Behind Every Quilter Is A Fabulous Stash of Fabric

Posted by Diana Wendorf on

Welcome to What's Up Wednesday!   

The Hand Embroidery Club with Sharon is such a success that we have added an additional monthly meeting date.  Hand Embroidery will now be offered on the 2nd and 3rd Thursday of each month. 

This is just a reminder that our Clubs are just like Classes we offer at Affinity For Quilts and space is limited.  If you are interested in attending a Club session, it is important that you register and pay in advance.  We realize that vacations, family events, and other things occur which may prevent members from attending a Club every month so we ask that sign up and payment occur in advance each month.  If you know your availability a month in advance, you may want to sign up and pay for the next month's Club meeting while attending the Club for the current month or you can call us at 651-429-1039 to register.  Our Clubs are treated like our Classes with a minimum number of registered people needed to hold the event.  If the minimum number is not reached we will notify those who have registered and let them know that the Club or Class is cancelled and reimburse them the payment they made.  Thanks so much for your understanding of our process.

In other news, details have been finalized for the Affinity For Quilts Sleep In Your Own Bed Retreat.  For those who attended the Fall Retreat and expressed interest in the Spring retreat please contact the shop by Saturday, February 18th to reserve your spot. For all the fun details scroll down to the Classes and Events section below.  This event fills up quickly so do not delay in getting registered.   


Duck, Duck, Goose Mini is one of our most popular patterns and incorporates several techniques in its' construction.  There are pieced blocks, applique, and embroidery.  Becky has made this sample twice and will be leading a class on February 25th that will walk you through all the techniques of creating this fun quilt and space is still available.  The details can be found in the Classes and Events section below
I really enjoy changing my wall-hangings and table-runners as the seasons change.   This gem is perfect for your St. Patrick's Day decorating.  The Good Fortune wall hanging measures 40" x 40" and is made out of the Pot O' Gold collection from QT Fabrics.  Limited kits are available for $49.99.
Spring will be here before we know it and the Pretty Posies runner is here to dress up your springtime table.  The pattern was created by Tricia Lynn Maloney of Orphan Quilt Designs for Villa Rosa Designs and features fabrics from the Love Lily collection designed for Moda Fabrics.  The table runner measures 16" x 60" and limited kits are available for $39.99.
Backgrounds are the foundation for any quilting project and Mix It Up from Moda Fabrics will take your project to the next level.  Mix It Up features a verity of unique tones and fascinating shapes that will compliment your main quilt block designs.  
Posh Palms by QT Fabrics has a contemporary island flair!  The 24" panel is split with two colorways of lavender and black background with vibrant palm leaves.  The collection features the perfect mix of palms, scrolls, and geometrics that are combined with dramatic color with an undeniably tropical vibe.
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.  
All Christmas Fabric On Sale - 20% Off
(in store purchases only)
 
Get a jump start on next years holiday projects, or find that perfect backing for the Christmas quilt you have finished.  

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 
Winter Weather Notifications
  1. A Facebook post will be added to our page with details of the closure.
  2. An e-mail will be sent to everyone who is a current subscriber to What's Up Wednesday.
  3. The "Calendar" on our website will be update that the store is "CLOSED."
  4. If the weather is bad and you are unsure if the shop is open please call before heading out.  If no one answers the phone and it is between the hours of 9am-5pm then we are most likely closed.  
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!
Affinity For Quilts Tip of the Week:   Clean your rotary cutting mat and ironing board with a lint roller.  It picks up all those little threads so easily. 
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.
 

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, February 18, 2023
Time:9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Instructor: Tammy Berry
Class Fee:  $20.00

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 Creaser Salad, Chicken and Gravy served over Mashed Potatoes,  and Toffee 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.   


Date:   Friday, February 24, 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, February 25, 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 Creaser Salad, Chicken and Gravy served over Mashed Potatoes,  and Toffee 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, February 26, 2023   
Time:  1:00pm - 7:00pm 
Event Host: Diana Wendorf

Class Fee:  $20.00
Boro Sashiko Class

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, March 3, 2023
Time: 9:00 am – 12:30 pm 
Instructor: Tammy Berry
Class Fee: $25.00

The Boxy Tote

Join Ruth for this 3 part class to make The Boxy Tote. In this class you will make a bag, work with foam, create pockets, and put a zipper in your project. This pattern is a larger version of the popular The Cube! It holds a feather weight sewing machine and is the perfect bag to use with your Cube bag, large knitting projects, overnight bag, and more. Ruth's detail oriented teaching style and written instructions will give you the confidence and tools to create this and other bags! Previous bag experience required to take this class.

**This class has prep prior to the first class and sewing to be completed between classes.

Skill Level: Intermediate

Dates & Times:
March 4, 2023 – 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
March 11, 2023 – 9:30 am to 3:00 pm
March 18, 2023 - 9:30 am to 3:00 pm
Instructor:  Ruth Thompson
Class Fee:  $90.00

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, March 9, 2023
           Thursday, March 16, 2023
Time:  10:00am-3:30pm
Class Fee:  $12.00
Instructor:  Sharon Lenertz
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, March 15, 2023             
Time:  12:30pm-3:30pm
Instructor:  Tammy Berry
Class Fee:  $12.00
All Occasion Applique Card Class

Delight recipients with a unique card for Mother’s Day, Easter, weddings, birthdays, or any other occasion. Fabric applique is sewn directly on to the paper card. Many embellishments can be added. This fun class with include many tips, ideas, and even patterns to get you started and inspired!

Class Prep: There is no prep for this class

Date: Thursday, March 23, 2023
Time: 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Instructors: Kris Livingston
Class Fee: $15.00

 

All Minnesota Shop Hop
April 1, 2023 thru May 31, 2023

 
The All Minnesota Shop Hop is back! 

Are you following the 
All Minnesota Shop Hop on Facebook?  If not, I strongly encourage you to do so.  You can win some fabulous prizes before the shop hop even begins!   If you are not  currently following the All Minnesota Shop Hop on Facebook you can join the group by clicking here or go to www.facebook.com/groups/allminnesotashophop.

The magazine is your passport; however, it is so much more because it also contains patterns for six different projects, articles, and information for all the participating shops. The magazines have  arrived and are  $10.95 each.  

There are two ways in which you can get your copy of the All Minnesota Shop Hop Magazine. 
  • Stop into the shop at 2199 4th Street, White Bear Lake, MN
  • Order on-line at www.affinityforquilts.com.  
We are looking forward to seeing everyone as the snow melts and the weather warms during the April-May All Minnesota Shop Hop.  

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 15, 2023
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Instructor: Lori Adameitz
Class Fee: $45.00

There will be a half hour break for lunch

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
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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