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Happy New Year!

Posted by Diana Wendorf on

Welcome to What's Up Wednesday! 
    
It is that time of the year when we must do a physical inventory of all items in the store, and in order to do that we must close our doors for a few days.  However, do not fear, it is only for a few days!  The shop will be closed beginning today, December 29, 2021 till January 2, 2022.   We look forward to seeing everyone again on January 3, 2022 as we reopen our doors, and return to our regular business hours of 9am-5pm Monday through Saturday.   

Even though our physical store is not available for your shopping needs, the web-store is. Just visit our on-line store at  www.affinityforquilts.com.  Our Inventory reduction sale is still running on-line and you can save 15% off all of your purchases through December 31, 2021.  

As you visit the shop in 2022 you will notice a few changes.  We have two new faces joining the Affinity For Quilts staff.  Please welcome Sandy and Tiffany to our team.  Do not fear, no one has left; we just felt it was time to add additional sale associates to help you with all your fabric purchases.  Please make them feel welcomed and be patient as they learn the ropes. 

Classes are an excellent way to learn a new skill or technique, and make new sewing friends.  We are constantly adding new classes that will be announced here in What's Up Wednesday; however, be sure to hop on over to our website at www.affinityforquilts.com and click on the calendar page to see what is scheduled for future dates.   The newsletter only lists class for the next 60 days. 

Did you know that when you sign up for a class at Affinity For Quilts you will receive the following discounts:
  • 15% off kit sample for class (pattern included)
  • 20% off pattern only for class
  • 10% off all class supplies (thread not included)
As an additional incentive to everyone who signs up for a class at Affinity For Quilts you will receive: 
  • 10% off your entire purchase the day of class (excludes thread and Quilt Minnesota)

We also have a couple really fun clubs going at this time.  First we have the Sashiko Club, which meets twice a month.  Even though our Midnight Open Sew group is technically not a club, it is sort of a club, that meets on the 4th Friday of every month.   If you attend either of these events you will receive the following store discounts:

  • 15% off all fabric and kits (excludes thread and Quilt Minnesota)

There are a few minor changes to our loyalty card program in 2022.  

  • Loyalty Cards will no longer be punched during sale promotions. (Examples:  Anniversary Sale Week, Year-End Inventory Reduction Sale, Downtown White Bear Lake Sale Events, and other special events such as Local Quilt Shop Day, National Jelly Roll Day, etc.)
  • Only one (1) Loyalty Card may be used toward your purchase per day.
  • Loyalty Cards will not be accepted toward payment for classes.
  • Loyalty Card punches can not be earned when paying for classes.  
  • Class and Club discounts will still receive Loyalty Card points.

Freebie Monday will continue in 2022!  If you are not familiar with Freebie Monday it is an event that happens on the 2nd Monday of each month.  Spend $25.00 (pre-tax) and receive a free gift.  The free gift will always be announced in What's Up Wednesday the week before the event.  

There will be a change in Double Punch Tuesday.  Instead of every Tuesday of the month Double Punch Tuesday will be happening on the 1st Tuesday of each month.   

OK, now onto the fun stuff!!! 

With a New Year we just have to have new kits!  Personally all the new samples we have to share with you this week are my favorites.   I was hard pressed as to which one to show you first.  But here goes.....
Mirror Mirror features the Purple Reign fabric line from Clothworks Fabrics.  The sample quilt is for the large throw and  measures 60" x 72"/  Limited kits are available for $92.99.
Black and White with a splash of color is always an all time favorite, and Opposites Attract meets all the criteria.   Fabrics were chosen from our black and white collection and mix with warm and cool blenders for the perfect combination.  The quilt measures 58" x 74".  Limited kits are available for $106.99.
Affinity For Quilts is going Modern with 12 Carat!  This fun and stylish quilt uses the Creative Grids Rectangle Ruler and will be our featured project for our Sewper Bowl Sunday event happening on February 13, 2022.  (See Event listing below for details.)  The sample kit is for lap size measuring 56" x 64".  Limited kits are available for $89.99.
We also will have new fabrics waiting for you when we reopen on January 3, 2022!

Calling all dog lovers!!!  Fabric designer Dan DiPaolo outdid himself with A Dog's Life from Clothwoks Fabrics.  A sample is currently being made and will hopefully be featured in next weeks What's Up Wednesday.   Anyone who has been following this newsletter for any amount of time know I love my dogs!  Their names are Twitch and Phoenix!
Painted Patchwork designed by Sue Zipin for Clothwork Fabrics, features a variety of floral designs, sprigs, tonal colors, and kaleidoscopes.
Wilmington fabrics introduces their newest designer Dina June with her current collection Paisley Place.  This collection of mandalas features both multi-colored & tonal with paisleys, flowers, and geometric motifs in soft, yet dramatic and modern colors.
If you are unable find an item you are looking for, talk to any team member and we will do our best to order it for you.
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 meetings can also be arranged if staff is available. 

COVID-19
COVID cases continue to rise in Minnesota.  We are requesting that all customers wear a mask, vaccinated or not.  Let's all do our part to put an end to this pandemic.  Affinity For Quilts staff will be wearing masks for your protection, as well as ours.   

Bad Weather Store Closure Policy
While we strive not to close the shop sometimes mother nature has other ideas and we have to make the decision to close for everyone's safety.  This is just a reminder of the store closure policy here at Affinity For Quilts. 
  1. We will post any notifications on Facebook.
  2. An e-mail will be sent to everyone who is a current subscriber on our list. 
  3. Our website calendar will be update.
  4. If the weather is questionable and you are unsure if the shop is open please call before heading out. 

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:  Attach leftover batting to the Swiffer broom (or other dust mop) and use to collect loose threads from the floor.  

Classes and Events
 
Sashiko Stitching Club

The Sashiko Stitching Club includes an exclusive project each month, only available to Club members, and this month is this adorable stocking.  During this time 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. Participants will also receive a 15% discount for their Sashiko supplies, and fabric purchases.  Discount excludes: Thread, Notions and Quilt MN fabrics.

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

Date:  Sunday, January 9, 2022
           Wednesday, January 12, 2022
Time:  12:30pm-3:30pm
Class Fee:  $10.00
Instructor:  Tammy Berry
Flash Monday - The Baby Bindle Bag

Isn't this just the cutest 4in x 4in x 10in bag you've ever seen? The uses are endless; gift giving, house warming, kids totes, and oh so much fun to make.  You will definitely want to make more than one.  This bag is completely reversible and only needs two Fat Quarters, medium weight interfacing, and a 1" diameter plastic snap grommet.  

Date:  January 10, 2022
Time:  10:00am - 12:00pm
Class Fee:  $8.00 (a single grommet can be purchased for $1.50 instead of a full package of 8)
Instructor:  Diana Wendorf
Beginning Quilting

Join us in this 3 part Beginning Quilting class to learn the very basics of quilt making.  In this class you will learn how to read a pattern, use a rotary cutter, cutting mat, basic quilt ruler, and other quilting supplies, while achieving that necessary 1/4" seam.  Diana will lead you through the steps to create this fun beginner quilt top. The pattern we have chosen is Burn Bright by Morgan McCollough from Modernly Morgan and is created with the beginner quilter in mind. A straight stitch sewing machine is required for this class.

Dates:  January 18, 2022, February 1, 2022, and February 15, 2022
Time:  9:30am-12:30pm or 6:00pm-9:00pm (Evening time slots are currently full; however, we are accepting names for our wait list and if enough are interested will set up another evening class date.)
Class Fee:  $50.00  (Fee includes a small spool of Aurifil thread and a package of sewing machine needles)
Instructor:  Diana Wendorf
Laura Heine Teeny-Tiny Collage Class

Join us for this super fun day of fabric collage-making! During this all-day class you will learn how to assemble one of Laura Heine's whimsical Teeny Tiny collages. These fun projects are great for using up those special bits of fabric that you have been saving and just can't part with. The results are beautiful and the possibilities are endless!

Date:  Thursday, January 20, 2022
Time:  10:00am - 4:00pm
Class Fee:  $45.00
Instructor: Lori Adameitz 
Jelly Roll Rug 

Join Kris Livingston to create the popular jelly-roll rug.  The technique involves folding 2.5 inch fabric strips to encase cotton batting  strips.  Using a straight stitch followed by a zig zag stitch you will create a wonderful oval or circular rug.  This project is a great way to use a favorite jelly-roll or 42- 2.5 inch strips from your fabric collection.   It is really fun to see how the different fabric choices blend.  A perfect project for anyone who loves to sew.

Date:  Saturday, January 22, 2022
Time:  9:30am - 3:00pm
Class Fee:  $55.00
Instructor:  Kris Livingston
Midnight Open Sew

Are you ready to spend a night quilting with friends?  Join Diana as she hosts our monthly Midnight Open Sew.  This month we will be having Chicken Cacciatore served over pasta with bread and Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars for dessert.  

Date:  Friday, January 28, 2022
Time:  4:00pm-Midnight
Class Fee:  $20.00
Intermediate Sashiko

Intermediate Sashiko is the next step in Sashiko fun. Students will be using pre printed graph to aid in marking the hexi pattern of choice. With help and guidance you will sketch in the stitch lines of the pattern you choose. Then we will cover stitching on straight lines, as opposed to pre-printed dashed lines. After this, you will be ready to stitch on any fabric you choose.

Date:  Saturday, February 4, 2022
Time:  10:00am-1:00pm
Class Fee:  $20.00
Instructor:  Tammy Berry
It's a Wrap Heart Bowl

Make a colorful heart shaped bowl for Valentine's Day from clothesline, fabric strips and the zig-zag stitch on your machine. We will cover the basics to make any shape of cord covered bowl, coaster or placemat. Join us even if you missed the fall class. Have fun, use up scraps and play with color combinations. 

Date:  Saturday, February 5, 2022
Time:  9:30am-12:30pm
Class Fee:  $25.00
Instructor:  Kris Livingston

Beginning Sashiko

Learn the art of Sashiko with a small pre-printed 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 a new projects. Students will be learning Sashiko using four preprinted coasters. One project to get started on endless fun. Supplies are few to try this addictive hobby. Join us!

Date:  Saturday,  February 5, 2022
Time:  1:00pm - 4:00pm 
Class Fee:  $20.00
Instructor: Tammy Berry
Sewper Bowl 2022

It is Super Bowl Sunday! While the family is at home shy not come out and enjoy a day with your sewing friends for Sewper Bowl 2022!   As mentioned above our quilt along project will be the 12 Carat Quilt.  During the Sewper Bowl you will learn how to use the Creative Grids Rectangle Ruler to create this stylish modern quilt.  The patterns features several sizes; however the sample kit is for the lap size measuring 56" x 64". 

Class fee also includes;  Appetizers, along with a dinner meal of, Cesar Salad, Chicken Marsala with Fettuccini Alfredo, Bread, and Cheesecake Bars for dessert.    

Date:  Sunday, February 13, 2022
Time:  12:30pm - 6:30pm (you will be home in time for the half-time show)
Class Fee:  $40.00
Instructor:  Diana Wendorf
Camden Bag Class

Join Tammy to create The Camden Street Bag! This is a good class for a beginner student with sewing experience. The bag has an outer slip pocket and an inner zip pocket. The structure of the bag is created from the Soft and Stable foam. The bulk of the foam means we will be working with a larger needle size. Your sewing machine will need to handle thicker material. A dual feed or walking foot works well for this project.

Date:  Saturday, March 5, 2022
Time:  9:30am-4:00pm
Class Fee:  $50.00
Instructor: Tammy Berry
Flying Geese Made Easy

Do you struggle when making Flying Geese Units? Well, struggle no more as Diana shows you how to make perfect Flying Geese every time using the Studio 180 Design's Wing Clipper *1 tool. Students will create the lovely Switchback table runner while learning this great technique.

Date: Wednesday, March 16, 2022
Time:  10:00am-1:00pm or 6:00pm-9:00pm
Class Fee $30.00
Instructor:  Diana Wendorf
Quilt Minnesota 2022 - July 29, 2022 thru August 20, 2022

Quilt Minnesota 2022 fabric is now available for pre-order.  Here at Affinity For Quilts we do not require a deposit for your order and the website (www.affinityforquilts.com) is set up with a $0.00 price for Quilt Minnesota fabrics and pre-cuts.  Payment processing will not begin until July 25, 2022.    You will find a complete price list of the Quilt Minnesota Fabric line in the description area of each fabric.  If you prefer to pre-order Quilt Minnesota 2022 fabrics in person just stop into the store and talk to any sales associate. The actual fabric will not be in store until June of 2022.   
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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