Quilt Minnesota Shop Hop 2023 Continues!

Posted by Diana Wendorf on

Welcome to What's Up Wednesday!   

Thank you everyone for celebrating our anniversary with us.  It's hard to believe it has already been four years!  Your continued support means so much to us and we look forward to another great year.   

Congratulations to our winners: 

  • 25% Off Bolt Fabric Purchase For A Year - Barb D.
  • 1st Place Gift Basket - Joan P.
  • 2nd Place $50 Gift Certificate - Dolly B.
  • 3rd Place Choice of 2 3-Yard Quilt Books -  Gayle P.  

 

The winner of our All Minnesota Shop Hop basket also came in to collect her prize last week.  Congratulations Jody J on being our winner.  

Aryn, from The Blue Fox, will be at our Marketfest booth on Thursday night.  If you're not familiar with Aryn she is the talented instructor for the Barn Quilting classes at Affinity For Quilts.  You'll have the opportunity to purchase pre-made Barn Quilts and various ornaments at her booth.  While you're at Marketfest, make sure to stop in and check out all our samples for Quilt Minnesota.   


It's fantastic to know that Quilt Minnesota is just around the corner, and after waiting for so long, it's finally within reach.  As the highly anticipated event approaches in just 9 days, we have made an important decision regarding our pre-order process. Starting immediately, we will be discontinuing the "zero" dollar pre-orders from both our website and in-store.  However, we want to assure you that pre-orders for all fabrics will still be available. The only change is that from now on, securing payment will be required at the time of ordering. This step has been taken to streamline the process and ensure a smoother experience for everyone involved.  We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter. If you have any questions or need assistance with the pre-order process, please don't hesitate to reach out to our customer support team. They will be more than happy to assist you.

Here are our featured Quilt Minnesota Samples this week!
 
The Tea Party quilt pattern, designed by Susan Pfau of Sweet Jane's Quilting & Design, is a versatile and delightful design which offers you the opportunity to showcase your favorite pre-cuts such as Charm Packs, Layer Cakes, Jelly Rolls, and Fat Quarters. Our samples uses a Quilt Minnesota Jelly Roll and 2-5/8 yards of background fabric, for the lap size measuring 60" x 63". The combination of the pre-cuts and the background fabric allows for a visually appealing and harmonious design.

Using the Quilt Minnesota fabrics in the Big Baby quilt, designed by Gigi's Thimble Quilt Patterns, will not only create a visually appealing design but also make it a memorable keepsake. The fabrics will add a touch of uniqueness and personalization to the quilt, capturing the essence of the 2023 Quilt Minnesota event.  Measuring 38" x 38" makes it perfect as a wall-hanging or used as a baby quilt and is sure to bring joy and warmth to its surroundings.

Basics are always a necessity in quilting, whether it is for a background or just accent color for your quilt.  Here at Affinity we are always on the lookout for good blenders that will go with almost anything.  When I first saw the Fusions fabric collection by Robert Kaufman I just knew I had to add it to our fabric stash.  So whether you're a seasoned quilter or just starting out, the Fusions collection is a must-have in your fabric stash.  It's perfect for any project you can dream up!
Welcome back to ©Desiree's Designs whimsical steampunk world! Steampunk Halloween 2 from QT Fabrics is a fantastic collection for the Halloween season. The mix and match capability of the collection, along with the seamless integration of allover prints, allows for creative exploration. Whether you're a fan of steampunk aesthetics or simply looking to add a whimsical twist to your Halloween projects, this collection offers a spooktacular opportunity.

Preparing for winter is always a good idea, and this collection seems like a great way to add a touch of seasonal charm to your surroundings. Whether you're looking to decorate your home, set up a winter-themed display, or simply enjoy the beauty of the designs, the Oh Deer! Winter is Here collection from Michael Miller Fabrics might be just what you need. Stay warm and embrace the winter spirit with these lovely snowmen and deer!

If you are unable find an item you are looking for, please speak  to any member of the Affinity For Quilts team, and we will do our best to order it for you.  While we strive to carry a wide range of items to meet your quilting needs, there are certain products that may need to be special ordered.  

Classroom Space
Our classroom space is currently open.  If your group is looking for a place to meet, please contact Affinity For Quilts at 651-429-1039.  Evening meeting space is available, but please note that there will be a fee associated with evening meetings.  

Reoccurring 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. 

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, please remember to 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.  You can reach Jordan directly at  612-275-3356 to speak to him directly or to schedule an appointment. He is currently offering curbside pickup and delivery for your convenience.


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 redirected to the Facebook group.  Select 'join group' and you will be added.  It's that easy!  

 
Tip of the Week!  To create straight lines for writing on a label use freezer paper. With a pencil draw lines on the shiny side of the freezer paper  and press that shiny side to the wrong side of your label fabric.  The lines will be visible through the fabric, and  the freezer paper will also stabilize the fabric for easier writing.   
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 provide all of our customers with the opportunity to take classes, we require payment at the time of registration.  If you need to cancel, we kindly ask for 7-day prior notification to the class date.  This allows us to offer your spot to someone on our waitlist and refund your registration fee.  Thank you for understanding this policy and happy quilting everyone.

When you sign up for a class at Affinity For Quilts you will receive information regarding the class including any required supplies needed for the class and pre-class preparations.   Make  sure to review the supply/class prep list to ensure you have everything you need for a wonderful class experience.  If you sign up and pay by phone, don't worry, we can email you all of the necessary information for a successful class experience. 

If you are interested in an event and it is full, please add your name to the waitlist.  If a spot becomes available,  we will contact the first person on the waitlist to check their availability. 
The waitlist also helps us gauge the popularity of an event and determine 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, July 20, 2023
Time:  10:00am-3:30pm
Class Fee:  $12.00
Instructor:  Sharon Lenertz
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.  This month we will be having pulled pork sandwiches, pasta salad, and Cherry Pie Bars 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.     

***Please note the date change.  This is the third Saturday because of the start of Quilt Minnesota on July 28th.   

We currently have one space open.  


Date:   Friday, July 21, 2023 
Time:  4:00pm-Midnight
Event Host: Diana Wendorf
Class Fee:  $20.00
Lone Star Tote Class

Create a custom tote bag to show off your quilty skills! This tote leaves a lot of room for adding your own personalized touch with your fabric choices, the lone star layout and finally quilting your design. It is the perfect summer bag! Natalie's experience teaching and her relaxed teaching style will make this a day of creating you won't want to miss!
 

Class Prep: There is some cutting completed prior to class

Date: Saturday, July 22, 2023
Time: 9:30am – 4:30 pm
Instructor: Natalie Novacek
Class Fee:  $55.00
Skill Level: Very Confident Beginner/Intermediate

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.  This month we will be having pulled pork sandwiches, pasta salad, and Cherry Pie Bars 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.   

We currently have two open spaces.  



Date:   Sunday, July 23, 2023   
Time:  1:00pm - 7:00pm 
Event Host: Diana Wendorf

Class Fee:  $20.00
17th Annual Quilt Minnesota Shop Hop

Only 9 days till the start of Quilt Minnesota Shop Hop 2023.  If you have not seen the fabric line for Shop Hop 2023, take a minute and do so.   Affinity For Quilts is currently taking pre-orders for the 2023 Quilt Minnesota fabric line.  To reserve your fabric go to  www.affinityforquilts.com, click on shop and choose Quilt Minnesota 2023 or follow this link to go directly to the Quilt Minnesota 2023 fabrics. 

Just a reminder for those who already pre-ordered.  I will begin calling Monday, July 24th to secure payment.  Once payment is received, we will get your order packaged.  Preorders will be ready for  pickup or shipping on July 28, 2023.  

Dates:  July 28, 2023 thru August 19, 2023
Hours:  Monday-Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm
             Sunday 11am-5pm
Jelly-Roll Placemat Class                 

Learn all the skills needed to make the popular jelly roll rug, with less commitment of time and materials. The class time will allow you to complete a 15 x 20- inch place-mat to use at your table or as a decorative accent. Kris is an expert on making this project and will provide her own hints and tips for success. Enjoy watching your colorful project grow. A sewing machine with zig-zag stitch at least 5.5mm wide is required for this class.

Class Prep: This project requires 2 ½ ” strips. Students can use a jelly-roll or cut their own strips prior to class.

Date: Saturday, August 5, 2023
Time: 9:30 am – 1:30 pm
Instructors: Kris Livingston
Class Fee:  $35.00
Skill Level: Beginner 

Boro Sashiko

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, August 12,  2023
Time: 9:30 am - 1:00 pm
Instructor: Tammy Berry
Class Fee: $25.00
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, August 16, 2023  
Time:  12:30pm-3:30pm
Instructor:  Tammy Berry
Class Fee:  $12.00
One Block Wonder Panel Quilt

2part class

Join Becky in this two part class as she guides you through the steps to create a stunning watercolor style quilt. Learn how to transform fabric panels into kaleidoscope blocks that beautifully frame your chosen panel. Discover the art of intensifying colors and adding movement to create a captivating quilt. The finished size of this project will vary depending on the panel chosen for your project. 

This class is filled; however, if interested please call as we will be adding additional dates.  


Dates & Times:  Saturday,  August 26, 2023   9:30 am – 1:30
                      Sunday, September 10, 2023   12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Instructor:  Becky Umenthum    
Class Fee: $55.00

 

Singer Featherweight Machine Maintenance Class

Spend the morning with Jordan to learn how to take care of your Singer Featherweight sewing machine. In this class you will be inspecting, oiling, cleaning, and sewing on your machine!  You will leave this class knowing the dos and don'ts of these great old Singer machines.  

Class Prep: There is no class prep for this class

Date: Monday, September 11, 2023
Time:10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Instructors: Jordan Frayne 
Class Fee:  $20.00

Beginning Quilting

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 . Diana will lead you through the steps to create this fun beginner 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.

Dates: September 19, October 3 & October 17, 2023
Time:  9:30 am - 12:30 pm or 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm 
Class Fee: $50.00
Instructor: Diana Wendorf
Barn Quilt Block Painting Class

Join Aryn and create your own unique barn quilt design on reclaimed barn wood! Locally sourced, carefully selected, sanded and assembled. Choose from nine beautiful designs! Pick your own color scheme and relax at Affinity For Quilts in White Bear Lake, Minnesota.

Designs include:
1. Pinwheel
2. Flag
3. Faded Star
4. Friendship Star
5. Marigold
6. Hidden Cross
7. Blue Cross
8. Tulips
9. Pumpkin

Registration is handled by The Blue Fox and must be done using the link below.  The $50.00 class fee includes all supplies needed for the call.  Follow the link below to register: 
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/395665475087

Date:  Saturday, September 23, 2023
Time:  1:00pm - 4:00pm
Instructor:  Aryn Lill
Class Fee:  $50.00  Follow like above to register.  Class fee includes all supplies.

Beaming Quilt Class

Join Sue for the Beaming quilt class. While this quilt looks difficult it is easy to create and quick to finish. You will practice half square triangle and flying geese techniques. The over-sized blocks will give you the opportunity to practice squaring up your blocks so that they fit together nicely. Choose from three different sizes - Baby, Lap, and Bed size. Though you may not finish in class (especially if you choose the largest size) you will leave the class having the skills to finish your project at home in very little time.

Class Prep: There is cutting required at home before the day of class.

There will be a half hour break for lunch

Date: Friday, September 29, 2023
Time: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Instructor: Sue Severiano
Skill Level: Confident Beginner
Class Fee:  $55.00

 

Beginning Applique Class

Join Linda for our Beginning Applique class. Using the book 'First Time Applique' by Janet Pittman, Linda will guide you through each step for machine applique from tracing, to cutting and finishing. Choose from 5 different applique projects to start with or plan for all of them! A sewing machine with zig zag stitch is required for this class.

Class Prep: There is a little cutting and attaching interfacing required at home before the day of class

Date:        Saturday, September 30, 2023
Time:        10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Instructor:    Linda Heimerl
Skill Level:    Beginner
Class Fee:    $55.00

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 7, 2023
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Instructor: Lori Adameitz 
Class Fee: $45.00

Apron Class

Join Kris to create Minnesota designer Mary Mulari’s popular crisscross apron. Choose from the adult or child size pattern! This pattern design is reversible and slips easily over the head with no ties. Consider novelty prints for holiday baking or for a fun gift. Kris will provide ideas for apron customization and tips for making the process to create this project even easier, including cutting patterns with the rotary cutter and quick patch pockets.


Teacher, Kris Livingston enjoys encouraging others in the creative process of sewing. She has 20 plus years of experience.

Date:        Saturday, October 14, 2023
Time:        9:30 am – 1:30 pm
Instructor:    Kris Livingston
SkillLevel:    All skill levels welcome
Class Fee:    $35.00

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.
 

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:  Thursday, November 2, 2023
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Instructor: Lori Adameitz 
Class Fee: $45.00

Finishing Class - Machine Quilt and Traditional Binding

In this hands on instructional class students will learn how to finish their quilt project using a domestic sewing machine. Katie will share the different methods of sandwiching quilts, how to quilt your project using your domestic machine, and how to hand bind your project.


Students will bring their own small pieced top or whole cloth measuring approximately 14”x 30” or 22”x 22” to work with.  

A complete supply list is provided at registration.

Date: November 4, 2023
Time:1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Instructor: Katie Glancy of Blue Door Quilting
ClassFee: $35.00


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