It’s hard to believe that summer is already winding down! The signs are all around us—the back-to-school ads have started, football preseason is underway, the Renaissance Festival is beginning, and, of course, the Minnesota State Fair is just around the corner. All are sure signs that another Minnesota summer is coming to a close!
Before we move on to everything fall has in store, we want to send a huge thank you to everyone who stopped by Affinity For Quilts during the Minnesota Shop Hop. We loved seeing so many familiar faces, meeting new quilters, and sharing in the fun of Shop Hop with all of you. Thank you for making it such a wonderful event!
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Check Out Our Newest Sample
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When we saw the beautiful double-edge border fabric from Where the Sky Dances by Lewis & Irene, we knew we had to find the perfect way to showcase it! Heirloom from Villa Rosa Designs was just the pattern. We modified the design slightly by adding a small border around the quilt, giving it a lovely finished look while letting that gorgeous border print shine. The finished quilt measures 44" x 57", making it a wonderful size for a lap quilt or cozy throw. Kits are $52.99, and quantities are limited, so be sure to grab yours while they’re available!
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Illuminations by Peggy Collins for Benartex is a stunning celebration of color, light, and creativity. The collection features a striking block panel filled with stylized trees, surrounded by coordinating prints with luminous stained-glass designs, graceful arabesques, and stone-inspired mosaic textures. Bursting with vivid rainbow hues, these fabrics have a wonderful sense of movement and seem to glow with color. Perfect for quilts, eye-catching wall hangings, crafts, apparel, and home décor accents, Illuminations is a beautiful choice when you want your next project to make a statement.
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Celebrate the sparkle and nostalgia of a classic Christmas with Coca-Cola Christmas by Northcott Fabrics! This festive collection is filled with warmth, cheerful color, and timeless holiday charm. Inspired by iconic Coca-Cola imagery, the prints feature jolly Santas, vintage-style logos, and playful Coca-Cola details that bring a fun, nostalgic touch to your holiday quilting and sewing projects.
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Classroom Space
If your group is looking for a place to meet, we invite you to contact Affinity For Quilts at 651-429-1039 to check availability.
Our classroom is available for private group rentals for $10 per day, per group. We also welcome quilting guilds and nonprofit organizations to use our space for meetings, workshops, and special events. If you're interested, we'd love to chat—give us a call and we'll be happy to discuss the details and help you make arrangements.
We offer two free Open Sew Days each month—on the 1st Friday and the 3rd Tuesday—from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Space is limited, so registration opens on the 15th of the month prior.
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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.
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Sewing Machine Service
Does your sewing machine need a tune-up or repair? Jordan is on-site and ready to help with all your machine servicing needs.
When dropping off your machine, please be sure to include the following:
• Sewing machine
• Foot control and power cord
• Standard zig-zag foot (if applicable)
• Bobbin case, bobbin, and thread
To schedule an appointment or speak with Jordan directly, call him at 612-275-3356. For added convenience, curbside pickup and delivery are currently available.
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Join the Quilting For Affinity Facebook Group
We’d love to see what you’ve been working on! Share your finished projects and get inspired by fellow quilters in our Quilting For Affinity Facebook group.
Simply click on the "Join Now" button below to visit the group, then select "Join Group"—and you're in! It’s a great way to connect, share ideas, and celebrate the joy of quilting together.
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Don’t toss those empty wrapping paper tubes—they’re great for your sewing room! Wrap freshly ironed fabric or quilt panels around the tube to help keep them smooth and wrinkle-free. Heading to a quilt retreat or class? Secure the fabric around the tube with an elastic hair band, and it’s ready to travel. No folding, fewer wrinkles, and one less thing to press when you arrive!
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The Greater Twin Cities Area Chapter of Project Linus is partnering with the Vadnais Heights Lions Club to provide newly made twin-size quilts and blankets (approximately 60" x 80") to Sleep in Heavenly Peace's White Bear Lake chapter beginning September 1, 2026.
If you have an unfinished quilt top waiting for the perfect project, this could be a wonderful opportunity to put it to good use. Consider adding one or two borders to bring it up to the recommended twin-size dimensions of 60" x 80". Your donation can help provide comfort and warmth to a child receiving a bed through Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
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Classes and EventsRegister On-Line, In-Person or by Phone
Register for classes online, or sign up in person at 2199 4th Street, White Bear Lake, MN, or call us at 651-429-1039. If registering in person or by phone, spots will only be guaranteed for students who have completed payment.
Class Prep Information
Many of our classes include preparation instructions in the supply list that are meant to be completed at home before class. To help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone, we kindly ask that you arrive with all prep work finished and ready to make the most of our class time together.
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.
Class Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made at least 7 business days prior to the class are eligible for store credit or a full refund. If a cancellation occurs within 7 business days of the class, we’re happy to offer a refund only if we’re able to fill the spot from the waitlist.
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, August 20, 2026
Time: 10:00 am - 3:30 pm
Fee: $15.00/monthly gathering
Instructor: Sharon Lenertz
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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, August 21, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Club Leader: Diana Wendorf
Club Fee: $15.00
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Cathedral Window Quilt
The Cathedral Window quilt is a true showstopper! With its folded fabric design and stunning dimensional effect, it looks incredibly complex—but the construction method is much easier than it appears.
In this class, you'll learn a simplified approach to creating this classic quilt while building skills you can use in many future projects. The finished quilt is a beautiful display piece and a wonderful opportunity to explore a unique quilting technique.
In this class, students will learn how to:
- Use an alternative "quilt-as-you-go" construction method
- Create and insert the fabric window sections
- Master the folding and stitching techniques that give Cathedral Window quilts their signature look
- Build confidence working with dimensional quilt construction
You'll leave class with a strong understanding of the Cathedral Window technique and all the skills needed to complete this stunning quilt at home.
Class Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
Class time: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Instructor: Susan Drabek
Class Fee: $70.00
Skill Level: Intermediate
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Sew-In-Sunday
Looking for a relaxing and creative way to spend your Sunday? Join us for Sew-In-Sunday and enjoy a full day of sewing alongside fellow quilting enthusiasts. Bring your own project(s), your machine, and your favorite supplies, and settle in for a day of stitching and fun!
Dinner will be served at 5:00 PM. Our menu will include Pulled Pork, Coleslaw, Pasta Salad, Chips and Dip, and Chocolaty S'Mores Bars for dessert.
Prior to supper, take part in our Show-and-Tell session—share your progress, admire others’ creations, and leave feeling inspired!
This almost never happens—we actually have 5 spots open for this event! If you’ve been hoping to join us, this is your rare chance to grab a spot before they’re gone!
Date: Sunday, August 23, 2026
Time: 1:00pm - 7:00pm
Event Hostess: Diana Wendorf
Class Fee: $28.00
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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.
Our menu will include Pulled Pork, Coleslaw, Pasta Salad, Chips and Dip, and Chocolaty S'Mores Bars for dessert.
Continue to inspire your fellow quilters with your handiwork during Show-and-Tell, which will take place after supper.
Date: Friday, August 28, 2026
Time: 4:00pm - Midnight
Event Hostess: Diana Wendorf
Class Fee: $28.00
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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, September 9, 2026
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, September 10, 2026
Thursday, September 17, 2026
Time: 10:00 am - 3:30 pm
Fee: $15.00/monthly gathering
Instructor: Sharon Lenertz
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Eva Beauty Bag
Create a stylish and practical beauty bag that's perfect for travel, sewing notions, cosmetics, jewelry, and so much more! The Eva features a wide-opening zipper, interior accordion pockets, customizable slip pockets, and sturdy handles, making it as functional as it is beautiful.
In this class, you'll work with exciting specialty materials, including faux leather and ripstop fabric, while learning bag-making techniques that can be applied to many future projects. The class will focus on constructing the small-size bag, ideal for TSA-approved travel items and everyday organization.
In this class, students will learn how to:
- Work confidently with faux leather
- Construct a bag using gusset panels
- Apply raw-edge binding for a professional finish
- Customized interior slip pockets to suit their needs
Whether you're expanding your bag-making skills or trying specialty materials for the first time, you'll leave class with a beautiful organizer and techniques you'll use again and gain.
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Time: 9:30am-4:40pm
Instructor: Ruth Thompson
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner - Bag Making Experience Required
Class Fee: $60.00
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Flash Monday – September
Gotta Have It Bag
Keep all your favorite tools organized and visible with the Gotta Have It Bag! This clever zippered organizer features multiple vinyl pockets, making it perfect for sewing notions, makeup, art supplies, travel essentials, and more.
The goal of our fun Flash Monday classes is to create an entire project from start to finish and leave with a finished item that's as practical as it is versatile.
In this class, students will learn how to:
- Install multiple zippers with confidence
- Sew with quilting vinyl
- Create simple quilted layers using straight-line quilting
- Construct a functional organizer with clear vinyl pockets
You'll leave class with new skills and plenty of ideas for making more for yourself, gifts, or organizing projects around the house.
Date: Monday, September 14, 2026
Time: 1:30pm – 4:30pm
Instructor: Susan Drabek
Skill Level: Beginner Bag Maker
Class Fee: $15.00
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It's a Sign
Celebrate National Sew a Jelly Roll Day by creating this festive Christmas quilt featuring cheerful cardinals and colorful Jelly Roll strips! It's a Sign combines the speed and fun of a Jelly Roll Race with eye-catching pieced cardinals to create a quilt that's sure to become a favorite holiday decoration.
Whether you're looking to try a Jelly Roll Race for the first time or pick up new piecing tips, you'll leave class with techniques that can be used in many future quilting projects.
In this class, students will learn how to:
- Use the Easy Angle Ruler to quickly and accurately make half-square triangles
- Plan seam pressing to reduce bulk and improve point matching
- Learn tips and tricks for a successful Jelly Roll Race
- Create crisp, accurate blocks while keeping the project fun and efficient
Join us for a day of quilting, creativity, and celebration as we sew our way through National Sew a Jelly Roll Day together. You'll leave with new skills, plenty of progress on your quilt, and inspiration for your next Jelly Roll project!
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 9:30am–4:00pm
Instructor: Becky Umenthum
Skill Level: Confident Beginner
Class Fee: $65.00
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Pumpkins Galore
Celebrate the beauty of fall with this charming pumpkin wall hanging! In this confident beginner-friendly class, you'll create a festive seasonal decoration while learning several quilting and embellishment techniques that can be used in many future projects.
This project combines appliqué, texture, and decorative stitching to create a dimensional wall hanging that's perfect for displaying throughout the autumn season.
In this class, students will learn how to:
- Use appliqué techniques to create the pumpkin design
- Add dimension with trapunto (raised appliqué) techniques
- Incorporate simple hand embroidery or machine stitching for decorative details
- Attach a hanging sleeve for easy display
Class Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Class time: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Instructor: Susan Drabek
Class Fee: $65.00
Skill Level: Beginner
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Spellbound Witch Hat
Create a whimsical witch hat that's perfect for Halloween, dress-up play, costume parties, or seasonal decorating! This fun project combines sewing, shaping, and finishing techniques to create a hat you'll treasure for years to come—and may even become a favorite family tradition.
Choose to make the adult size taught in class, and you'll also receive instructions for a child-sized version that can be made from the same pattern.
In this class, students will learn how to:
- Work with foam or fusible fleece to add structure and shape
- Properly apply Pellon Decor Bond 809 for a crisp, professional finish
- Create and apply bias binding as both an edge finish and decorative flat binding
- Construct a sturdy hat that can be enjoyed for many Halloweens to come
Whether you're sewing for yourself, a child, or creating a special costume piece, you'll leave class with new skills and a magical project that's sure to bring smiles year after year
Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Time: 9:30 am – 1:30 pm
Instructor: Lisa Giebink
Skill Level: Beginner +
Class Fee: $45.00
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Top-A-Long Sewing Adventure
We’re excited to bring back the Affinity For Quilts Top-A-Long for another season of sewing, sharing, and quilting fun! Our last Top-A-Long was such a wonderful experience, and we’re looking forward to gathering our quilting community together once again.
If you’re new to the fun, a Top-A-Long is a collaborative sewing experience where quilters work on the same quilt top or runner each month. With the cooler months ahead, it’s the perfect excuse to spend a little more time in your sewing room while being part of a fun quilting community.
Over the next seven months, we’ll make a different quilt top or runner each month using patterns from Villa Rosa Designs. Along the way, we’ll also introduce you to some of the talented designers behind these popular patterns. We encourage you to shop your stash and finally use some of those special fabrics you’ve been saving for just the right project!
On the first Saturday of each month, we’ll gather at Affinity For Quilts for our Top-A-Long event. You’ll receive that month’s FREE pattern, enjoy show-and-tell from the previous month, and see the new sample quilt or runner revealed in the shop. And there’s a little mystery involved—you won’t know which pattern we’re making next until the meeting!
Can’t attend in person? You can still participate! We’ll mail your free pattern so you can sew along from home. Send us a photo of your completed quilt top or runner by text or email, and you’ll be included in that month’s prize drawing.
Finish your project each month and you’ll be entered to win a fun quilty prize! Plus, quilters who participate throughout the seven-month Top-A-Long will have a chance at our grand prize: one lucky participant will have the quilt top of their choice professionally longarm quilted, courtesy of Diana!
Whether you join us at the shop or sew along from home, we hope you’ll be part of another season of sewing, sharing, stash-busting, and quilting fun at Affinity For Quilts!
Kick-off Date: Saturday, October 3 , 2026
Time: 9:30am
Instructor: Diana Wendorf and Becky Umenthum
Class Fee: $20.00 (includes monthly Villa Rosa pattern)
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Affinity For Quilts Fall Sleep In Your Own Bed Retreat
Get ready for a weekend of quilting, fun, and friendship!
The countdown is on for our Affinity For Quilts Sleep in Your Own Bed Retreat, and we can’t wait to welcome you for an unforgettable weekend filled with stitching, laughter, great food, and plenty of time to relax and enjoy quilting with friends!
This retreat is packed with fun perks and surprises, including:
- A special gift bag for every attendee
- Fantastic door prizes throughout the weekend
- Exclusive in-store discounts just for retreat participants
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Delicious meals and snacks, including:
- Friday & Saturday Afternoon: Meat and cheese snack tray
- Friday Evening: Chicken and beef taco bar
- Saturday Morning: Pastries, muffins, fresh fruit, and juice
- Saturday Evening: A delicious catered dinner by Todd Scheel
This is your chance to sew, socialize, relax, and enjoy a whole weekend dedicated to quilting! We still have a few spots available, so grab your quilting friends and sign up before they’re gone!
Dates:
Friday, October 9, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Retreat Fee:
Both Days: $195.00
One Day (Friday OR Saturday): $145.00
Location: White Bear Lake Masonic Lodge, 4923 Stewart Ave, White Bear Lake, MN
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Teeny Tiny Fabric Collage Class
Laura Heine
Do you have a stash of fabric scraps that are just too pretty to throw away? This is the perfect project for them!
You’ll spend the day cutting, layering, mixing colors, and playing with fabric as you create your own whimsical collage using one of Laura Heine’s Teeny Tiny patterns. You’ll discover how fun and freeing fabric collage can be—no perfect points to match and no tiny seams to worry about!
Your instructor will guide you through the collage process as you learn how to:
- Prepare and organize your fabrics
- Cut, layer, and fuse pieces to build your design
- Mix colors, prints, and textures to add personality
- Create movement and visual interest with different motifs
- Finish and prepare your collage for display
Pick Your Favorite!
You’re not limited to the class sample shown. Choose the Laura Heine Teeny Tiny pattern that makes you smile and put your own spin on it. Go bright and bold, soft and pretty, quirky and colorful—or dig into your scrap stash and see where your creativity takes you!
No fabric collage experience? No problem! This beginner-friendly class is all about trying something new, playing with your fabrics, and having fun with the creative process.
Class Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Class Time: 10:00 am–4:00 pm
Instructor: Lori Adamietz
Class Fee: $45.00
Skill Level: Beginner
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Flash Monday – October
October Wraps
Create festive fall décor with October Wraps, part of a collection of twelve seasonal pillow wraps designed to give one pillow a fresh new look throughout the year!
In this Flash Monday class, you’ll learn how to create a reusable pillow cover and seasonal wrap that can be changed out as the seasons and holidays come and go. Simply swap the pillow cover and decorative wrap to create an entirely new look—an easy and fun way to add hand made seasonal décor to your home without making or storing twelve different pillows.
During class, you’ll also receive instructor-provided pattern adjustments and construction details that are not included in the original pattern, providing the guidance you need to successfully complete the project. These helpful modifications are exclusive to registered class participants.
Limited kits will be available for purchase for students who would like an easy way to gather the fabrics needed for their October Wraps project.
Join us for Flash Monday and learn a fun home décor technique you can use again and again for every season!
Date: Monday, October 12, 2026
Time: 1:30pm – 4:30pm
Instructor: Ruth Thompson
Skill Level: Confident Beginner - Applique Experience Required
Class Fee: $15.00
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Scrappy Half-Rectangle Triangle Quilt
Foundation Paper Piecing
Have you been curious about foundation paper piecing but aren’t quite sure where to start? This beginner-friendly class is a fun, approachable introduction to the technique—and a great way to put some of your favorite scraps to work!
Using Leila Gardunia’s Scrappy Half-Rectangle Triangle Foundations Pad, you’ll learn the basics of foundation paper piecing while experimenting with fabrics, colors, and block arrangements.
You’ll also get to try freezer paper foundation piecing and compare it with the traditional method. Pre-printed freezer paper foundations and the materials needed to try this technique will be provided in class.
In this class, students will learn how to:
- Understand the basics of foundation paper piecing
- Create accurate half-rectangle triangle blocks
- Try both traditional and freezer paper foundation piecing
- Use scraps, prints, and solids in different color combinations
- Arrange finished blocks in a variety of creative layouts
Turn your blocks into mug rugs, table runners, a quilt, or something completely your own. Once you learn the technique, the possibilities are nearly endless!
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time: 9:30am–4:30pm
Instructor: Susan Drabek
Skill Level: Beginner Paper Piecing
Class Fee: $70.00
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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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