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Pre-order your All Minnesota Shop Hop™ Magazine Here Today!

Posted by Diana Wendorf on

Welcome to What's Up Wednesday!

So many hearts have shown up that I guess we’re calling this our Valentine issue. Valentine fabrics are arriving, box kits are here, and we’re hanging new samples—with kits available for you fall in love with.

Pre-Order Your
All Minnesota Shop Hop™
 Magazine Today

Time is running out! Our 10% off coupon offer ends tomorrow, January 15. Preorders for the All Minnesota Shop Hop™ Magazine will continue until the magazines arrive in mid-February, but the coupon is only available through tomorrow. Coupon excludes Quilt Minnesota fabric and Sale Wall fabrics

This must-have guide is your key to planning a fun and inspiring Shop Hop across Minnesota. The magazine is $13.95 this year.  

Secure your copy now and get ready for another great Shop Hop season!

Meet Our Newest Samples

One of our newest samples is Cupid’s Presence by Sandy Gervais of Pieces From My Heart. Measuring 20-3/4" x 52-1/4", it features fabric from the I Love You Always collection by Sandy Gervais for Riley Blake Fabrics and is perfect for dressing up your table for a romantic dinner.  Limited kits are available.  

If you joined the mystery on Saturday, you may have already spotted the Lucky Break wall hanging (16" x 40"). We still have a couple kits available for $23.99—or our staff can set you up with a custom kit using the new Valentine fabrics that just arrived.

And here’s a little bonus: this Saturday, January 17th, you’ll receive a free pattern with any kit purchase.

New Fabric Arrivals
Charming Love, designed by Samantha Neville for Robert Kaufman Fabrics, is a sweet collection that’s sure to make your heart skip a beat. Filled with playful hearts in a palette of soft pinks, ravishing reds, and crisp whites, these darling prints feel both romantic and fresh. Perfect for Valentine’s Day projects or any time you want to stitch a little love into your quilting, Charming Love brings warmth, charm, and heartfelt style to every creation.
Michael Miller Fabrics’ Purrsuit of Coffeeness by Cindy Jackson is a cozy, whimsical celebration of two of life’s greatest joys: cats and coffee. This playful collection showcases adorable, wide-eyed kitties lounging in coffee cups, singing, and living their best lives, capturing the nostalgia of a classic café with an artistic, hand-drawn feel. Warm earth tones and charming illustrations make these fabrics perfect for creating projects that feel both comforting and fun.

Golden by Makower UK for Andover Fabrics feels like draping a quilt in the spirit of Gustav Klimt. This collection features flowing ornamental motifs, rich jewel tones, and refined touches of metallic gold that add a warm glow without overpowering the design. The metallic accents give the fabric a visibly handcrafted, artistic texture, while the smooth, medium-weight quilting cotton has a soft hand with enough structure to sew easily and show off the shine. Versatile and elegant. Golden works beautifully for statement quilt blocks, eye-catching backings, or elevated accents in garments, bags, and home décor.

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.
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. 

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.

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.

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.

Join Now
Tip Of The Week  

Those little cosmetic sponges aren’t just for makeup. If you use stencils for hand quilting, dip a sponge into quilter’s chalk and gently rub it over the stencil to transfer your design.

You can also make your own quilting motif stencils—just punch or pierce holes into plastic quilting template sheets to create a custom design.

If you have a tip you'd like to share with our readers, feel free to email Diana at quilt@affinityforquilts.com.
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!
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.  
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, January 15, 2026
Time: 10:00 am - 3:30 pm
Fee: $15.00/monthly gathering
Instructor: Sharon  Lenertz
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, January 16, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM 
Club Leader:  Diana Wendorf
Club Fee: $15.00

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

 

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, Beef Stew or Vegetable Stew as a non meat option, Bread, and Death By Chocolate Cake 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! 

We currently have two openings available. Contact us today, as these spots are expected to fill quickly. 

Date:  Friday, January 23, 2026
Time:  4:00pm - Midnight
Event Hostess:  Diana Wendorf
Class Fee:  $25.00

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

 

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 Stew or Vegetable Stew as a non meat option, Bread, and Death By Chocolate Cake for dessert.


After supper, take part in our Show-and-Tell session—share your progress, admire others’ creations, and leave feeling inspired!

Date:   Sunday, January 25, 2026
Time:  1:00pm - 7:00pm 
Event Hostess: Diana Wendorf
Class Fee:  $25.00

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.

Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026
Time:9:30am – 3:30 pm
Instructor: Ruth Thompson
Class Fee: $55.00 

Skill Level: Very Confident Beginner/Intermediate

 

Thread Painting & Embellishment Class

Enhance your quilts and fabric projects with stunning thread painting techniques! In this hands-on class, you will learn how to use free-motion straight stitching and zig-zag stitching to add intricate details, shading, and texture to your designs. Whether you're working on landscape quilts, pet portraits, or printed fabric panels, thread painting allows you to bring your projects to life with depth and dimension.

What you'll learn: 

  • Free-motion thread painting with straight and zig-zag stitching  
  • Adding shading and texture with thread layering
  • Enhancing printed fabric designs with stitched embellishments 
  • Creating realistic details for pet portraits and landscapes    

Date: Thursday, February 5, 2026
Time: 9:30 am-12:30 pm
Instructor: Linda Heimerl 
Class Fee: $35.00
Skill Level: Confident Beginner

 

Flash Monday February
Drawstring Bag

Join us for this quick and fun Flash Monday class where you’ll make a practical and versatile bag using the Drawstring Bag pattern by The Sewing Stage. This project is perfect for beginners and makes a great gift or everyday storage bag.

What you'll learn: 
  • Avoid a bulky or saggy lining and achieve a nice, snug fit
  • Use a simple and effective technique for creating a drawstring casing
  • Understand the benefits of using larger seam allowances in bag making

You’ll leave class with a completed drawstring bag and the confidence to make more at home.

Date: Monday, February 9, 2026
Time: 1:30pm – 4:30pm
Instructor: Ruth Thompson
Class Fee: $15.00
Skill Level: Beginner

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, February 11, 2026
Time:  9:30pm-12:30pm
Instructor:  Tammy Berry
Class Fee:  $15.00

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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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