Spring Has Arrived, Let's Finish Those Projects!

Posted by Diana Wendorf on

Welcome to What's Up Wednesday!   
The countdown continues; only 10 days until the 2023 All Minnesota Shop Hop!  We have magazines in stock, so stop in and pick yours up today.  Supplies are limited! 

This week on Shop Hop Talk Tuesday the Regional Grand Prizes were shared.  To find out about all of the great prizes in each state region look at page 11 of your All Minnesota Shop Hop Magazine.  For our region, the East Central Region, there are 5 shops donating Grand Prizes.  The shops and prizes are Affinity For Quilts with a $250 Gift Basket, Buttermilk Basin with a $250 Gift Basket, Knit & Bolt with a Tula Pink Nutty Quilt Kit, Sew With Me-Lake Elmo a Janome 3160 Sewing Machine, and The Cutting Edge Quilt Shop with a $250 Gift Certificate.  To qualify for the Regional Grand Prizes you must visit and get stickers from all of the shops within that region.  However, do not despair you only need to visit and get stickers from five shops within the state to submit your passport for a chance to win fabulous prizes. Plus there are so many other opportunities to win prizes in this shop hop. To find out about them all visit the  All Minnesota Shop Hop FaceBook Group  page and watch Shop Hop Talk Tuesday.   

The quilt featured this week was designed by Celine Perkins of Perkins Dry Goods and is located on page 93 of the All Minnesota Shop Hop Magazine .  The pattern is On the Midway and features the shop hop panel and the several of the coordinating fabrics within the line. 

If you missed Shop Hop Talk Tuesday you can always watch the replay on the 
All Minnesota Shop Hop FaceBook Group.  Be sure to tune in next week on March 28, 2023 for your chance to win some great prizes and find out more about the  All Minnesota Shop Hop beginning on April 1, 2023.   
Speaking of the All Minnesota Shop Hop I am so excited to have the All Minnesota Shop Hop Quilt Minnesota Fun Play designed by Anne Marcellis of Sam Quilt Designs decorating our walls.  This quilt measures 60" x 72" and we will have kits available on April 1st for $84.99.  
Monorail by Terry Atkinson of Atkinson Designs is in the house!  I love our hometown designers, and Terry Atkinson is one of them.  She is now retired traveling the country but MN is still home!  Terry loves creating new and interesting patterns for all of our quilting creations.   She began by creating patterns from her most popular classes in 1994 that were sold locally and later that year she went national with a pattern distributor and her popularity as a pattern designer continues.  Atkinson Designs newest release, Monorail, is in the shop and available for purchase.  As with many of Terry's patterns, there are multiple size options, from table-runners all the way up to Queen size quilts.   Pick your pattern and size today and we are happy to help you find the perfect fabrics to complete your project.
Our next sample features another local quilt designer;  Doug Leko of Antler Quilt Designs.  Watermarks features the Date Night collection from Moda Fabrics.  The pattern says the quilt is a Throw; however, it measures 77" x 103".  We have limited kits available for $149.99.
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 
Winter Weather Notifications
  1. A Facebook post will be added to our page with details of the closure.
  2. An e-mail will be sent to everyone who is a current subscriber to What's Up Wednesday.
  3. The "Calendar" on our website will be update that the store is "CLOSED."
  4. If the weather is bad and you are unsure if the shop is open please call before heading out.  If no one answers the phone and it is between the hours of 9am-5pm then we are most likely closed.  
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:   Thank you Karen M. for sharing your tip with us.  When I switch from piecing to machine quilting to mending or other sewing, I often change the type and size of needle in my machine. I keep small slips of paper noting size and needle type pinned to a pin cushion near my machine to keep track of which type and size. I use the needle itself to pin the paper to the cushion. I use a rhinestone hat pin to attach the paper of the needle that is currently in my machine.  That way there is no guessing the next time I sit down to sew.
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.
 
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 Spaghetti, garlic toast, and  Binge 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.   

Add your name to the wait list.


Date:   Friday, March 24, 2023 
Time:  4:00pm-Midnight
Event Host: Diana Wendorf
Class Fee:  $20.00
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, March 25, 2023
Time:  1:00pm - 4:00pm
Instructor:  Aryn Lill
Class Fee:  $50.00  Follow like above to register.  Class fee includes all supplies.
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 Spaghetti, garlic toast, and  Binge 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, March 26, 2023   
Time:  1:00pm - 7:00pm 
Event Host: Diana Wendorf

Class Fee:  $20.00
All Minnesota Shop Hop
April 1, 2023 thru May 31, 2023


The All Minnesota Shop Hop is only 24 days away so be sure to stop in to pick up your very own copy of the All Minnesota Shop Hop Magazine before they are are gone. 
 
The magazine is your passport; however, it is so much more because it also contains patterns for six different projects, articles, and information for all the participating shops. The magazines retail for $10.95 each.  

There are two ways in which you can get your copy of the All Minnesota Shop Hop Magazine. 

Are you following the All Minnesota Shop Hop on Facebook?  If not, I strongly encourage you to do so.  You can win some fabulous prizes before the shop hop even begins!   If you are not  currently following the All Minnesota Shop Hop on Facebook you can join the group by clicking here or go to www.facebook.com/groups/allminnesotashophop.
 
    We are looking forward to seeing everyone as the snow melts and the weather warms during the April-May All Minnesota Shop Hop.  
    Flash Monday - Clam Up Zippered Pouch

    The Clam Up Zippered Pouches by Annie is a great way to store and carry all your treasures.  They are easy and fun to make and come in five different sizes.  Diana will be teaching us how to make the large pouch which measures 4-7/8" high x 6-1/2" wide by 4-5/8" deep.  

    Only two open spaces available.  

    Date:  Monday, April 3, 2023
    Time:  10:00am-12:30pm
    Instructor:  Diana Wendorf
    Class Fee:  $12.00

    Straight Line Quilting & Binding Class

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

    Students will bring their own fabric piece or small pieced top measuring no bigger than 14”x 30” to work with. A complete supply list will be provided at registration.

    Date: Saturday, April 8, 2023 
    Time:1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
    Instructor: Katie Glancy
    Class Fee: $35.00

    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, April 12, 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, April 13, 2023
                Thursday, April 20, 2023
    Time:  10:00am-3:30pm
    Class Fee:  $12.00
    Instructor:  Sharon Lenertz

    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, April 15, 2023
    Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Instructor: Lori Adameitz
    Class Fee: $45.00

    There will be a half hour break for lunch

    Duck, Duck, Goose Mini

    Join Becky for a day of quilting to create the adorable Duck, Duck, Goose Mini Quilt.  In this class you will machine piece the project and be introduced to applique, machine stitching embroidery as well as a bit of hand embroidery. Becky will walk you through the steps and share one of her favorite tools, the Easy Angle Ruler, and how it can be used. Becky’s kind and informative teaching style, sewing expertise with her sewing tips and tricks will make this day of quilting great fun!

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

    Date: Saturday, April 22, 2023
    Time: 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
    Instructor: Becky Umenthum
    Skill Level:  Confident Beginner
    Class Fee:  $50.00

    There will be a half hour break for lunch

    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 Spring Sleep In Your Own Bed Retreat.  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 
    • In Store Shopping Discounts for retreat participants   
    • Salad and Pizza Friday night from Carbone's Pizzeria & Pub
    • Catering by Todd Scheel for our Saturday evening meal.  The menu includes Tossed Garden Salad, your choice of Pan Seared Chicken Breasts or Marinated Choice Tender Tips with Mushrooms, Cheesy Potato Bake, Green Bean Almondine, and a Fudge Brownie with Raspberry Mousse for dessert.
    If you are interested in attending the retreat you must register by  Saturday, April 15, 2023. 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 April 15, 2023.  Deposit for Friday/Saturday would be $52.50.   Please indicate your food preference;  the Seared Chicken Breasts or Marinated Choice Tender Tips with Mushrooms, when registering. 

    Only 1 open space remain.  

    Dates/Time:  Friday, April  28, 2023 10:00am - 10:00pm
                         Saturday, April 29, 2023 9:00am - 10:00pm
    Location:  White Bear Lake Masonic Lodge at 4923 Stewart Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110

    Retreat Fee:  $175.00 for Friday and Saturday
    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

    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

    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

    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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