Quilters Live a Colorful Life

Posted by Diana Wendorf on

Welcome to What's Up Wednesday! 
 
   
Excitement is growing for the All Minnesota Shop Hop and we hope you are as well!   Last week, the organizers of this event posted a picture of the All Minnesota Shop Hop Magazine to the All Minnesota Shop Hop Facebook group and we immediately started getting phone calls from people who want to reserve their copy.  The magazine is your passport, however, it is so much more because it also contains patterns for five different projects, articles, and information for all the participating shops.  Currently, the magazines are scheduled to be in shops by late February with a price of  $9.95.  We are currently accepting pre-orders so just call the shop or visit our webstore at www.affinityforquilts.com and search 'Shop Hop Magazine' or click here to place your order.  If you are not  currently following the All Minnesota Shop Hop on Facebook you can join the group by clicking here or going to www.facebook.com/groups/allminnesotashophop.  The group just reach three thousand subscribers! We are looking forward to seeing everyone as the snow melts and the weather warms during the April-May All Minnesota Shop Hop.  

 

Are you ready for Spring?  We are, and our new samples show it!

One of the first flowers of Spring is the Tulip and we have a bouquet of tulips for you.   The Early Risers quilt is from the Mini Wonderful Curves book by Jenny Pedigo and Helen Robinson for Sew Kind of Wonderful.  This is only one of the many projects we plan to do from this book as it has so many great patterns.  All of the patterns use the QCR Mini Ruler, which is the same ruler we used for Posh Santa Quilt Class.  The finished piece measures 37" x 47" and kits are available for $55.99.  The pattern book and ruler are sold separately.  

 
The Wind Drifter pattern from Robin Pickens is created by making half square triangles that form a pinwheel of motion.  The quilt measures 65" x 65" and kits include the pattern and are available for $86.99.
The Paradigm Quilt is from Homemade by Emily Jane and features the Nocturnal line from Moda Fabrics.   Our sample, and kits, are a throw size measuring 72" x 72".  Kits include the pattern and are available for $84.99.
The Shady Character Quilt pattern was designed by Lazy Girls Design and features the Frieze Frame fabric collection from Michael Miller Fabrics.  The quilt goes together quickly with the help from the Creative Grids 90 degree Double Strip Ruler.  Our sample, and kits, are for the lap size measuring 54" x 70".   Kits include the pattern and are available for  $82.99.  The ruler is sold separately.  
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.
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 meetings can also be arranged if staff is available. 

COVID-19
COVID cases continue to rise in Minnesota.  We are requesting that all customers wear a mask, vaccinated or not.  Let's all do our part to put an end to this pandemic.  Affinity For Quilts staff will be wearing masks for your protection, as well as ours.   

Bad Weather Store Closure Policy

While we strive not to close the shop sometimes mother nature has other ideas and we have to make the decision to close for everyone's safety.  This is just a reminder of the store closure policy here at Affinity For Quilts. 
  1. We will post any notifications on Facebook.
  2. An e-mail will be sent to everyone who is a current subscriber on our list. 
  3. Our website calendar will be update.
  4. If the weather is questionable and you are unsure if the shop is open please call before heading out. 

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
Thank you Ruth T. for sharing your sewing tip with us. 

Just a reminder, if you have a tip you would like to share just email us at quilt@affinityforquilts.com.  If we use you tip in the newsletter you will receive a free Villa Rosa pattern of your choice.

Affinity For Quilts Tip of the Week:  
When boxing corners and cutting away the excess, save the corners - they make great little "pockets" for lint and debris when cleaning your machine. Our photo shows a little lint cleaning brush in the pocket! 
Classes and Events
Laura Heine Teeny-Tiny Collage Class

Join us for this super fun day of fabric collage-making! During this all-day class you will learn how to assemble one of Laura Heine's whimsical Teeny Tiny collages. These fun projects are great for using up those special bits of fabric that you have been saving and just can't part with. The results are beautiful and the possibilities are endless!

Date:  Thursday, January 20, 2022
Time:  10:00am - 4:00pm
Class Fee:  $45.00
Instructor: Lori Adameitz 
Jelly Roll Rug 

Join Kris Livingston to create the popular jelly-roll rug.  The technique involves folding 2.5 inch fabric strips to encase cotton batting  strips.  Using a straight stitch followed by a zig zag stitch you will create a wonderful oval or circular rug.  This project is a great way to use a favorite jelly-roll or 42- 2.5 inch strips from your fabric collection.   It is really fun to see how the different fabric choices blend.  A perfect project for anyone who loves to sew.

Date:  Saturday, January 22, 2022
Time:  9:30am - 3:00pm
Class Fee:  $55.00
Instructor:  Kris Livingston
Midnight Open Sew

Are you ready to spend a night quilting with friends?  Join Diana as she hosts our monthly Midnight Open Sew.  This month we will be having Chicken Cacciatore served over pasta with bread and Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars for dessert.  

Date:  Friday, January 28, 2022
Time:  4:00pm-Midnight
Class Fee:  $20.00
Intermediate Sashiko

Intermediate Sashiko is the next step in Sashiko fun. Students will be using pre printed graph to aid in marking the hexi pattern of choice. With help and guidance you will sketch in the stitch lines of the pattern you choose. Then we will cover stitching on straight lines, as opposed to pre-printed dashed lines. After this, you will be ready to stitch on any fabric you choose.

Date:  Friday, February 4, 2022
Time:  10:00am-1:00pm
Class Fee:  $20.00
Instructor:  Tammy Berry
It's a Wrap Heart Bowl

Make a colorful heart shaped bowl for Valentine's Day from clothesline, fabric strips and the zig-zag stitch on your machine. We will cover the basics to make any shape of cord covered bowl, coaster or placemat. Join us even if you missed the fall class. Have fun, use up scraps and play with color combinations. 

Date:  Saturday, February 5, 2022
Time:  9:30am-12:30pm
Class Fee:  $25.00
Instructor:  Kris Livingston

Beginning Sashiko

Learn the art of Sashiko with a small pre-printed 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 a new projects. Students will be learning Sashiko using four preprinted coasters. One project to get started on endless fun. Supplies are few to try this addictive hobby. Join us!

Date:  Saturday,  February 5, 2022
Time:  1:00pm - 4:00pm 
Class Fee:  $20.00
Instructor: Tammy Berry

Sashiko Stitching Club

The Sashiko Stitching Club includes an exclusive project each month, only available to Club members, and this month is this adorable stocking.  During this time 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. Participants will also receive a 15% discount for their Sashiko supplies, and fabric purchases.  Discount excludes: Thread, Notions and Quilt MN fabrics.

Be sure to call today to reserve your spot in this fun and exciting club!

Date:  Sunday, February 6, 2022
           Wednesday, February 9, 2022
Time:  12:30pm-3:30pm
Class Fee:  $10.00
Instructor:  Tammy Berry
Beginning Applique

Join Linda Heimerl, our newest instructor, for the Beginning Applique class. Linda will guide you through the steps for machine applique from tracing, to cutting and finishing. Choose from 5 different applique projects. A sewing machine with zig-zag stitch is required.

Date:  Saturday, February 12, 2022
Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm 
Class Fee: $55.00
Instructor: Linda Heimerl

There will be a half hour lunch break during this class.
Sewper Bowl 2022

It is Super Bowl Sunday! While the family is at home why not come out and enjoy a day with your sewing friends for Sewper Bowl 2022!   As mentioned above our quilt along project will be the 12 Carat Quilt.  During the Sewper Bowl you will learn how to use the Creative Grids Rectangle Ruler to create this stylish modern quilt.  The patterns features several sizes; however the sample kit is for the lap size measuring 56" x 64". 

Class fee also includes;  Appetizers, along with a dinner meal of, Cesar Salad, Chicken Marsala with Fettuccini Alfredo, Bread, and Cheesecake Bars for dessert.    

Date:  Sunday, February 13, 2022
Time:  12:30pm - 6:30pm (you will be home in time for the half-time show)
Class Fee:  $40.00
Instructor:  Diana Wendorf


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: February 24, 2022
Time: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm or 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Class Fee: $25.00

Instructor: Tammy Berry

Jody Madison Lotus Flower Judy Neimeyer Class

Join Jodie in this all day class to learn the technique of foundation paper piecing. Foundation paper piecing is done by sewing fabric to a printed paper foundation. This method of piecing creates crisp points and perfect seams in your quilt. Jodie will teach you the Judy Niemeyer method of paper piecing using the newly published Lotus pattern designed by Judy Niemeyer.

Jodie is a certified Judy Niemeyer guest teacher who has taught with us in the past. We are pleased to have her back!

Date:  Saturday, February 26, 2022
Time:  10:00am - 4:30pm
Class Fee:  $55.00
Instructor:  Jodie Madison

There will be a half hour break for lunch

Camden Bag Class

Join Tammy to create The Camden Street Bag! This is a good class for a beginner student with sewing experience. The bag has an outer slip pocket and an inner zip pocket. The structure of the bag is created from the Soft and Stable foam. The bulk of the foam means we will be working with a larger needle size. Your sewing machine will need to handle thicker material. A dual feed or walking foot works well for this project.

Date:  Saturday, March 5, 2022
Time:  9:30am-4:00pm
Class Fee:  $50.00
Instructor: Tammy Berry
Early Riser

It is time to think spring with the Early Risers quilt class! Many of us are a little hesitant to take on curves when creating a quilt. In this class you will gain curve confidence as Becky teaches you the techniques of cutting, piecing, and squaring up your curve blocks using the QCR Mini Ruler to create the Early Riser quilt. It is the perfect project to increase your quilting knowledge and create a wonderful quilt for spring.  The finished size of this project is 37" x 47".

Date:  Thursday, March 10, 2022
Time:  9:30am-12:30pm or 6:00pm-9:00pm
Class Fee:  $40.00
Instructor:  Becky Umenthum

Flying Geese Made Easy

Do you struggle when making Flying Geese Units? Well, struggle no more as Diana shows you how to make perfect Flying Geese every time using the Studio 180 Design's Wing Clipper *1 tool. Students will create the lovely Switchback table runner while learning this great technique.

Date: Wednesday, March 16, 2022
Time:  10:00am-1:00pm or 6:00pm-9:00pm
Class Fee $30.00
Instructor:  Diana Wendorf

Wind Drifter Class

Join Becky to create the Wind Drifter Quilt by Robin Pickens. In this all day class Becky will teach you her tricks for half square triangles using her very favorite ruler the Easy Angle ruler by Sharon Hultgren . This is Becky's favorite technique for creating half square triangles and believes it is the fastest, most accurate method to create these triangles. An added bonus? You won't need to trim any blocks!

Date:  Saturday March 19, 2022
Time:  9:30am - 3:30pm
Class Fee: 
Instructor:  Becky Umethum
Quilt Minnesota 2022 - July 29, 2022 thru August 20, 2022

Quilt Minnesota 2022 fabric is now available for pre-order.  Here at Affinity For Quilts we do not require a deposit for your order and the website (www.affinityforquilts.com) is set up with a $0.00 price for Quilt Minnesota fabrics and pre-cuts.  Payment processing will not begin until July 25, 2022.    You will find a complete price list of the Quilt Minnesota Fabric line in the description area of each fabric.  If you prefer to pre-order Quilt Minnesota 2022 fabrics in person just stop into the store and talk to any sales associate. The actual fabric will not be in store until June of 2022.   
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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