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So what do you do with all that “candy”? We mean the Candy Charm Squares from Moda Fabrics (or any 2-1/2" squares you might have tucked away in your stash!). These adorable little “Candy” books were brought to our attention by a customer, and we couldn’t resist bringing them into the shop so we could share the fun with you!
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One of my favorite things to see in the mail each month is a fresh batch of Villa Rosa patterns! We have some fantastic new designs in this month’s collection, and they’re sure to spark plenty of inspiration.
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The title says it all—our newest sample, Owlie Baba, is truly too cute for words! Designed by Merry Makers Designs, this charming quilt uses 10" squares from the Makower UK for Andover Fabrics Golden collection to create a warm and whimsical project. This pattern and kit are especially unique because the designer incorporated a pieced backing into the instructions and yardage requirements. The finished quilt measures 45-1/2" x 38-1/2", and the $105.99 kit price includes fabric for both the quilt top and the pieced backing. What a fantastic value!
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We are excited to introduce Imperfectly Perfect, a beautiful new collection by Emma Schonenberg for Michael Miller Fabrics. This stunning line captures the natural charm of wildflowers in full bloom—untamed, free, and full of personality. Featuring hand-drawn, painterly florals with a whimsical artistic style, these prints feel fresh, organic, and wonderfully expressive. The designs celebrate the beauty found in nature’s imperfections, reminding us that not everything has to be perfectly placed to be truly breathtaking. Whether you’re planning a floral quilt, a spring table runner, a tote bag, or a special handmade gift, Imperfectly Perfect brings a soft, artistic touch that works beautifully in both modern and traditional projects.
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Sew America by J. Wecker Frisch is a heartfelt tribute to Betsy Ross and the enduring spirit of American heritage. This thoughtfully illustrated collection weaves together patriotic imagery with cherished family mementos and WWII-era keepsakes, including letters home, vintage music sheets, trade cards, and uniformed paper dolls. Richly layered artwork creates a sense of nostalgic depth, while subtle stitching motifs and symbolic details reflect Janet’s signature storytelling style. Sew America is a meaningful collection, perfect for quilts and projects that celebrate patriotism, remembrance, and timeless Americana.
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Egg Hunt by Janet Wecker Frisch for Riley Blake Fabrics showcases charming Easter motifs in Janet’s signature style. This delightful collection features rabbits, Easter eggs, bunnies, stripes, jelly beans, and florals in soft shades of yellow, pink, green, and cream. Printed on premium 44-inch wide cotton quilting fabric with a 60 square construction, Egg Hunt is a beautiful choice for seasonal sewing projects, spring décor, and cheerful quilts. Available in a variety of cuts and precuts, this collection makes it easy to create something special for Easter and beyond.
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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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When attaching a border to a larger quilt, begin by identifying the center point of both the quilt and the border strip. Match and pin the centers together, then continue pinning out toward each end. Stitch from the center to one end, then return to the center and sew toward the opposite end. This technique helps evenly distribute fullness and minimizes the ripples that can occur when sewing from one end straight across to the other.
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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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Celebrate Galentine’s Day in Downtown White Bear Lake
Grab your gals and pals for a lively evening of shopping, delicious bites, and Bingo in Downtown White Bear Lake! It’s a wonderful way to celebrate friendship while discovering and supporting the amazing local businesses in our community.
How to Play Bingo:
- Pick up a Bingo card at any participating downtown business.
- Visit each participating location to shop, dine, and get your card stamped for a chance to win a prize.
Affinity For Quilts’ Special Celebration:
We’re joining in on the fun with exclusive offers and giveaways starting at 3:00 PM! Reminder: other participating businesses will be punching Bingo cards until 5:00 PM.
- Free "I Have Found a Quilted Heart" kit (while supplies last).
- Prize Drawing: Enter to win a box of quilting love!
- 40% off all Valentine’s fabric—plus other unadvertised specials!
- All Villa Rosa Patterns $1.50
- Enjoy complimentary cookies and punch while you shop.
To ensure all our customers receive their free gift and have the opportunity to register for the prize drawing, please stop by the checkout area. No purchase necessary to participate in the drawing or to receive the free "I Have Found A Quilted Heart" kit while supplies last.
The official Downtown White Bear Lake Galentine’s Day event runs from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, but you can start celebrating early at Affinity For Quilts! Please note: The official Downtown White Bear Lake Bingo game begins at 5:00 PM with participating businesses.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Date: Thursday, February 12, 2025
Time: 3:00pm - 8:00pm (Affinity For Quilts Official Event Hours. Downtown White Bear Lake Official Event Hours 5:00pm-8:00pm.)
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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, February 12, 2026
February19, 2026
Time: 10:00 am - 3:30 pm
Fee: $15.00/monthly gathering
Instructor: Sharon Lenertz
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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, February 20, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Club Leader: Diana Wendorf
Club Fee: $15.00
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Blooming Tulips Table Runner Class
Foundation Paper Piecing
Hold onto your hats—this class has a little bit of everything. In the Blooming Tulips class, you’ll create a 16" x 52" table runner featuring paper-pieced tulips and machine-appliquéd leaves, finished with sweet yo-yo accents and a pretty scalloped edge. You’ll also learn the steps to complete the project with straight-line quilting so you can leave class confident about how to finish your runner at home.
What You’ll Learn
- Appliqué techniques used in the pattern
- How to make and use bias binding
- How to create scalloped edge borders/binding
- How to make and attach yo-yo accents
- Steps for straight-line quilting to finish your runner
Date: February 21, 2026
Time: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm (includes a 30-minute lunch break)
Instructor: Susan Drabek
Class Fee: $60.00
Skill Level: Confident 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. The menu for the evening will be Cesar Salad, Chicken Cacciatore, Bread, Salted Carmel Apple Cheesecake Bars.
After supper, take part in our Show-and-Tell session—share your progress, admire others’ creations, and leave feeling inspired!
Date: Sunday, February 22, 2026
Time: 1:00pm - 7:00pm
Event Hostess: Diana Wendorf
Class Fee: $28.00
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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.
The menu for February will be Cesar Salad, Chicken Cacciatore, Bread, and Salted Carmel Apple Cheesecake Bars.
Continue to inspire your fellow quilters with your handiwork during Show-and-Tell, which will take place after supper.
Date: Friday, February 27, 2026
Time: 4:00pm - Midnight
Event Hostess: Diana Wendorf
Class Fee: $28.00
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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:
- Creating a pet portrait collage from a photo using fabric values and color placement
- Tracing and building templates to cut and assemble pet shapes accurately
- Fusing and layering fabric pieces effectively for a clean, workable collage surface
- Thread painting and/or free-motion stitching techniques to add detail and dimension
Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026
Time: 9:30 am-3:30 pm
Instructor: Linda Heimerl
Class Fee: $60.00
Skill Level: Intermediate
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Wrap It Up!
Fabric Bowl Class
Create a fun and functional fabric bowl in this beginner-friendly class. Using clothesline and fabric strips, students will learn how to shape and stitch a three-dimensional bowl entirely on the sewing machine while watching fabric patterns transform as the bowl takes shape.
In this class, students will learn how to:
- Wrap fabric smoothly around clothesline
- Form a three-dimensional bowl using a sewing machine
- Understand how fabric patterns change during the bowl-making process
Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
Time: 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Instructor: Kris Livingston
Class Fee: $40.00
Skill Level: Beginner
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March Flash Monday
Petit Four & Call Me - ByAnnie Bag Making Basics
Curious about bag making or ready to sharpen your skills? This fast-paced Flash Monday class is a great way to dive into ByAnnie patterns with guidance from instructor Lisa, who is an expert in ByAnnie’s techniques and construction methods.
In this class, students will work through the fundamentals of sewing with ByAnnie products while building skills that easily carry over into future bag-making projects. You’ll gain confidence reading patterns, working with stabilizers, installing zippers, and creating clean, professional finishes.
Whether this is your first ByAnnie project or you’re looking to reinforce good techniques, this class offers a solid foundation for successful bag making.
What You’ll Learn:
- How to read and follow a ByAnnie pattern
- How to cut and sew with ByAnnie’s Soft and Stable
- How to sew boxed corners for added structure
- How to finish the top of a container so it stays open
- How to install a zipper, including sewing mesh onto a zipper
- Stitch-in-the-ditch techniques for clean, polished finishes
- How to use a stiletto to improve accuracy and control
If you enjoy this class, be sure to watch for two additional classes in our ByAnnie series — the Peace Keeper Bag and Easy Does It Bag, coming in May and June.
Date: Monday, March 9, 2026
Time: 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Instructor: Lisa Giebink
Class Fee: $15.00
Skill Level: Beginner
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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, March 11, 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, March 12, 2026
March 19, 2026
Time: 10:00 am - 3:30 pm
Fee: $15.00/monthly gathering
Instructor: Sharon Lenertz
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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, March 13, 2026
Time: 10:00am-12:00 pm
Instructor: Jordan Frayne
Class Fee: $30.00
Skill Level: All Levels
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Machine Appliqué Basics Class
Learn the fundamentals of machine appliqué in this beginner-friendly class using the First-Time Appliqué book by Janet Pittman. In class, students will focus on creating one or more appliqué blocks, learning techniques that can be applied to many different projects.
Our sample projects, including a table runner, a bag, and a pouch, are inspiration, demonstrating how completed appliqué blocks can become the focal point of larger projects. Students are encouraged to get creative and decide how they would like to incorporate their finished block(s)into future projects.
What you'll learn:
- Prepare fabrics using paper-backed fusible web
- Stitch appliqué shapes using a zig zag stitch for clean, secure edges
- Use stabilizers and marking tools to achieve accurate placement and professional results
This class is a great introduction to machine appliqué and will give students the confidence to design and complete appliqué projects in a variety of ways.
Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026
Time: 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Instructor: Linda Heimerl
Class Fee: $60.00
Skill Level: Beginner
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Paper Roses Class
Foundation Paper Piecing
Finished Size 26"x26"
Have you ever wanted to try foundation paper piecing in a relaxed, supportive environment? This class is the perfect opportunity. Using Lori Holt’s 10" Paper Rose foundation papers, you’ll create a charming 26" x 26" wall hanging—or continue at home to build an entire quilt if you fall in love with the process!
Designed for confident beginners, this workshop will guide you step-by-step through the fundamentals of foundation paper piecing while also introducing additional finishing techniques to elevate your project.
What You’ll Learn:
- Step-by-step foundation paper piecing techniques
- How to miter the corners of your borders
- How to attach a hanging sleeve for display
Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026
Time: 9:30am–4:30pm
Instructor: Susan Drabek
Class Fee: $60.00
SkillLevel: Confident Beginner
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Antelope Canyon Quilt Class
The Antelope Canyon Quilt is a striking log cabin–style quilt that uses either pre-cut strips or cut yardage paired with a contrasting background. In this class, students will create bold, oversized blocks and learn techniques that help maintain accuracy and consistency throughout the piecing process. This project is ideal for quilters with a little experience who are ready to build confidence while working on a larger-scale quilt. The finished quilt measures 74" x 74".
In this class, students will learn how to:
- Pin, sew, and press to keep large quilt blocks square
- Stay organized when working with many fabric pieces
- Use partial seams to assemble four large blocks around a center square
- Improve accuracy and efficiency when working with strip-based design.
Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026
Time: 9:30am–4:00pm
Instructor: Becky Umenthum
Class Fee: $60.00
Skill Level: Confident Beginner
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Baby Bunny Class
A Funky Friends Pattern
Create a sweet, cuddly keepsake in our Stuffed Bunny Sewing Class! In this class, students will make the Baby Bunny from a Funky Friends Factory pattern—a charming stuffed animal with sewn facial features and a soft, huggable finish. Finished bunny size is approximately 16" tall.
This class is perfect for confident beginners and beyond, and is a wonderful introduction to sewing stuffed animals that are meant to be truly loved.
In this class, you will learn how to:
- Read and follow a Funky Friends Factory pattern, including matching pattern letters
- Properly stuff a soft toy for smooth shaping
- Close seams neatly for a professional finish
- Discover the joy of making handmade stuffed animals that become cherished gifts
This bunny makes a beautiful gift for a new baby, baby shower, or special little one—and students will leave class with new skills they can use again and again for future stuffies.
Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Time: 9:30am–4:30pm
Instructor: Lisa Griebek
Skill Level: Confident Beginner
Class Fee: $60.00
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QuiltedJacket Class
Beachcomber
Create a beautiful, custom-fit quilted jacket in this immersive two-day Beachcomber Jacket workshop. Using the Beachcomber Jacket pattern by Laundry Basket Quilts, you’ll learn how to use a crewneck sweatshirt as a guide for sizing and shaping while building your jacket from your own quilted fabric pieces. Throughout the class, you’ll design your layout, quilt your sections, assemble the garment, and finish it with clean, professional-looking bias binding.
Perfect for intermediate quilters ready to expand their skills, this workshop provides the guidance, instruction, and time needed to successfully create a wearable quilted garment you’ll love.
What You’ll Learn:
- How to use a sweatshirt as a sizing and shaping guide for your quilted jacket
- Fundamental quilting techniques
- Basics of garment construction
- How to finish with bias binding for a polished look
Dates: Saturdays, April 4 & 18, 2026
Time: Day 1 – 11:00am–5:00pm | Day 2 – 9:30am–3:30pm
Instructor: Morgan Meade
Class Fee: $110.00
Skill Level: Intermediate
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Boro Sashiko
Discover the beauty of Japanese hand stitching in our Boro Sashiko class with instructor Tammy Berry. Using fabric scraps and Sashiko embroidery supplies, you’ll create a one-of-a-kind textile art piece inspired by the centuries-old tradition of Boro Sashiko. This slow-stitch method embraces visible mending, raw edges, and a hand-sewn aesthetic, making each creation truly unique.
Whether you’re completely new to Sashiko or looking to expand your stitching repertoire, this class will guide you through essential techniques while encouraging creative expression. You’ll learn how to layer fabrics, experiment with stitch patterns, and repurpose your favorite textiles into something beautiful and functional.
What You’ll Learn:
- How to prepare and layer fabrics for Boro Sashiko project
- Boro Sashiko stitching techniques
- Creative ways to repurpose and reuse fabric scraps
- Tips for achieving balanced and visually appealing designs
Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026
Time: 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Instructor: Tammy Berry
Class Fee: $30.00
Skill Level: Beginner
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Straight Line Quilting Class
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, April 11, 2026
Time: 1:00 am – 4:30 pm
Instructor: Susan Drabek
Class Fee: $35.00
Skill Level: Beginner
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Collage Class
Laura Heine
Looking for a creative way to use those fabric scraps you’ve been saving for “just the right project”? This is it! Join us for a day of fabric play as you explore the art of collage using one of Laura Heine’s whimsical Teeny Tiny collage patterns.
In this class, students will learn the fundamentals of fabric collage, including how to build layers, work with fusible adhesives, and use color and texture to bring a design to life. You’ll focus on creating a collage using motifs such as flowers, leaves, and other fun elements while developing confidence with the collage process.
Students will learn how to:
- Prepare and organize fabrics for collage
- Layer and fuse fabric pieces to create depth and interest
- Add personality, movement, and visual flow to a design
- Finish and prepare a collage piece for display
The class sample shown is just one of several pattern options available—students are encouraged to choose the Teeny Tiny pattern that speaks to them and make it their own. Whether you’re new to fabric collage or looking to try something creative and playful, you’ll leave class inspired and ready to continue collaging at home.
Class Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Class Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Instructor: Lori Adamietz
Class Fee: $45.00
Skill Level: Beginner
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All Minnesota Shop Hop™
It’s hard to believe we’re celebrating the fifth year of this incredible sewing adventure across the beautiful state of Minnesota! While we do our best to have magazines available during the Shop Hop, quantities can be limited, so we highly recommend pre-ordering to guarantee your passport and magazine. Pre-orders are available on our website or in-store for $13.95.
For the latest updates, shop information, and Shop Hopper experiences, be sure to visit the All Minnesota Shop Hop™ website and join their Facebook group.
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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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