New Year, New Classes, Projects, Tips and of course FABRIC!!!!

Posted by Diana Wendorf on

Welcome to What's Up Wednesday!   
I think Mother Nature is trying to tell us to stay home and quilt!  With all the interesting weather we have been having I hope everyone has found a few extra hours of sewing time.  

We all hate rising prices; however, it seems to be happening everywhere, look at the price of eggs!  While I wish it wasn't true, we are seeing rising prices in the quilting industry too.  We are fortunate as the quilting industry has not been impacted as much as some other businesses.  In the almost 4 years Affinity For Quilts has been open, the increases we have seen occurred in the last 6-8 months.   With that in mind, we are now raising the prices of Fat Quarters to $3.75 each and Batik Fat Quarters to $4.00 each.  Aurifil thread will also be going up in price as they just announced new pricing - a regular spool of Aurifil thread will be $15.95 each and the small spool will be $6.29 each.  

The new Villa Rosa patterns have arrived!  Which ones inspire you to begin a new project!
The seed catalogs are beginning to fill our mailboxes and gardening season will be here before we know it.  These little Gnome's are here to lend you a helping hand with all your planting needs.  Gnome & Garden by Susan Winget is from Wilmington Prints and perfect for your springtime quilting.  The quilt measures 57" x 68" and kits are available for $75.99.
The Shake, Rattle & Roll pattern is from Abbey Lane Quilts.  It is a great modern quilt that will look good in any fabric combination.  Our sample features fat quarters using the Refresh fabric line by Figo Fabrics giving it a springtime feel.  This quilt is for the confident beginner and is fun and fast to make.  The sample measures 60" x 72" and the Fat Quarter starter pack will be available for  $52.50.   All you need to do is pick out 1-1/2 yards of your favorite background fabric and 1/2 yard of fabric for your binding.  
 
Quilt Retreat was created by long-time quilter and artist Cynthia Frenette for Northcott Fabrics.  The featured panel has a playful vibe featuring quirky quilters.  Whimsical florals, quilting notions and inspirational words complement the collection along with a hexie, black and white awning print and a colorful cheetah print.  Just remember; What happens at the quilt retreat stays at the quilt retreat!
 
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!
Affinity For Quilts Tip of the Week:  Those little cosmetic sponges are not just great for makeup.  If you use stencils for hand quilting,  just dip the cosmetic sponge into quilters chalk and rub over the design.  You can also make your own quilting motif stencils, simply by piercing holes into plastic quilting template, sheets.
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.
 
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, January 12, 2023
Time:  10:00am-3:30pm
Class Fee:  $12.00
Instructor:  Sharon Lenertz

Needle Sharp Jelly Roll Quilt

Join Becky for a day of quilting to create the Needle Sharp Quilt.  Using  2-1/2“ strips, Becky will teach you how to create modified pinwheel blocks with perfect points which will be sewn together to create a lovely quilt. Becky’s kind and informative teaching style, sewing expertise with her sewing tips and tricks makes this class a win for any quilter.  This is Becky’s second quilt class using the book Charming Jelly Roll Quilts by Scott Flanagan for Annie’s Quilting.  

There is no prep for this class.

There will be a half hour break for lunch.

Skill Level: Beginning - some quitting experience required
Date:  Saturday, January 14, 2023
Time: 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Class Fee:  $50.00
Instructor:  Becky Umenthum

Beginning Quilting Class

Join us for our 3 part Beginning Quilting class to learn the very basics of quilt making. In this class you will learn how to use the rotary cutter, cutting mat, basic quilt ruler, reading a quilt pattern while creating the Burn Bright quilt top . The pattern we have chosen is by Morgan McCollough from Modernly Morgan and is created with the beginner quilter in mind. A straight stitch sewing machine is required for this class.

Fee includes thread and sewing needles

Dates: Tuesday, January 17th, 31st, and February 21, 2023
Time: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm  or 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Instructor:  Diana Wendorf
Class Fee: $50.00
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.  The snow has me in a soup mood so for January we will be having Sicilian Chicken Soup with bread and Cheesecake Blondies 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, January 22, 2023   
Time:  1:00pm - 7:00pm 
Event Host: Diana Wendorf

Class Fee:  $20.00
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:  Thursday, January 26, 2023
Time:  9:30am – 3:00 pm
Instructor:  Ruth Thompson
Class Fee: $40.00

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.  The snow has me in a soup mood so for January we will be having Sicilian Chicken Soup with bread and Cheesecake Blondies 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.  

Date:   Friday, January 27, 2023 
Time:  4:00pm-Midnight
Event Host: Diana Wendorf
Class Fee:  $20.00

Heart Hoop Quilt Class

Join Kris to create this fun mini Heart Hoop quilt hanging. Kris will introduce a new way to make and display small quilt pieces using the book Hoop Quilts for Beginners by Anne Marie Chany. The book provides many ideas for embellishment too! This is the perfect project to display on Valentine’s Day, or really any time of year. A great class and book for the beginning quilter and the experienced quilters looking for new ideas.

Class Prep: There is no class prep for this class

Date: Saturday, February 4, 2023
Time: 9:30 am – 1:30 pm
Instructor: Kris Livingston
Class Fee: $35.00

Skill Level: Beginner (basic quilt piecing experience required)

Flash Monday

These reversible and collapsible fabric baskets, or Podlets as we will call them, are truly addicting to make.  Ruth will lead you through process of making these fun little Podlets in various sizes.  She will also be giving instruction on how you can figure out how to come up with your own size Podlet.  

Date:  Monday, February 6, 2023
Time:  10:00am-12:30pm
Instructor:  Ruth Thompson
Class Fee:  $12.00
Sewper Bowl 2023

It is Super Bowl Sunday!  While the family is at home watching the game why not come out and enjoy a day with your sewing friends for Sewper Bowl 2023!   This year we are going to focus on color placement as we Shake, Rattle & Roll with a quilt designed by Abbey Lane.  The quilt is FQ friendly and measures 60" x 72".   Fat Quarter starter kits are available or raid your own stash.  

Class fee also includes;  Charcuterie board to munch on during the day, and a dinner meal of; Cesar Salad, Chicken Marsala with Fettuccini Alfredo, Bread, and Cheesecake Bars for dessert.    

There is prep work prior to class.  The instructor is requesting that all fabric cutting be done prior class.  

Date:  Sunday, February 12, 2023
Time:  11:00am - 6:30pm (you will be home in time for the half-time show)
Instructor:  Diana Wendorf 
Class Fee:  $55.00

Skill Level:   Confident Beginner
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, February 15, 2023             
Time:  12:30pm-3:30pm
Instructor:  Tammy Berry
Class Fee:  $12.00

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, February 18, 2023
Time:9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Instructor: Tammy Berry
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, February 25, 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

Boro Sashiko Class

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, March 3, 2023
Time: 9:00 am – 12:30 pm 
Instructor: Tammy Berry
Class Fee: $25.00

The Boxy Tote

Join Ruth for this 3 part class to make The Boxy Tote. In this class you will make a bag, work with foam, create pockets, and put a zipper in your project. This pattern is a larger version of the popular The Cube! It holds a feather weight sewing machine and is the perfect bag to use with your Cube bag, large knitting projects, overnight bag, and more. Ruth's detail oriented teaching style and written instructions will give you the confidence and tools to create this and other bags! Previous bag experience required to take this class.

**This class has prep prior to the first class and sewing to be completed between classes.

Skill Level: Intermediate

Dates & Times:
March 4, 2023 – 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
March 11, 2023 – 9:30 am to 3:00 pm
March 18, 2023 - 9:30 am to 3:00 pm
Instructor:  Ruth Thompson
Class Fee:  $90.00

All Occasion Applique Card Class

Delight recipients with a unique card for Mother’s Day, Easter, weddings, birthdays, or any other occasion. Fabric applique is sewn directly on to the paper card. Many embellishments can be added. This fun class with include many tips, ideas, and even patterns to get you started and inspired!

Class Prep: There is no prep for this class

Date: Thursday, March 9, 2023
Time: 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Instructors: Kris Livingston
Class Fee: $15.00

 

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 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

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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