Quilting Is My Therapy

Posted by Diana Wendorf on

Welcome to What's Up Wednesday!   
The 2022 All Minnesota Shop Hop is over and we had so much fun! Remember, you only need 5 passport stamps from any of the participating shops to submit your passport for the entry level prize drawings.  Mail that passport in today, you may be a winner!  Thank you to everyone who stopped in and visited us and we hope to see you again in the future. 

The big news for the week is that the Quilt Minnesota fabric has arrived!  The panels are hung and the fabric is on display for your viewing enjoyment.  We are already sold out of a couple pieces allocated for pre-order so do not delay and pre-order your fabric today.  Pre-ordering is easy on line or in person.  And you are not required to pay until we actually begin cutting your fabric the week of July 25, 2022.
To place your pre-order online, go to our website at www.affinityforquilts.com and place your order.  Be sure to choose in-store pickup as your shipping option.  If you would like to have your order shipped, we can coordinate that  when we contact you for payment the week on July 25th.   
If you prefer to place your pre-order in person stop into the store and complete a pre-order form.   
It’s time for our June Gift-card Give Away and we'd love to see those quilts you have made for a dad in your life! To enter this month’s drawing, follow us on Facebook and share a quilt you created for a dad in the comments section of this post! Double your chances to win by tagging a quilting friend!
The winner will be randomly selected on June 15, 2022 and will receive a $10.00 gift card to be used in store or online. Good luck to all who share!


The sample makers have been busy as we have two great new kits to share with you this week.   

First there is Cascade by Canuck Quilter Designs.   The sample features the Light Up My World fabric line by Alicia Dujets from Michael Miller Fabrics.  The quilt measures 54-1/2" by 71-1/2"  and kits are available for $78.99.  The fun thing about this quilt is that it glows in the dark!
Sun & Sea was designed by David Galchutt for QT Fabrics.  The sun and sea creatures set the stage in the 24" panel and is complimented by the rich and intense color of the coordinating fabrics.  The pattern was designed by Pine Tree Country Quilts and measures 52" x 72".  Kits are available for $96.99.
Calling all Ghastlie fans....the new Ghastlie's are here!  Alexander Henry is known for their Ghastlie collections.  Each print is created in house by artists who paint each design by hand which are inspired by art history, haute couture and the culture at large.  Be sure to stop in and check out all the fun designs by these talented artists.  
Midnight In the Garden by Sweetfire Road from Moda Fabrics.  As the sun sets over a cottage garden, the bright day's sky slowly turns to the soft blush and gold shades of twilight. The night air is scented with fresh earth, ripe berries and sweet apples, and as midnight arrives, the garden is transformed into a strikingly beautiful stillness colored in shades of charcoal and moonlight. It is a peaceful place of quiet repose and magic, a lovely contrast to the busyness of the day. Welcome to my "Midnight in the Garden".  
Mother Nature is a brilliant artist and Flower Pot by Lella boutique for Moda Fabrics shows off that beauty of Mother Nature.  Look at the way she dots a meadow with flowers or summons Queen Anne's Lace along an old highway road.  At her call, sunflowers turn their glorious heads and follow the sun all day long.  It is admirable how a florist or gardener can harness the wild beauty of nature and transform it into a piece of Heaven at home.  Think of this collection as the seeds to plant in your very own Flower Pot!
Wishwell Sweetness by Vanessa Lillrose and Linda Fitch for Robert Kaufman Fabrics is reminiscent of a hot summer day and the cool refreshing taste of fresh watermelon.  Watermelon slices, seeds, flowers, and vines can be found throughout this group.  Perfect for summertime napkins, placemats, runners, or picnic quilt.  
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 negotiable with the shop for evening meetings.

COVID-19
Per the CDC COVID is now an endemic vs a pandemic. This means that, while some people would still get infected, it wouldn't be an unbearable number with devastating consequences that overwhelms the public, hospital systems and providers.  The seasonal flu, or influenza, is an example of an endemic virus. We will continue to monitor the COVID situation; however, masks are still a great way to stop the spread of this disease.  If you have not been vaccinated please wear a mask when in the shop.  At the current time it is employee choice if they want to mask or not.

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:  Pedicure toe separators work great to hold filled bobbins so they don't roll around. 

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. 

Even if an event is filled, please add your name to the wait list.  The wait list is used to see how popular the event is and if we should schedule another class; or, if someone can not attend then we will call the first person on the wait list to see if they what that spot.   

You can register and pay for classes in person at 2199 4th Street, White Bear Lake Minnesota or by phone at 651-429-1039.
One Block Wonder Quilt Class

Join Becky as she guides you through the steps to create a lovely watercolor style quilt. 

Using one fabric, students will separate fabric into its individual colors and then ‘paint’ with those colors to form kaleidoscope blocks and a beautiful quilt. Using one fabric creates more intensity and movement than the original fabric.

You can see what your fabric selections will look like by using your cellphone camera and the following website:
www.oneblockwonder.com/design-helper/ .  

Date:  Saturday, June 4, 2022 
Time:  9:30am - 4:00pm
Class Fee $50.00
Instructor: Becky Umenthum

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:  June 11, 2022
Time:  9:30am - 1:30pm
Class Fee:  $35.00
Instructor:  Ruth Thompson

Sashiko Stitching Club

The Sashiko Stitching Club includes an exclusive project each month, only available to Club members.  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:  Wednesday, June 15, 2022               
Time:  12:30pm-3:30pm
Class Fee:  $10.00
Instructor:  Tammy Berry
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, June 16, 2022
Time:  10:00am - 4:00pm
Class Fee:  $45.00
Instructor: Lori Adameitz 
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:  June 18, 2022
Time:  9:00am - 12:00pm or 1:00pm-4:00pm
Class Fee:  $20.00
Instructor: Tammy Berry

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: June 23, 2022
Time: 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm or 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Class Fee: $30.00
Instructor: Tammy Berry 

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 Burgers and/or Brats in Wade's famous beer sauce, homemade baked beans, chips with French Onion Dip,  and the Strawberry Pretzel Dessert.

Date:   Friday, June 24, 2022 
Time:  4:00pm-Midnight
Class Fee:  $20.00
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 and the menu will feature Burgers and/or Brats in Wade's famous beer sauce, homemade baked beans, chips with French Onion Dip,  and the Strawberry Pretzel Dessert.

Date:   Sunday, June 26, 2022  (Only 3 open places)
Time:  1:00pm - 7:00pm 
Class Fee:  $20.00
Graphing A Sashiko Pattern  -  The Stocking

During the first half of this class students will learn to graph the Circular Seven Treasures Pattern used for the Christmas stocking. The second part of the class will focus on stitching without every stitch pre-marked on the project. It’s exciting to be able to mark and stitch on any fabric of your choice. The stocking is a great size for conquering this next step in your stitching Sashiko adventures.

Sashiko experience is required for this class.

Date:  July 16, 2022
Time:  9:00am-1:00pm
Class Fee:  $25.00
Instructor:  Tammy Berry

Layered Diamonds Bargello Class

A bargello quilt is made of fabrics sewn together to create the look of movement. These types of quilts look quite difficult to create however, with Sue's knowledge and teaching style all levels of quilters will enjoy this class. The pattern chosen is Layered Diamonds from Pine Tree Country Quilts and its' finished size is 43"x56"

Precutting and labeling are required for this all day class.
There will be a half hour break for lunch.

Date: Wednesday July 20, 2022
Time: 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Class Fee:  $50.00
Instructor: Sue Severiano 
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.   
Affinity For Quilts Sleep In Your Own Bed Retreat

Grab your quilting friends and join Diana for a fun filled weekend as we host our first Sleep In Your Own Bed Retreat since the onset of COVID.  This weekend will be nothing short of fun and will include: 
  • A Gift Bag for each Attendee
  • Great Door Prizes
  • Make-It-Take-It project each day of the retreat 
  • Short product demo each day 
  • A Fun Quilting game after lunch each day; with prizes
  • In Store Shopping Discounts for retreat participants
  • Catering by Manitou Grill with Pizza and Salad on Friday night and Salad, Mushroom and Herb Chicken or Pot Roast with Roasted Baby Red Potatoes and Amaretto Butter Green Beans and a Molten Caramel Drizzle Brownie for dessert
Unlike past retreats there is a deadline for registration as the event center needs a final headcount by a specific date.  If you are interested in attending the retreat you must register by  Saturday, September 24, 2022. Late registrations will not be accepted; however, we can place you on a wait list in case of a cancellation.   We are requesting a 30% deposit upon registration with full payment by September 24, 2022.  Deposit for Friday/Saturday would be $52.50 and for Saturday only would be $37.50.  Also please indicate your food preference; the Mushroom Herb Chicken or Pot Roast upon calling in your registration.  

Dates/Time:  Friday, October 14, 2022 10:00am - 10:00pm
                     Saturday, October 15, 2022 9:00am - 10:00pm
Location:  Ballroom of Manitou Event Center, 2171 4th Street, White Bear Lake, MN  55110
Retreat Fee:  $175.00 for Friday and Saturday
                      $125.00 Saturday only
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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