Spring Has Arrived in White Bear Lake Minnesota!

Posted by Diana Wendorf on

Sunday, May 7th, is the All Minnesota Shop Hop Sunday for the East Central Region.  Please be sure to refer to your All Minnesota Shop Hop Magazine, or website, to confirm that the shops you hope to visit are open.  Also, please note that the magazine and website have our hours listed incorrectly.  We will be open 11:00am-5:00pm on Sunday, May 7, 2023.  We have all the official All Minnesota Shop Hop fabric in stock; however, I regret to say we are out of the panel and magazine.  Looking forward to meeting new quilters, and seeing familiar faces, on Sunday! 

Retreats are always so much fun and I want to thank everyone who attended the Spring Affinity For Quilts Sleep In Your Own Bed Retreat that happened last weekend.   It was so much fun spending the weekend with such a great group of quilters.  Dates have been set for our Fall Sleep In Your Own Bed Retreat and will be announced in July, so keep an eye out in the What's Up Wednesday for all the details.   
Beaming was designed by Homemade Emily Jane and is a traditional quilt pattern with a modern twist.  Our throw size sample features various batiks on a neutral background.  The sample measures 58" x 72" and we have two kit options available.  The first option is a complete kit, which includes the pattern and all the material for the quilt top for $95.99.  The second option is our starter kit, which allows you to choose your own 2-3/4 yards of background fabric.  The starter kit includes the pattern and material for the stars and binding for $57.99.  
April showers bring May flowers and the spring flowers have arrived here at Affinity For Quilts.

Flowerhouse: Natural Textures by Debbie Beaves from Robert Kaufman fabrics is what what Spring is all about!  Get inspired by nature with your next quilt project as the Flowerhouse: Natural Textures collection flowers, leaves, recycled paper, and cotton fibers and recolors them in shades of blue, green, pink, and purple in this vibrant fabric assortment! 
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 of the items for your quilting needs, but some things 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.

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!  When identical quilt blocks are sewn together without sashing strips between them, a secondary pattern develops where the blocks meet.  To easily preview this pattern with only one block assembled, lay the block facedown on a table.  Fold the four corners into the center of the block.  The small block formed where the corners match is the secondary pattern you will see after the blocks are stitched together.  
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.
 
All Minnesota Shop Hop
April 1, 2023 thru May 31, 2023

 
Are you following the All Minnesota Shop Hop on Facebook?  If not, I strongly encourage you to do so.  The adventures of all your fellow Shop Hoppers can be found there.  Read the rules of your passport and remember you only need to visit (5) five shops in the whole state of MN to submit your passport into the general drawing.  
    We are looking forward to seeing everyone as the snow melts and the weather warms during the April-May All Minnesota Shop Hop. 

    We have the official Shop Hop fabric in stock.   
    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 Boxy 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!  

    This class is intended for a confident beginner student and requires fabric to be cut based on instructors handout prior to class.  

    Date:  Saturday, May 6, 2023
    Time:  9:30am – 3:30 pm
    Instructor:  Ruth Thompson
    Class Fee: $45.00

    There will be a half hour break for lunch

    Flash Monday -  Burrito Pillowcase Method

    We had a request for this class so here it is.  Pillowcases are fun and easy projects that make great gifts.  The Burrito method, or sometimes referred to as the sausage method or roll-up method, only requires three seams.  You will also learn how to make french seams in the class.   French seams are a way of enclosing all raw edges and seams so that the finished project looks very clean and professional!

    Choose between a standard, queen, or king size pillowcase.  The only difference is the amount of fabric needed from the main print.

    Date:  Monday, May 8, 2023
    Time:  10:00am - 12:00pm
    Instructor:  Diana Wendorf
    Class Fee:  $12.00 and includes pattern handout.  (Must purchase, or supply, fabric for project.)
    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, May 10, 2023  
    Time:  12:30pm-3:30pm
    Instructor:  Tammy Berry
    Class Fee:  $12.00
    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, May 11, 2023
               Thursday, May 18, 2023
    Time:  10:00am-3:30pm
    Class Fee:  $12.00
    Instructor:  Sharon Lenertz
    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: Friday, May 12,  2023
    Time: 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm 
    Class Fee: $25.00
    Instructor: Tammy Berry

    The Art of Embellishment

    Embellishment is a technique that uses various materials to decorate an object. In this class Linda will teach you how to embellish your project.  She will be discussing material mediums and ways to embellish your projects.  Then you will be working on your own embellishment project.  It can be something as simple as a notebook cover or embellishing a collage quilt that you have created, such as the seahorse featured in our photo.

    Prep:  If embellishing a collage, students must bring a completed collage piece to class.  If embellishing a notebook, students must bring a notebook to work with in class.  A complete list of supplies needed will be provided at time of registration.  


    Skill Level:  Beginning
    Date:  Tuesday, May 16, 2023
    Time:  9:30am - 12:30pm
    Class Fee:  $25.00
    Instructor:  Linda Treague

    Dresden Clock Class

    Make this quilted clock, based on the classic Dresden plate pattern. Choose a neutral palette or colorful hues. The clock is held in a 12” quilting hoop and uses a standard clock kit. It will be a perfect addition to your sewing room or gift to a quilting friend. Only basic sewing skills needed. Patterns are provided. The design is inspired by the book Hoop Quilts for Beginners. 

    Date: Saturday, May 20, 2023
    Time: 9:30 am - 1:30 pm
    Instructor: Kris Livingston
    Class Fee:  $35.00
    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.  We will be having Chicken Cacciatore served over pasta, with bread, and Salted Camel Apple Cheesecake 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.   


    Date:   Friday, May 26, 2023 
    Time:  4:00pm-Midnight
    Event Host: Diana Wendorf
    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.  We will be having Chicken Cacciatore served over pasta, with bread, and Salted Camel Apple Cheesecake 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.  


    Date:   Sunday, May 28, 2023   
    Time:  1:00pm - 7:00pm 
    Event Host: Diana Wendorf

    Class Fee:  $20.00
    Pineapple Rings Quilt Class

    In this class you will learn the pineapple block technique using the Creative Grids Pineapple Trim Tool. Sewing square pineapple blocks can be challenging, however, with Becky's guidance and using the Creative Grids ruler you will create 10” square pineapple blocks while learning precision piecing, pressing, and trimming providing students with the tools to finish the project at their own pace. Once the process is learned, the project goes together fairly quickly. You will love the way this project goes together and secondary design that the block layout in creates!

    There is some class prep for this class. Follow the instructions on the supply list for fabric cutting.

    Date: Saturday,  June 3, 2023
    Time: 9:30 am- 4:30 pm 
    Class Fee: $50.00
    Instructor: Becky Umenthum
    Skill Level: Confident Beginner
    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: Tuesday, June 6, 2023
    Time:10:00 am – 12:00 pm
    Instructors: Jordan Frayne 
    Class Fee:  $20.00

    Beginning Sashiko

    Join Tammy for this introductory class and learn the art of Sashiko. Students will learn the Japanese running stitch embroidery, using the pre-printed coasters 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 new projects. Tammy will share her tips, tricks, and expertise as she teaches you this beautiful form of hand stitching. Supplies are few to try this addictive hobby.

    Date: Saturday, June 10, 2023
    Time: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
    Class Fee: $20.00
    Instructor: Tammy Berry

    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: Thursday, June 22, 2023
    Time: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
    Instructor: Sue Severiano
    Skill Level: Confident Beginner
    Class Fee:  $55.00

    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, June 24, 2023
    Time:  1:00pm - 4:00pm
    Instructor:  Aryn Lill
    Class Fee:  $50.00  Follow like above to register.  Class fee includes all supplies.

    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, July 15, 2023
    Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Instructor: Lori Adameitz

    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 will be a half hour break for lunch

    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

    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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