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We’re delighted to introduce Flowers on Main by Laura Heine for Windham Fabrics—a collection that’s as vibrant and joyful as a stroll through a flower-filled downtown. Bright florals and whimsical details bring this line to life, featuring bold sunflowers, painterly roses, and intricate vines in a lively mix of colors. Inspired by charming storefronts and lush blooms, Flowers on Main is bursting with personality and ready to make any quilt, bag, or home décor project blossom into a true masterpiece.
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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. 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.
Private groups may also rent our space for a fee of $10 per day, per group. In addition, we welcome nonprofit organizations and quilting guilds to host events at our shop—just give us a call to discuss the details and make arrangements.
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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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Winter Weather Notifications
- A Facebook post will be shared with details about any closure or delayed opening.
- An email will be sent to all current subscribers of the What’s Up Wednesday newsletter.
- The website calendar will be updated with closure or delay information.
- If the weather is questionable and you’re unsure whether the shop is open, please call 651-429-1039 before heading out. If no one answers and it’s between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., we’re most likely closed.
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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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Puppies love to chew on anything they can find—shoes, socks, and even electrical cords. Flex guard tubing helps protect your sewing machine cords from pet chewing while keeping them neat and organized. Keep both your pets and your cords safe.
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Classes and Events
Class Registration and Cancellation Policy
To ensure fair access, payment is required at registration. Cancellations made at least 7 business days prior to the class are eligible for store credit or a full refund issued by check. 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.
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, don’t forget to add your name to the waitlist. We’ll contact you if a spot becomes available, and your interest helps us decide whether to offer the class again in the future.
Register In-Person or by Phone
Sign up at 2199 4th Street, White Bear Lake, MN, or call us at 651-429-1039.
Happy Quilting!
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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.
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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, November 13, 2025
November 20, 2025
Time: 10:00 am - 3:30 pm
Fee: $15.00/monthly gathering
Instructor: Sharon Lenertz
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Holiday Runner and Ornaments
Creating with Half-Square Triangles
Get ready for the holidays in this festive class! Learn a quick and easy method for making half-square triangles using the Angle Ruler, and create table runners and/or ornaments from the same versatile block design—just in different sizes.
What you’ll Learn:
- Efficient half-square triangle construction with the Angle Ruler
- Cutting squares and triangles from the same strips
- Layout options using provided designs or your own
- Ornament hanger construction
- A nearly invisible stitch to close ornament openings
Make one project or all of them—your choice!
Date: Friday, November 14, 2025
Time: 9:30 am – 1:30 pm
Instructor: Becky
Class Fee: $35.00
Skill Level: Confident beginner and beyond
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Holiday Shop Hop 2025 - Five Golden Rings
Affinity For Quilts is thrilled to celebrate the 5th year of the Holiday Shop Hop, joining our wonderful neighboring quilt shops across Wisconsin once again. This year’s festive theme, “Five Golden Rings,” makes it extra special.
The Shop Hop runs from Saturday, November 15 through Saturday, November 22. Visit each participating shop to collect 4½" green squares for the featured Five Golden Rings pattern.
Each shop will host a drawing for a $75 gift basket, and if you visit all participating shops, you’ll also be entered into the grand prize drawing.
Join the fun, explore beautiful quilt shops, and celebrate five golden years of creativity and community!
Participating are:
Affinity For Quilts, White Bear Lake, MN
City Blocks Quilt Shop, Minneapolis, MN
Doyle's Farm and Home, New Richmond, WI
Fiber Lab, Menomonie, WI
Little Piece of Mind, New Richmond, WI
Marigold Quilt Shop, Glenwood City, WI
The Grain Bin Market, Boyceville, WI
Topstitchery, Roberts, WI
Dates: Saturday, November 15, 2025 thru
Saturday, November 22, 2025
Time: Varies per shop, be sure to call ahead to find out store hours
Affinity For quilts will be open:
Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat — 9 AM to 5 PM
Thus, November 20th — 9 AM to 8 PM
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Pet Portrait Quilt Class
Capture the essence of your beloved pet in fabric! In this one-day class, Linda will guide you through the process of transforming a photo of your pet into a quilted work of art. You’ll learn techniques for replicating the colors, textures, and unique details of your pet’s image to create a personalized, one-of-a-kind quilt. This class is perfect for quilters looking to try a creative technique and leave with a keepsake showcasing their furry (or feathered!) friend.
What you'll learn:
- Fabric selection for realism
- Raw edge applique
- Layering Stitching details
- Finishing methods
Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025
Time: 9:30 am-3:30 pm
Instructor: Linda Heimerl
Class Fee: $55.00
Skill Level: Confident beginner and beyond
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Downtown White Bear Lake Holiday Open House
Join us for a festive evening of holiday cheer during the Downtown White Bear Lake Holiday Open House!
It’s the perfect time to kick off your holiday shopping and enjoy all the wonderful shops our downtown community has to offer. The event runs from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, but Affinity For Quilts will be getting the celebration started early with extended hours and special savings beginning at 2:00 pm.
Evening Specials:
• 15% off all holiday fabric
• Sale wall fabric just $7.00 per yard
• Enter to win our gift bag giveaway
While you shop, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and a sweet treat — it’s our way of saying thank you for celebrating the season with us!
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025
Time: 2:00pm - 8:00pm
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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, November 21, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Club Leader: Diana Wendorf
Club Fee: $15.00
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The Cube Bag Class
Looking for a fun project that’s both useful and cute? Join Ruth for a one-day class making The Cube Bag—a smaller take on the popular Boxy Tote, designed by Penny Sturges. This handy little bag is just the right size for sewing supplies, small knitting projects, makeup, or whatever you like to carry on the go.
What you'll learn:
- Work with foam to give your bag structure
- Add pockets for organization
- Put in a zipper (don’t worry, Ruth makes it easy!)
- Build a bag from start to finish
Ruth’s step-by-step teaching style and easy-to-follow instructions will give you the skills and confidence to make this bag again on your own.
We’ll take a half-hour break for lunch, so bring a snack or head out for a quick bite. Come ready to sew and have a great time!
Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025
Time:9:30am – 3:30 pm
Instructor: Ruth Thompson
Skill Level: Very Confident Beginner/Intermediate
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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. The menu for the evening will be Green Salad, Beef Stroganoff, Bread, and Pecan Turtle Bars for dessert.
After supper, take part in our Show-and-Tell session—share your progress, admire others’ creations, and leave feeling inspired!
Date: Sunday, November 23, 2025
Time: 1:00pm - 7:00pm
Event Hostess: Diana Wendorf
Class Fee: $25.00
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Midnight Open Sew
Looking for a fun and creative way to spend your Friday night? Join Diana for Midnight Open Sew— an evening dedicated to stitching, sharing, and socializing! Bring your current project, sewing machine, and basic quilting supplies for eight enjoyable hours of uninterrupted sewing time.
The menu for the evening will be Green Salad, Carbone's Pizza, and homemade pies for dessert.
Wrap up the evening by inspiring others during our always-popular Show-and-Tell session, held after supper. We can’t wait to see what you’ve been working on!
Date: Friday, November 28, 2025
Time: 4:00pm - Midnight
Event Hostess: Diana Wendorf
Class Fee: $25.00
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Demonstration Day
Fabric Gift Wrapping
Are you looking for a creative and eco-friendly way to wrap your holiday gifts this year?
Join us at Affinity For Quilts for our Fabric Gift Wrapping Demonstration Day!
Susan will show you how to turn beautiful fabrics into reusable and stylish gift wraps. You’ll learn simple folding, tying, and embellishing techniques inspired by traditional Japanese furoshiki wrapping — a thoughtful and sustainable way to make your gifts stand out.
Whether you’re wrapping a book, a bottle, or something uniquely shaped, Susan will guide you through easy methods to create gorgeous, one-of-a-kind presentations that your recipients will love.
No registration required — just stop by and enjoy one of our demo sessions:
Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025
Demonstration Times:
- 10:00–10:45 am
- 10:45–11:30 am
- 11:30 am–12:15 pm
- 1:00–1:45 pm
- 1:45–2:30 pm
- 2:30–3:15 pm
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Thread Painting Class
Enhance your quilts and fabric projects with stunning thread painting techniques! In this hands-on class, you’ll explore how to use free-motion straight stitching and zigzag stitching to add depth, detail, and texture to your Pet Portrait project. Whether you’re working on landscape quilts, pet portraits, or printed fabric panels, thread painting will bring your projects to life with dimension and artistry.
What You'll Learn:
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Free-motion thread painting with straight and zigzag stitching
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Adding shading and texture with layered threads
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Enhancing printed fabric designs with stitched embellishments
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Creating realistic details for pet portraits and landscapes
- Choosing the right threads, stabilizers, and needles for success
This class is perfect for confident beginners and experienced quilters alike who want to expand their artistic quilting skills.
Date: Sunday, November 30, 2025
Time: 1:30pm– 4:30 pm
Instructor: Linda Heimerl
Class Fee: $35.00
Skill Level: Confident Beginner and above
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Holiday Hugs Ornament & Gift Card Holder
Turn your fabric scraps into charming handmade ornaments in our Holiday Hugs class featuring the pattern by Poorhouse Quilt Designs. Each ornament has a hidden pocket - perfect for slipping in a gift card, cash, or a sweet treat. Choose from whimsical houses, heartfelt hearts, or cozy mugs to create thoughtful gifts or festive decorations for your tree.
These ornaments measure approximately 5-1/2" x 5" and offer a fun surprise on the back. Add a magnet for a fridge -friendly gift, or swap fabrics to make them suitable for any season. You'll also learn a clever mock binding technique - an absolute game-change for small projects - that gives your ornaments a polished, professional finish.
What you'll learn:
- How to create ornaments with a built-in gift pocket
- Seasonal fabric selection tips for year-round gifting
- Mock binding technique for small projects
Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025
Time: 9:30am - 12:30pm
Instructor: Kris Livingston
Class Fee: $35.00 - Does not include pattern or supplies.
Skill Level: Confident Beginner
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Temperature Quilt Open Sew
How is your Temperature Quilt coming along? This open sew session is a great opportunity to work on your temperature quilt blocks while connecting with others participating in the Temperature Quilt Sew-Along. Share inspiration, ideas, and see the creative progress of fellow quilters!
To maximize your sewing time, consider signing up for the Community Open Sew happening the same day from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Come hungry—pizza and salad will be served!
Date: Friday, December 5, 2025
Time: 5:00pm - 9:00pm
Instructor: Diana Wendorf
Class Fee: $15.00
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Beginning Sashiko Class
Japanese Embroidery Fundamentals
Discover the beauty and rhythm of Sashiko, a traditional Japanese running stitch embroidery technique. In this engaging class, instructor Tammy Berry will guide you through the fundamentals of Sashiko while you create a set of elegant, pre-printed coasters—an ideal first project for beginners.
This hands-on class offers a welcoming environment to explore the art of hand stitching. Tammy will share expert tips and insights to help you refine your stitching skills and gain confidence with this timeless, meditative craft. With minimal supplies required, you’ll find it easy to continue your Sashiko journey at home.
What You’ll Learn:
- Fundamentals of the traditional Sashiko running stitch
- How to work with pre-printed fabric designs
- Techniques for creating even, consistent stitches
- Helpful tips for thread handling and pattern alignment
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Time: 12:30pm–3:30pm
Instructor: Tammy Berry
Class Fee: $30.00
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Flash Monday December
Spiral Zipper Bag
Join us for this fun and fast-paced Flash Monday class where you’ll make a practical and stylish Spiral Zipper Bag in just a few hours! This class is perfect for advanced beginners looking to build confidence with quilting techniques while creating a unique project that makes a wonderful gift or personal accessory.
What you'll learn:
- Quilt a quilt sandwich
- Apply a bias tape binding to finish edges
- Attach a continuous zipper, thread the zipper pull, and secure the zipper end
By the end of class, you’ll have a completed Spiral Zipper Bag and the skills to make more at home.
Date: Monday, December 8, 2025
Time: 2:00pm- 5:00pm or 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Instructor: Linda Heimerl
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner – Students should be comfortable using a sewing machine and have basic quilting knowledge.
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, December 10, 2025
Time: 9:30pm-12:30pm
Instructor: Tammy Berry
Class Fee: $15.00
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Straight Line Quilting
Are you ready to elevate your machine quilting skills? Join us for this focused half-day workshop on Straight Line Quilting, designed to help quilters of all levels gain confidence with this versatile and modern quilting technique.
In this hands-on session, you'll learn how to use straight line quilting to add structure, texture, and visual interest to your quilt tops using your sewing machine.
What you'll learn:
- Marking methods and spacing techniques
- Best practices for managing bulk and maintaining stitch quality
- The benefits of using a walking foot
- Tips for troubleshooting common issues
You’ll work on two pre-basted 16"x16" quilt sandwiches to practice different line patterns and approaches.
Whether you're new to machine quilting or looking to refine your technique, this workshop offers a supportive, low-pressure environment to explore and grow your skills.
Date: Saturday, January 3,2026
Time: 12:30 am – 4:30 pm
Instructor: Susan Drabek
Class Fee: $35.00
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Singer Featherweight Maintenance Class
Keep your cherished Singer Featherweight sewing machine running smoothly for years to come. In this hands-on maintenance class, expert instructor Jordan Frayne will guide you through inspecting, oiling, and cleaning your machine.
Whether you’re a lifelong sewing enthusiast or just beginning your journey with these iconic machines, you’ll leave with the knowledge and confidence to care for your Featherweight at home. This class is perfect for anyone who wants to keep their machine in top condition and enjoy worry-free sewing.
What You’ll Learn:
- How to inspect your Singer Featherweight for wear or issues
- Proper oiling techniques to ensure smooth operation
- Cleaning tips for maintaining both appearance and performance
- Best practices for long-term Featherweight care
Date: Friday, January 9, 2026
Time: 10:00am-12:00 pm
Instructor: Jordan Frayne
Class Fee: $30.00
Skill Level: All Levels
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Desert Sky
Quiltworx Paper Piecing
Discover the beauty of foundation paper piecing in this exciting workshop featuring the Desert Sky pattern from Quiltworx. Taught by Certified Quiltworx Instructor Kristen Bender, this class will guide you step-by-step through Judy Niemeyer’s techniques for creating crisp points, perfect curves, and striking quilt blocks.
Whether you’re new to paper piecing or looking to refine your skills, you’ll enjoy hands-on instruction, tips for fabric selection, and strategies for staying organized while working on this dynamic quilt pattern.
What You’ll Learn:
- Foundation paper piecing techniques for sharp, accurate points
- How to organize and prepare fabrics using Quiltworx methods
- Time-saving strategies for cutting, piecing, and managing unit Tips for working with contrasting fabrics to maximize design impact
Date: January 10, 2026
Time: 9:30am -4:30pm
Instructor: Kristen Bender, Certified Quiltworx Instructor
Class Fee: $65.00
Skill Level: Confident Beginner and above
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Jelly Roll Placemat Class
Turn fabric strips into a colorful, functional project in this fun and hands-on class! Learn how to sew and shape strips into a quilted placemat using techniques that can also be applied to jelly roll rugs and other strip-based projects.
Instructor Kris Livingston will guide you through the process, sharing tips for color placement, batting options, and sewing methods to make your project successful. Whether you use a jelly roll or cut your own strips, you’ll enjoy creating a placemat that’s both practical and creative — and you’ll leave class ready to make more at home.
What You’ll Learn:
- How to sew and shape 2½" strips into a placemat
- Tips for color placement to create visual impact
- Best practices for working with batting strips
- Techniques to achieve a smooth, flat finish
- Tools and tricks that make the process easier and faster
Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
Time: 9:30 am – 1:30 pm
Instructor: Kris Livingston
Class Fee: $35.00
Skill Level: Confident Beginner
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Tuffet Class
two part class
Add a touch of charm to your home with a handmade tuffet! This two-session class is perfect for anyone looking to create a unique, stylish footstool with a quilted flair.
Session 1: Creating the Tuffet Cover
In the first session, you’ll learn the foundation piecing technique to sew the tuffet cover. Kristen will guide you through the process and help you get as much sewing done as possible in class. You’ll complete any remaining sewing at home before the next session.
Session 2: Assembling the Tuffet
Come ready to bring it all together! In this session, you’ll learn how to assemble your tuffet step-by-step. By the end of class, you’ll have a beautiful, finished 18” round tuffet ready to take home and enjoy.
Whether you're looking to add a personalized accent piece to your space or create a thoughtful handmade gift, this class is a fun and rewarding way to do it!
Dates: Saturday, January 24, & February 7, 2026
Time: 9:30am-1:30pm on January 24 & 12:00pm - 4:00pm on February 7, 2026
Instructor: Kristen Bender
Class Fee: $325.00 (includes tuffet kit and pattern)
$110.00 for students that own their kit and pattern
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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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