Hippity Hop to Affinity For Quilt for Shop Hop, Fabric, and a Discount Easter Egg Hunt!

Posted by Diana Wendorf on

The Laura Heine Teeny Tiny Collage Class was rescheduled from April 1st to April 29, 2023 leaving us with a few openings for the class.  If you are interested in signing up for the class on April 29, 2023 please call the shop to reserve your spot today!  The April 15th class is currently full, with a wait list.  If neither of these dates work for you, the next class will take place July 15, 2023.  

The All Minnesota Shop Hop began in style on April 1, 2023  with another Minnesota snowstorm!  In fact our first Shop Hopper for the day took a picture of me clearing the way for all of the Shop Hoppers, as I was shoveling the sidewalks when they arrived.
Flat Koleene arrived in the shop on Tuesday afternoon, April 4th, and is waiting for a friend to take her on a journey.  You are probably wondering who is Flat Koleene?  Koleene, and Jen, are the coordinators of the All Minnesota Shop Hop.  Even though they could not join you on your journey in person they are here to join you in spirit.  Pictured below,  Flat Koleene, is ready to visit her next shop.   Be on the look out for her, or Jen, as you shop hop in our great state.  Here are  a few guidelines if you take either of the flat shop hoppers to their next location. 
  • 1)  Take a photo with her at the store and post to the All Minnesota Shop Hop FaceBook Group so the organizers can watch all their travels. 
  • 2) Take Koleene, or Jen, with you to the next store you stop at on the All Minnesota Shop Hop.   Be sure to take a photo!
  • 3)  Take pictures! Take Pictures! Take pictures!  Post your pictures to the All Minnesota Shop Page so others can follow the journey of Koleene and Jen.   Did you go to a great restaurant you want people to know about?   Did you see Minnehaha Fall, or other great scenic spots in MN that people should stop and see? This is her adventure around our great state and other inquiring minds may want to know!
  • 4)  The most important step of all; before you leave her to meet her next friend please record your name and city/state on the back so she remembers where she had been.  Also any important adventures you have been on.
Who is that talented man that Koleene is with!  Hold it, is that Jordan, our Sewing machine repair tech?  I bet it is!!!  Unfortunately  Koleene, he isn't available for shop hopping adventures today, maybe you can help him with machine repairs for a bit! 
Just a reminder that with any Shop Hop purchase you can enter our weekly Shop Hop drawing.   On Monday, April 10, 2023 we will be drawing a name for one of these great prizes.  
  • First place -  Fat Quarter bundle from QT Fabrics
  • Second Place - Monorail pattern from Atkinson Designs
  • Third Place - $10 Affinity For Quilts Gift Certificate.
If you are not within a reasonable driving distance of Affinity For Quilts we are happy to mail your prize at no charge to you.
 
I'm feeling a little nostalgic as we celebrate our 4th year anniversary.  It was on April 1, 2019 that Affinity For Quilts opened their doors!   Since our opening we have grown to housing over 4500 bolts of fabric.  We have created many new traditions during the past  4 years, one of them being our annual  Easter Egg Hunt!  The 2023 Easter Egg hunt will take place this Saturday, April 8, 2023.  
  • 1)  Gift Certificate for $50
  • 2)  Gift Certificate for $25.00
  • 3)  Two Gift Certificates for $15.00
  • 4)  Two Gift Certificates for $10.00
  • 5) Discounts on fabric purchases, including the All Minnesota Shop Hop Fabric.  Discounts exclude Quilt Minnesota Fabric and cork.
  • 6)  Free Fat Quarter
  • 7)  Free Villa Rosa Pattern 
  • 8) All Eggs have a sweet treat.  You never loose with Chocolate!
Participants must be 18 or older to participate. Children with parents can hunt for eggs; however, only one egg per household. 

If you miss our Easter Egg hunt, not to worry as Freebie Monday will occur on Monday, April  10, 2023.    Spend $25.00, pre-tax on Monday April 10, 2023 and receive the By Annie's Double Sided Basting Tape for free.   It's features are:  
  • Works with fabric, paper, cork, vinyl, mesh, Soft and Stable, and more
  • Holds bulky/solid items that can't be pinned
  • Makes placing zippers, fold-over elastic, handles, and straps fast and easy
  • Simplifies attaching trims and appliques
  • Use to precisely position and hold items
  • Narrow width and low profile
  • Easy-to-peel backing
Recently our Minnesota skies have been providing us with beautiful Northern Lights.  Affinity for Quilts is also looking to the stars with the Wobble quilt featuring the  Galaxies collection by Boccaccini Meadows from Figo Fabrics.  The Wobble pattern by Debbie Bowles of Maple Island Quilts is perfect for showing off that large print you love. The lap quilt kit measures 48” x 62” and limited kits are available for $71.99.

What youngster doesn't love Dinosaurs?  Dinosaur Steps was designed by Pine Tree Country Quilts and features the Dinosaurs fabric line designed by Kate Ward Thacker for QT Fabrics. Dinosaur's are always a great theme for children quilts and this pattern and line will not disappoint. The quilt measures 43” x 52” and we have limited kits available for $81.99.

Robert Kaufman brings us Aurelia from Studio RK featuring stunning florals, foliage, and dragonflies on soft backgrounds of peach, mint green, periwinkle, and more. Metallic accents throughout make the fabric shimmer for a truly eye-catching collection. 

Dinosaurs designed by Kate Ward Thacker for QT Fabrics is an adorable dinosaur and flora line complimented by colorful geometrics that are sure to sew up a roaring good time!  Kate Ward Thacker and QT Fabrics are proudly sponsoring Quilts for Kids with 10% of all profits of this fabric collection going to quiltsforkirds.org.         

Hippity Hop was designed by Kate Ward Thacker for QT Fabrics. Sweet bunnies and tiny florals are paired with unexpected geometrics for an adorable, modern collection! This line is perfect for creating contemporary nursery décor, quilts, and holiday accents with trending color and designer style!

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 
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!  Painters tape is your friend!  It can be used for:
  • 1)  Marking a seam guide on your machine.
  • 2)  Marking the cutting lines on your ruler when making multiple cuts of the same width.
  • 3)  Marking the quilting lines when machine quilting straight lines of quilting of a project.
The best thing about Painters Tape is that it does not leave a sticky residue that other tapes can leave.
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. 

    FYI, Affinity For Quilts is currently sold out of the magazine.   
    Clam Up Zippered Pouch

    The Flash Monday class for the Clam Up Zippered Pouches was in such high demand that we have added a second class!

    The Clam Up Zippered Pouches by Annie is a great way to store and carry all your treasures.  They are easy and fun to make and come in five different sizes.  Diana will be teaching us how to make the large pouch which measures 4-7/8" high x 6-1/2" wide x 4-5/8" deep.  

    Date:  Monday, April 10, 2023
    Time:  10:00am-12:30pm
    Instructor:  Diana Wendorf
    Class Fee:  $12.00
    Easter Egg Hunt

    The Easter Bunny has contacted me asking for permission to deliver some very special Easter Eggs for our customers.  Each egg will contain a tasty Easter Candy treat along with special prizes.  The prizes include: 
    • 1)  Gift Certificate for $50
    • 2)  Gift Certificate for $25.00
    • 3)  Two Gift Certificates for $15.00
    • 4)  Two Gift Certificates for $10.00
    • 5) Discounts on fabric purchases, including the All Minnesota Shop Hop Fabric.  Discounts exclude Quilt Minnesota Fabric and cork.
    • 6)  Free Fat Quarter
    • 7)  Free Villa Rosa Pattern
    Date:  Saturday, April 8, 2023
    Time:  9am-5pm, or until all eggs are found.

    Must be 18 or older to participate. Children with parents can hunt for eggs; however, only one egg per household.
    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, April 12, 2023  
    Time:  12:30pm-3:30pm
    Instructor:  Tammy Berry
    Class Fee:  $12.00
    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, April 13, 2023
                Thursday, April 20, 2023
    Time:  10:00am-3:30pm
    Class Fee:  $12.00
    Instructor:  Sharon Lenertz

    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

    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
    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

    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,  May 13, 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.
     

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