Affinity For Quilts will be CLOSED Monday, September 7th, in observance of Labor Day. We hope you have a wonderful holiday spent enjoying family, friends, and some of your favorite end-of-summer traditions. If the Minnesota State Fair is part of your plans, be sure to stop by the Creative Activities Building and take in all the beautiful quilts on display! We’ll be back to our regular hours on Tuesday, September 8th and look forward to seeing you then.
We are so fortunate to be part of such an amazing quilting community! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated quilts to support Sleep in Heavenly Peace and their mission of “No Kid Sleeps on the Floor in Our Town.” Their goal was to collect 40 quilts, and thanks to your incredible generosity, they far exceeded that number! Even better, another bed build is already planned for 40 more beds, which means more children will soon have a comfortable place to sleep. Thank you again to everyone who donated and helped make a difference—our quilting community truly is something special!
September gives us plenty of reasons to celebrate our love of sewing! In 1982, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed September as National Sewing Month, recognizing the creativity, skill, and tradition of home sewing. At Affinity For Quilts, we think that’s a wonderful reason to celebrate something we enjoy all year long!
And there’s even more sewing fun ahead—National Jelly Roll Day is September 19th! Celebrate with us by joining this year’s Jelly Roll Quilt Class, It’s A Sign. We’ll also have fun in-store specials throughout the day, plus a FREE giveaway with your Jelly Roll purchase! Whether you’re joining us for class, shopping for your next project, or simply stopping in to celebrate, we hope you’ll make Affinity For Quilts part of your National Jelly Roll Day. See complete class details for both events in the Classes & Events section below.
Fall colors, quilt shops, and a road trip—what could be better? The Northwoods Quilt Trek is coming October 2nd–9th, and Affinity For Quilts is excited to be one of 11 participating shops! Follow Highways 35 and 61 through beautiful Minnesota fall scenery while visiting each shop, where you’ll find a unique fall-themed quilt block kit available for purchase and chances to win prize gift baskets. Complete the trek by visiting all 11 shops and you’ll also be entered to win a JUKI sewing machine! Find all the Northwoods Quilt Trek details in our Classes & Events section below.
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Check Out Our Newest Sample
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Fresh from the sewing room, Tree Song is ready to inspire! Designed by Stephanie Sheridan, this striking 38" x 50" quilt beautifully showcases the Illumination collection by Peggy Collins for Benartex Fabrics. Rich colors and artistic details come together in a design that really lets these gorgeous fabrics shine. Stop in to see Tree Song in person! Limited kits are available for $63.99—once they’re gone, they’re gone!
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Baked with Love by Lori Holt of Bee in My Bonnet for Riley Blake Designs celebrates the warmth and nostalgia of fall. Inspired by family gatherings, treasured recipes, and time spent baking with mom and grandma, this charming collection captures the cozy feeling of Thanksgiving. Rich reds, warm golds, grass greens, and burnt oranges bring the colors of autumn to life, making Baked with Love a wonderful choice for quilts, table runners, seasonal décor, and heartfelt handmade projects.
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Fresh, calming, and beautifully botanical, Matcha by Clothworks brings a sophisticated blend of serene matcha greens, deep blacks, and crisp whites to your next project. Delicate dandelions mingle with graceful leaf patterns, subtle woven textures, and flowing geometric waves, creating a collection that feels both modern and naturally inspired. With its peaceful color palette and versatile coordinates, Matcha is perfect for quilts, home décor, bags, and more.
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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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Working with Cuddle fabric can be a little different from sewing with traditional quilting cotton. Keep these three tips in mind for the best results:
- Choose polyester thread. Since Cuddle is a polyester-based fabric, polyester thread is a great choice for sewing your project.
- Lengthen your stitch. A longer stitch length of 3.5 to 4 mm works well when sewing with Cuddle fabric.
- Use a 90/14 stretch needle. Cuddle is a knit fabric, so a stretch needle moves through the fabric more easily, helping to prevent unwanted holes and skipped stitches.
A few simple adjustments to your thread, stitch length, and needle can make sewing with Cuddle fabric much easier and more enjoyable!
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The Greater Twin Cities Area Chapter of Project Linus is partnering with the Vadnais Heights Lions Club to provide newly made twin-size quilts and blankets (approximately 60" x 80") to Sleep in Heavenly Peace's White Bear Lake chapter beginning September 1, 2026.
If you have an unfinished quilt top waiting for the perfect project, this could be a wonderful opportunity to put it to good use. Consider adding one or two borders to bring it up to the recommended twin-size dimensions of 60" x 80". Your donation can help provide comfort and warmth to a child receiving a bed through Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
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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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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, September 9, 2026
Time: 9:30pm-12:30pm
Instructor: Tammy Berry
Class Fee: $15.00
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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, September 10, 2026
Thursday, September 17, 2026
Time: 10:00 am - 3:30 pm
Fee: $15.00/monthly gathering
Instructor: Sharon Lenertz
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Flash Monday – September
Gotta Have It Bag
Keep all your favorite tools organized and visible with the Gotta Have It Bag! This clever zippered organizer features multiple vinyl pockets, making it perfect for sewing notions, makeup, art supplies, travel essentials, and more.
The goal of our fun Flash Monday classes is to create an entire project from start to finish and leave with a finished item that's as practical as it is versatile.
In this class, students will learn how to:
- Install multiple zippers with confidence
- Sew with quilting vinyl
- Create simple quilted layers using straight-line quilting
- Construct a functional organizer with clear vinyl pockets
You'll leave class with new skills and plenty of ideas for making more for yourself, gifts, or organizing projects around the house.
Date: Monday, September 14, 2026
Time: 1:30pm – 4:30pm
Instructor: Susan Drabek
Skill Level: Beginner Bag Maker
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, September 18, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Club Leader: Diana Wendorf
Club Fee: $15.00
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It's a Sign
Celebrate National Sew a Jelly Roll Day by creating this festive Christmas quilt featuring cheerful cardinals and colorful Jelly Roll strips! It's a Sign combines the speed and fun of a Jelly Roll Race with eye-catching pieced cardinals to create a quilt that's sure to become a favorite holiday decoration.
Whether you're looking to try a Jelly Roll Race for the first time or pick up new piecing tips, you'll leave class with techniques that can be used in many future quilting projects.
In this class, students will learn how to:
- Use the Easy Angle Ruler to quickly and accurately make half-square triangles
- Plan seam pressing to reduce bulk and improve point matching
- Learn tips and tricks for a successful Jelly Roll Race
- Create crisp, accurate blocks while keeping the project fun and efficient
Join us for a day of quilting, creativity, and celebration as we sew our way through National Sew a Jelly Roll Day together. You'll leave with new skills, plenty of progress on your quilt, and inspiration for your next Jelly Roll project!
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 9:30am–4:00pm
Instructor: Becky Umenthum
Skill Level: Confident Beginner
Class Fee: $65.00
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National Sew A Jelly Roll Day
Join us at Affinity For Quilts on Saturday, September 19th as we celebrate National Sew A Jelly Roll Day! Jelly Rolls are colorful, convenient, and packed with possibilities, making them a fun starting point for your next quilting project.
Special Offers:
- 🎁 Register to win a Jelly Roll Gift Basket
- 🎁 Free Jelly Roll gift with any Jelly Roll purchase, while supplies last
- 🧵 Free pattern with any Jelly Roll purchase
- ✂️ 15% off all Jelly Rolls and Strip Sets (excludes Quilt Minnesota Jelly Rolls)
- 📚 10% off Jelly Roll patterns and books
Stop in, explore the possibilities, take advantage of the specials, and enter for your chance to win our Jelly Roll Gift Basket!
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
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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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Pumpkins Galore
Celebrate the beauty of fall with this charming pumpkin wall hanging! In this confident beginner-friendly class, you'll create a festive seasonal decoration while learning several quilting and embellishment techniques that can be used in many future projects.
This project combines appliqué, texture, and decorative stitching to create a dimensional wall hanging that's perfect for displaying throughout the autumn season.
In this class, students will learn how to:
- Use appliqué techniques to create the pumpkin design
- Add dimension with trapunto (raised appliqué) techniques
- Incorporate simple hand embroidery or machine stitching for decorative details
- Attach a hanging sleeve for easy display
Class Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Class time: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Instructor: Susan Drabek
Class Fee: $65.00
Skill Level: Beginner
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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 3–11, 2025
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 11, 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
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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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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Teeny Tiny Fabric Collage Class
Laura Heine
Do you have a stash of fabric scraps that are just too pretty to throw away? This is the perfect project for them!
You’ll spend the day cutting, layering, mixing colors, and playing with fabric as you create your own whimsical collage using one of Laura Heine’s Teeny Tiny patterns. You’ll discover how fun and freeing fabric collage can be—no perfect points to match and no tiny seams to worry about!
Your instructor will guide you through the collage process as you learn how to:
- Prepare and organize your fabrics
- Cut, layer, and fuse pieces to build your design
- Mix colors, prints, and textures to add personality
- Create movement and visual interest with different motifs
- Finish and prepare your collage for display
Pick Your Favorite!
You’re not limited to the class sample shown. Choose the Laura Heine Teeny Tiny pattern that makes you smile and put your own spin on it. Go bright and bold, soft and pretty, quirky and colorful—or dig into your scrap stash and see where your creativity takes you!
No fabric collage experience? No problem! This beginner-friendly class is all about trying something new, playing with your fabrics, and having fun with the creative process.
Class Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Class Time: 10:00 am–4:00 pm
Instructor: Lori Adamietz
Class Fee: $45.00
Skill Level: Beginner
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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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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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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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