On Your Marks, Get Set, Go!! It's Time To Sew!

Posted by Diana Wendorf on

Welcome to What's Up Wednesday!   
Who remembers the Minnesota Halloween blizzard of 1991, I do!  Since Mother Nature has already shown us what snow look likes this year, it is time to remind everyone of the procedures that  Affinity For Quilts has for store closure due to weather.
  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.  

Is your house ready for Halloween?   If not we are here to lend you a helping hand.  Beginning today, until Halloween, all Halloween fabric, pre-cuts, and kits will be 20% off.  So dust off those cob-webs and create some fun new Halloween items for the season. 

All About Me by Atkinson Designs is  perfect for showcasing your favorite prints in a quilt.  Our sample features the Crocodile Smiles fabric line from Clothworks Fabrics.  Our quilt samples measures 44" x 55" and kits are available for $59.99.  
Lucky Charms by  Andover Fabrics is a St. Patrick's Day inspired quilt fabric collection.  This collection is filled with various shades of green with distinct geometric prints and tosses.  The shamrocks, clovers, and shades of greens are perfect for any St. Patrick Day project! 
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 your quilting needs, but items that are not basic sometimes 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.

COVID-19
We continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation.  Please refer to our website www.affinityforquilts.com for the shops current precautions and updates. 

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

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:  Do not wait until you finish your block to square it up.  Take the extra time to square-up the pieces at every point of the quilt block construction.  This will help you to avoid running into problems later.  
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.
 
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 Tool 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!
 

Date:  Thursday, October 20, 2022
Time:  9:30am – 3:00 pm
Instructor:  Ruth Thompson
Class Fee: $40.00

There will be a half hour break for lunch

Sew-In-Sunday

Are you ready to spend the day quilting with friends?  Bring your own project(s) to work on and spend the day sewing!  Dinner will be served at 5pm.  The menu will be Chicken Stew, Savory Zucchini Bread, and Apple Crisp for dessert.  

Date:   Sunday, October 23, 2022  
Time:  1:00pm - 7:00pm 
Event Host: Diana Wendorf

Class Fee:  $20.00
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 will be Chicken Stew, Savory Zucchini Bread, and Apple Crisp for dessert.  

Date:   Friday, October 28, 2022 
Time:  4:00pm-Midnight
Event Host: Diana Wendorf
Class Fee:  $20.00

Laura Heine Teeny Tiny Collage Class

Join Lori for a day of fabric collage! During this all day class you will learn how to assemble one of Laura Heine's whimsical Teeny Tiny Collages. These fun projects are a great way to use up those fabric pieces that you have been saving for just the right thing. This project is it, you have found it! Our in store sample is just one of several pattern choices for this class. The results are beautiful and the possibilities are endless!

Date:  Saturday, October 29, 2022
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Instructor: Lori Adameitz
Class Fee: $45.00

There will be a half hour break for lunch

Straight Line Quilting Class

Join our newest teacher Natalie to finish your quilt using the Straight Line quilting method! Straight Line quilting is exactly what it sounds like, sewing straight stitching lines to hold your quilt top ,batting and backing together. There are endless quilting designs you can use, diagonals and shape echoing are just a couple of them. In this class, Natalie will walk you through the steps to turn your quilt sandwich into a ready to bind quilt. You will leave class with the knowledge and confidence to take on the next quilt you create!

Preparing your quilt sandwich prior to class is required.  

Optional add on $10.00 Quilt Sandwich Class is offered to students registering for the Straight Line Quilting Class. 

Date: Thursday,  November 5, 2022
Time: 12:30 am – 4:30 pm
Instructor: Natalie Novacek
Class Fee:  $50.00

Flash Monday - Acorn Garland & Coasters

Join Diana as she leads you through the process to create one acorn that can be used in a Garland, or as a Coaster.  

The sample shown features the Cinnamon & Cream Mini Charm Pack from Moda Fabrics, which will make 5 acorns.  

Supply List to make 1 acorn:  
  • Acorn Garland & Coaster Pattern
  • Cinnamon & Cream Mini Charm Pack from Moda Fabrics or (8) 2-1/2" squares of fall fabric.  
  • 10" piece of fabric for acorn top and backing
  • 10" piece of fusible fleece or batting
  • Freezer Paper
  • Twine or ribbon for acorn loop.
Date:  November 7, 2022
Time:  10:00am - 12:30pm
Instructor:  Diana Wendorf
Class Fee:  $10.00
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, November 9, 2022             
Time:  12:30pm-3:30pm
Class Fee:  $10.00
Instructor:  Tammy Berry
Chevron Quilt Class

A Chevron quilt pattern creates the appearance of zig-zag lines across a quilt and the City Girl Chevron Quilt is a great example of this quilt type! In this class, Sue will walk you through the steps to turn this fun quilt pattern by Krista Moser from The Quilted Life into a fabulous quilt. The pattern gives you the option of using multiple color combinations in one quilt. Use gold accent strips to make these Chevron diamonds sparkle. Or lay out your diamonds light to dark for an ombre effect. While you may not finish your project during class, you will leave with the knowledge and confidence to complete the quilt top on your own.

Skill level: Confident Beginner/Intermediate
Kit Size: 64” x 74”

Some pre-class cutting required for this class

There will be a half hour break for lunch

Date: Thursday, November 10, 2022
Time:  9:30am-4:00pm
Instructor:  Sue Severiano
Class Fee:  $60.00

Downtown White Bear Lake Holiday Open House

Join us for a Merry Evening during the Downtown White Bear Lake Holiday Open House!

This is the perfect time to kick off your holiday shopping by visiting all the charming shops here in our downtown area.  The event runs from 5pm-8pm; however, Affinity For Quilts will be offering extended hours and will begin our sale at 3:00pm.  We will be offering some great in-store specials and a special drawing for a gift basket, gift certificate, and other prize. 

We will also be serving hot chocolate to warm you up and some sweet treats.

Date:  Thursday, November 10th, 2022
Time:  3pm-8pm  

Posh Holly or Posh Santa Class

Just in time for the holidays, join Becky Umenthum for the day to create the Posh Holly or the Posh Santa from Sew Kind of Wonderful!! Becky will walk you through the steps to create these 28" x 38"decorative wall hangings. You will learn curve cutting and sewing techniques using the QCR mini ruler.

Both Holly and Santa are full of personality and are just the right size for a door quilt or wall hanging to greet your holiday guests.

Some cutting prior to class is required.

Date: Saturday, November 12, 2022
Time: 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Instructor: Becky Umenthum

There will be a half hour break for lunch

2022 Holiday Shop Hop - A Few Of My Favorite Things

Mark your calendar for this fund and exciting holiday Shop Hop!  There will be 12 fund and exciting shops participating this year and some fantastic prize baskets of some of your favorite sewing notions.
Additional details will be coming as the organizer finalizes all the details.

Date:  Begins Saturday, November 12th and ends on Saturday, November 19th.     
Time:  Store hours vary per shop
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:  Saturday, November 19, 2022
Time: 9:00 am – 12:30 pm 
Instructor: Tammy Berry
Class Fee: $25.00

It's a Wrap!  Covered Cord Bowl Class

Join Kris Livingston and learn how to make these colorful, round, oval and square bowls, using strips of fabric, cotton clothesline and the zig-zag stitch on your sewing machine.  You can add handles and embellishments too. The same technique can be used to sew coasters or placemats. This is a great class for quilters to use up fabric scraps and to play with color combinations. Our reference book is It’s a Wrap by Susan Breier.

Kris Livingston has 20 plus years of sewing experience. In addition to teaching classes, she has a business sewing custom home décor and adding applique to children’s clothes for a wholesale/retail company.


Date:  Saturday, November 26, 2022
Time:  9:30am-12:30pm
Instructor: Kris Livingston
Class Fee: $25.00

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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