one in seasonal fabrics to welcome a new season.
In this class, students will learn how to:
- Experiment with quilting stitches on a smaller project
- Sew and manage multiple layers of fabric and batting
- Use a turning tool
- Create simple patchwork and piecing
- Turn and topstitch for a finished look
Choose from a reversible patchwork, wholecloth, or reversible hybrid version and have fun making your Big Giant Beautiful Bow uniquely yours!
Class Date: Thursday, November 5, 2026
Class Time: 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Instructor: Linda Heimerl
Skill Level: Confident Beginner
Class Fee: $45.00
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Flash Monday – November
Cut It Out Scissors Case – A ByAnnie Pattern
Keep your favorite scissors safe and stylish with this quick and practical project! In this Flash Monday class, you’ll create a handy scissors case using the Cut It Out pattern by ByAnnie—perfect for tossing into your sewing bag or keeping tools organized at home.
This beginner-friendly project is a great introduction to working with Soft and Stable and simple bag-making techniques, all in a fun, low-pressure class setting.
In this class, students will learn how to:
- Work with ByAnnie’s Soft and Stable for structure
- Create and apply binding to finish edges
- Install a simple closure (magnet snap or ByAnnie snap)
- Use helpful tools like double-sided tape and a stiletto for cleaner results
You’ll leave class with a finished scissors case and a project you’ll want to make again for gifts—or to keep all your scissors organized!
Date: Monday, November 9, 2026
Time: 1:30pm – 4:30pm
Instructor: Lisa Giebink
Skill Level: Beginner Bag Maker
Class Fee: $15.00
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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.
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