Classroom Space
If your group needs a meeting place, please call Affinity For Quilts at 651-429-1039 to inquire about availability.
- We offer two free open sew days each month, the 1st Friday and the 3rd Tuesday, from 10am to 4pm. Registration for each month will begin the 15th of the month prior as space is limited. Due to the holidays the open sew space is only available on the 1st Friday of November and December. The third Tuesday will not be available in November and December.
- Private groups can rent the space for a fee of $10 per day, per group.
- We also invite non-profits and Guilds to use our facilities for their events. Please contact the shop to discuss and arrange your event.
Recurring 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.
Winter Weather Notifications
- A Facebook post will be added to our page with details of the closure.
- An e-mail will be sent to everyone who is a current subscriber to the What's Up Wednesday newsletter.
- The website calendar will be updated with a note stating "Closed due to the weather"
- 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, 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! When doing machine applique, it’s essential to use a machine embroidery weight thread. This type of thread is specifically designed to work smoothly with your fabric and stitches, helping to prevent issues like puckering. Using heavier or inappropriate thread types can create uneven tension and distort your fabric, leading to puckered or misshapen applique. For the best results, ensure your thread matches the project requirements to maintain a smooth, professional finish.
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| Just a reminder if you have a tip you would like to share with our readers just e-mail Diana at quilt@affinityforquilts.com. |
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Class Registration and Cancellation Policy
To ensure fair access, payment is required at registration. If you need to cancel, please notify us at least 7 days before the class date for a refund, so we can offer your spot to someone else. Thank you for understanding!
Class Prep Information
Upon registering, you’ll receive a list of required supplies and preparations. Please review this to ensure a smooth class experience! If you register by phone, we’ll email the details to you.
Join the Waitlist
If a class is full, add your name to the waitlist. We’ll reach out if a spot opens, and the list helps us gauge interest for future classes.
Register In-Person or by Phone
Sign up at 2199 4th Street, White Bear Lake, MN, or call us at 651-429-1039.
Happy Quilting!
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Open Embroidery with Sharon
Join our embroidery circle for a day of creativity. Work on your personal embroidery projects in good company, and feel free to bring lunch, or perhaps venture out with your fellow stitchers to explore the offerings of Downtown White Bear Lake’s eateries. Sharon, our resident expert, is ready to help with any embroidery questions you might have. Be sure to carry along your completed projects for show-and-tell session.
Date: Thursday, November 21, 2024
Time: 10:00 am - 3:30 pm
Fee: $15.00/monthly gathering
Instructor: Sharon Lenertz
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Holiday Shop Hop 2024 - Joyful
Affinity For Quilts is thrilled to join the 2024 Holiday Shop Hop with neighboring quilt shops across Wisconsin! This year’s theme is “Joyful.” Starting Saturday, November 16th, and running through Saturday, November 23rd, visit each participating shop to collect five 3-1/2" green squares for the featured "Joy Wreath" pattern. Shoppers will also be entered into a drawing at each shop for a chance to win a gift basket valued at $75. Plus, by visiting all participating shops, you’ll enter the grand prize drawing for a deluxe 24" Tutto Sewing Machine Case on wheels, valued at $350!
Participating are:
Affinity For Quilts, White Bear Lake, MN
Angela's Quilting Studio, Dallas, WI
City Blocks Quilt Shop, Minneapolis, MN
Doyle's Farm and Home, New Richmond, WI
Fiber Lab, Menomonie, WI
Little Piece of Mind, New Richmond, WI
Marigold Quilt Shop, Glenwood City, WI
The Grain Bin Market, Boyceville, WI
Topstitchery, Roberts, WI
Dates: Saturday, November 16, 2024 thru
Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: Varies per shop, be sure to call ahead to find out store hours
Affinity For quilts is open Mon-Sat 9:0am-5:00pm
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Downtown White Bear Lake Holiday Open House
Join us for a festive evening during the Downtown White Bear Lake Holiday Open House!
It’s the perfect opportunity to start your holiday shopping by exploring all the delightful shops in our downtown area. The event runs from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, but Affinity For Quilts will be open with extended hours, kicking off our sale at 2:00 pm.
Our specials for the evening will be:
- 15% off all holiday fabric
- All sale wall fabric $7.00 a yard
- Register for our gift bag giveaway
Be sure to stop by for some holiday punch and sweet treats!
Date: Thursday, November 21, 2024
Time: 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm
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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. The menu for November will be Caesar Salad, Spaghetti, Garlic Bread, and Lemon Ricotta Cake for dessert.
Continue to inspire your fellow quilters with your handiwork during Show-and-Tell, which will take place after supper.
If you would like to join us we currently have 3 spots open.
Date: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: 4:00pm-Midnight
Event Host: Diana Wendorf
Class Fee: $25.00
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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. The menu for November will be Caesar Salad, Spaghetti, Garlic Bread, and Lemon Ricotta Cake for dessert.
Continue to inspire your fellow quilters with your handiwork during Show-and-Tell, which will take place after supper.
Date: Sunday, November 24, 2024
Time: 1:00pm - 7:00pm
Event Host: Diana Wendorf
Class Fee: $25.00
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Sashiko Club
Join our Sashiko Club! This is an instructor led open stitching group. During your time together, you will work on your own individual projects and get tips and pointers from other stitchers, and our talented instructor Tammy Berry. During each club Tammy arrives prepared to share patterns, techniques, or a project she is working on. Stitchers are welcome any time throughout the year. Join us for every session or for a few sessions as your time allows.
Date: Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Time: 9:30pm-12:30pm
Instructor: Tammy Berry
Class Fee: $15.00
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Open Embroidery with Sharon
Join our embroidery circle for a day of creativity. Work on your personal embroidery projects in good company, and feel free to bring lunch, or perhaps venture out with your fellow stitchers to explore the offerings of Downtown White Bear Lake’s eateries. Sharon, our resident expert, is ready to help with any embroidery questions you might have. Be sure to carry along your completed projects for show-and-tell session.
Date: Thursday, December 12, 2024
Thursday, December 19, 2024
Time: 10:00 am - 3:30 pm
Fee: $15.00/monthly gathering
Instructor: Sharon Lenertz
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Pet Portrait Quilt Class
Capture the essence of your beloved pet in fabric! In this one-day class, Linda will walk you through the steps to transform a photo of your pet into a small quilt using techniques that bring your photo to life. You'll learn how to replicate the colors, textures, and details of your pet’s image for a personalized, one-of-a-kind quilt.
Pre-Class Preparation
Before the class, there are a few steps you’ll need to complete as outlined on the supply list.
Join us for a fun, creative day, and leave with a quilted keepsake that showcases your pet!
Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024
Time: 9:30 am-3:30 pm
Instructor: Linda Heimerl
Class Fee: $55.00
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Featherweight Friends
Calling all Featherweights! Join us on the third Friday of each month for a day of sewing, sharing, and camaraderie.
Featherweight Friends is a gathering of sewing enthusiasts who share a common passion for Singer Featherweight sewing machines. Whether you're a seasoned Featherweight owner or new to the world of these compact and iconic machines, our club welcomes all sewing skill levels. Diana, our experienced instructor, will oversee our Featherweight Friends club! This is a wonderful opportunity to connect and sew with fellow Featherweight sewing machine owners. Exchange anecdotes, discuss your latest sewing triumphs, and share your current sewing projects with a friendly community of like-minded individuals.
What to Bring:
- Your Singer Featherweight sewing machine
- Sewing supplies and materials for your current project
- Any finished projects you'd like to share with the group
- Your enthusiasm and love for sewing!
Date: Friday, December 20, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Club Leader: Diana Wendorf
Club Fee: $15.00
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A Walk In The Woods Block Of The Month
Join the "A Walk in the Woods" Block of the Month program by Riley Blake Designs and embark on a delightful quilting journey starting January 2025. Designed by Beverly McCullough, this 6-month project features an enchanting mix of churn dash blocks, star blocks, and charming tree blocks. Crafted with Riley Blake Expressions Batiks, each block reflects the serene beauty of a woodland walk, perfect for quilters of any skill level. Enjoy the process of creating a beautiful quilt, one block at a time, and bring the essence of nature into your home.
Our journey begins on Saturday, January 4, 2025, with meetings held monthly on the first Saturday. For added flexibility, a second session will be available on the second Thursday of each month.
During the initial meeting, you'll receive a detailed outline of the six-month program, including meeting dates and an overview of each section of the quilt. You can also choose to pick up the provided kit in the featured colorway or select your own fabric combination.
Each monthly session will include discussions on block construction, helpful tips, tools that simplify quilting, and the pattern for the upcoming month's block.
Join us for "A Walk in the Woods" and create something special!
Kick-off Date: Saturday, January 4, 2025
Time: 9:30am - 10:30am
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Kick-off Date: Thursday, January 9, 2025
Time: 6:00pm-7:00pm
Instructor: Diana Wendorf
Fee: $159.99 - includes kit, monthly pattern, and all six meeting session
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2025 Temperature Quilt
I'm excited to announce that 2025 will be the year I finally embark on a Temperature Quilt project—and I’d love for you to join me!
What is a Temperature Quilt?
A Temperature Quilt is a creative way to visually represent daily temperature changes throughout the year, with each fabric or color corresponding to a specific temperature range. This type of quilt results in a stunning, data-driven design that reflects the weather patterns over time.
Kickoff Meeting Details
Join us on January 4, 2025, at 12:30 PM for our introductory meeting. Here, I’ll walk you through all the essential information for starting your Temperature Quilt, including pattern ideas, a fabric guide, a temperature tracking log, and details on joining our private 2025 Affinity Temperature Quilt Facebook group.
Fabric Options
To help you get started, we are preparing two fat quarter (FQ) bundles. One bundle features Bella Solids, while the other showcases Moda's Thatched fabric line by Robin Pickens. Each 22-piece bundle is priced at $83.00 and includes a color-coded temperature chart with fabric swatches for each range. You’re also welcome to use fabric from your own collection. Rest assured, additional FQs or yardage will be available if needed.
What You’ll Receive
In addition to the resources shared at the initial meeting, you’ll receive a monthly list of daily high and low temperatures by the 5th of the following month, sent via email. The previous day’s temperatures will also be posted on our 2025 Affinity Temperature Quilt Facebook page daily. Please note that these temperatures will be based on the MSP airport records.
For Quilters Outside the Twin Cities Area
You’re welcome to participate! While I won’t be able to provide daily temperatures for your specific location, I’ll create a video covering how to map out your own temperature range fabric list and where to find local temperature data. Our private Facebook group will help you feel connected to our quilting community. All resource materials will be provided to you as email attachments.
Temperature Quilt Open Sew Nights
For local participants, I’ll be hosting open sew nights where you can catch up on your blocks, share ideas, and enjoy some pizza. These gatherings will be held on the **first Friday of March, June, September, and December**, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. An additional fee of $15.00 will apply for each open-sew night, and the standard class minimum must be met for the session to proceed.
Final Show-and-Tell Party
Mark your calendars for February 6, 2026, when we’ll come together to showcase our completed temperature quilts and celebrate this creative journey.
I hope you’ll join us as we create and share the story of 2025, one stitch at a time!
Kick-off Date: Saturday, January 4, 2025
Time: 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Instructor: Diana Wendorf
Class Fee: $15.00
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Featherweight Machine Maintenance
Join us for a hands-on sewing machine maintenance class with our expert instructor, Jordan Frayne. Spend a productive morning learning how to take care of your cherished Singer Featherweight sewing machine. In this class, you will gain valuable insights into inspecting, oiling, and cleaning your machine. Whether you're a sewing enthusiast or just starting your journey with these iconic sewing machines, this classis a must-attend.
No class preparation is required. Just bring your Singer Featherweight sewing machine and an eagerness to learn!
Date: Saturday, January 4, 2025
Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Instructor: Jordan Frayne
Class Fee: $25.00
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Convex Illusions Quilt Class
Join us for an engaging 2-day quilt class featuring the captivating Convex Illusions pattern (60"x60"). This striking quilt gives the illusion of a center that curves outward, creating a visually dynamic project. Throughout the class, you'll learn essential techniques to master sewing and ironing strip sets so they remain perfectly straight—no curves! Additionally, we’ll explore methods for adding borders to a quilt center set on point, ensuring a polished and professional finish. Whether you're looking to challenge your quilting skills or simply try something new, this class is perfect for expanding your repertoire. Sign up today to secure your spot!
Class Prep: There is cutting required at home before the day of class
Dates: Saturday, January 11 & January 25, 2025
Time- Day One: 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Day Two: 9:30 am – 2:30 pm
Instructor: Becky Umenthum
Class Fee: $70.00
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Color-filled Fabric Bowl Class
Enjoy the interplay of colorful fabrics and make decorative and useful bowls in this engaging sewing class! We will use the Bali Bowls pattern to learn two distinct methods for creating fabric bowls, both beginning with 2 ½-inch fabric strips. The first method uses double-sided fusible batting to stabilize the bowl, while the second method relies on clothesline to form the structure.
In this class, you will receive comprehensive tips for making and finishing your bowl to perfection. Whether you are a seasoned sewer or a beginner, you'll find this class enjoyable and rewarding.
Our instructor, Kris Livingston, brings extensive experience in Jelly roll rug making and fabric-wrapped clothesline bowls. With Kris's guidance, you'll master the techniques needed to create your own unique and beautiful fabric bowls.
Join us for a creative and fun-filled session where you'll leave with a project and new sewing skills!
Date: Saturday, January 18, 2025
Time: 9:30am – 2:00 pm
Instructor: Kris Livingston
Class Fee: $35.00
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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
Registration is handled by The Blue Fox and must be done using the link below.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/395665475087
Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025
Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Instructor: Aryn Lill
Class Fee: $55.00 Follow like above to register. Class fee includes all supplies.
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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 sample is just one of several pattern choices for this class. The results are beautiful and the possibilities are endless!
Class Date: Saturday, February 8,
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Instructor: Lori Adameitz
Class Fee: $45.00
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Beginner Quilting Class
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 Star Light quilt top . Diana will lead you through the steps to create this fun beginner quilt top. The pattern we have chosen is from Cotton and Joy and is created with the beginner quilter in mind. A straight stitch sewing machine is required for this class.
Dates: Thursday, February 20, 2025; March 6, 2025; and March 20, 2025
Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Class Fee: $55.00
Instructor: Diana Wendorf
Fee includes thread and sewing needles
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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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