The Dog Days of summer are over...or are they????

Posted by Diana Wendorf on

Welcome to What's Up Wednesday!   

Hello September!  While the weather outside feels hot like summer, well maybe not today, one cannot help but notice the first hint of the upcoming fall season with the changing colors of the leaves.  To assist you in making this transition from summer to fall we will be featuring all our fall fabrics on sale at 15% off.  The only line not included in our sale is Stonehenge Autumn Splendor

This Saturday, September 9th, downtown White Bear Lake is being taken over by the dogs!  Every year Indulge Salon hosts Dog Days WBL and encourages dog owners to come out and stroll about with your pooch.  Your pooch will be able to:

  • Cool down their paws in a doggie pool
  • Relax on a pet-friendly patio
  • Enjoy free doggie treats
  • Receive doggie swag
  • Learn about dog rescue and adoption

To find out what Affinity For Quilts will be doing just scroll on down to the Classes and Events section of the newsletter.  

Not all geese fly south for the winter!  Little Deuce Goose, designed by Jackie Robinson from Animas Quilts Publishing features her fabric collection Botanical Season from Benartex Fabrics.  This lap size quilt measures 46" x 58" and limited kits are available for $89.99.

We really wanted something to showcase the Floral Pets collection by Mia Charro from FreeSpirit Fabrics and A la carte by Hide Cook for Villa Rosa Designs was the perfect pattern.  We choose the dogs; however, for you cat lovers there is also a cat version available.   The quilt measures 56" x 68" and limited kits are available for $59.99.  

The Dog Daze Cats & Dogs Activity Book Panel makes up a fun, and interactive, activity book for any child.  The panel comes complete with the directions so you can create your very own activity book.  
If you are unable find an item you are looking for, please speak  to any member of the Affinity For Quilts team, and we will do our best to order it for you.  While we strive to carry a wide range of items to meet your quilting needs, there are certain products that may need to be special ordered.  

Classroom Space
If your group is looking for a place to meet, please contact Affinity For Quilts at 651-429-1039.  Evening meeting space is available, but please note that there will be a fee associated with evening meetings.  

Reccurring 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. 

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!  Three things to remember when working with cuddle.
1)  Use a polyester thread.  Since cuddle is a polyester based fabric. 
2)  Use a longer stitch length.  3-1/2 to 4 millimeter works best.
3)  Use a 90/14 stretch needle.  
Cuddle fabric is a knit, so using a stretch needle will help prevent making holes in the fabric and it helps prevent skipped stitches
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 provide all of our customers with the opportunity to take classes, we require payment at the time of registration.  If you need to cancel, we kindly ask for 7-day prior notification to the class date.  This allows us to offer your spot to someone on our waitlist and refund your registration fee.  Thank you for understanding this policy and happy quilting everyone.

When you sign up for a class at Affinity For Quilts you will receive information regarding the class including any required supplies needed for the class and pre-class preparations.   Make  sure to review the supply/class prep list to ensure you have everything you need for a wonderful class experience.  If you sign up and pay by phone, don't worry, we can email you all of the necessary information for a successful class experience. 

If you are interested in an event and it is full, please add your name to the waitlist.  If a spot becomes available,  we will contact the first person on the waitlist to check their availability. 
The waitlist also helps us gauge the popularity of an event and determine 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.
 
Join us for Dog Days WBL!

Being the dog lover I am Affinity For Quilts enjoys supporting Dog Days White Bear Lake, which is presented by Indulge Salon. 

In addition to the activities Indulge Salon has planned Affinity For Quilts will have water bowls set up at both our front and back door areas to assist in keeping your canine well hydrated.  We will also have canine treats and a free dog scarf pattern for all customers who stop into the shop. 

Date:  September 9, 2023
Time:  10am-1pm
Location:  Downtown White Bear Lake
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 

This class is currently filled; however, if you are interested please call the shop so we can add your name to a wait list to determine future interest and possibly schedule another session with the instructor.  


Date: Monday, September 11, 2023
Time:10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Instructors: Jordan Frayne 
Class Fee:  $20.00

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: September 13, 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, September 14, 2023
          Thursday, September 21, 2023
Time:  10:00am-3:30pm
Class Fee:  $12.00
Instructor:  Sharon Lenertz
Jelly-Roll Placemat Class                 

Learn all the skills needed to make the popular jelly roll rug, with less commitment of time and materials. The class time will allow you to complete a 15 x 20- inch place-mat to use at your table or as a decorative accent. Kris is an expert on making this project and will provide her own hints and tips for success. Enjoy watching your colorful project grow. A sewing machine with zig-zag stitch at least 5.5mm wide is required for this class.

Class Prep: This project requires 2-1/2” strips. Students can use a jelly-roll or cut their own strips prior to class.


Date: Friday, September  15, 2023
Time: 9:30 am – 1:30 pm
Instructors: Kris Livingston
Class Fee:  $35.00 (Pattern sold separately)
Skill Level: Beginner 
High Tides

Join our High Tides Quilt Class where you'll learn to create a lovely quilt using the Storm at Sea pattern from The Fabric Addict. Using creative fabric placement, you'll craft a quilt that mimics the sun's reflection on water. Becky will teach you how to use the Diamond Rects Tool to effortlessly make perfect diamond rectangles to create your own impressive High Tides quilt. Come sail into the world of color and creativity with us!

Date:  Saturday, September 16, 2023
Time: 9:30am - 3:30 pm
Instructor: Becky Umenthum
Class Fee: $55.00 (Pattern sold separately)
Skill Level: Intermediate
Beginning Quilting

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 Burn Bright quilt top . Diana will lead you through the steps to create this fun beginner quilt top. The pattern we have chosen is by Morgan McCollough from Modernly Morgan and is created with the beginner quilter in mind. A straight stitch sewing machine is required for this class.

Dates: September 19, October 3 & October 17, 2023
Time:  9:30 am - 12:30 pm or 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm 
Class Fee: $50.00 
(Pattern sold separately)
Instructor: Diana Wendorf
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.  This month we will be having Chicken Parmesan Pasta, Caesar Salad, and Apple Brownies 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.     

There are currently 4 open spots for this fun filled night!


Date:   Friday, September 22, 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, September 23, 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.  This month we will be having This month we will be having Chicken Parmesan Pasta, Caesar Salad, and Apple Brownies 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, September 24 , 2023   
Time:  1:00pm - 7:00pm 
Event Host: Diana Wendorf

Class Fee:  $20.00

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: Friday, September 29, 2023
Time: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Instructor: Sue Severiano
Skill Level: Confident Beginner
Class Fee:  $55.00 
(Pattern sold separately)

 

Beginning Applique Class

Join Linda for our Beginning Applique class. Using the book 'First Time Applique' by Janet Pittman, Linda will guide you through each step for machine applique from tracing, to cutting and finishing. Choose from 5 different applique projects to start with or plan for all of them! A sewing machine with zig zag stitch is required for this class.

Class Prep: There is a little cutting and attaching interfacing required at home before the day of class

Date:        Saturday, September 30, 2023
Time:        10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Instructor:    Linda Heimerl
Skill Level:    Beginner
Class Fee:    $55.00 (Pattern Book sold separately)

 

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, October 7, 2023
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Instructor: Lori Adameitz 
Class Fee: $45.00 
(Pattern sold separately)

One Block Wonder Panel Quilt
2-Part Class

Join Becky in this two part class as she guides you through the steps to create a stunning watercolor style quilt. Learn how to transform fabric panels into kaleidoscope blocks that beautifully frame your chosen panel. Discover the art of intensifying colors and adding movement to create a captivating quilt. The finished size of this project will vary depending on the panel chosen for your project. 

This class is filled; however, if interested please call as we will be adding additional dates.  


Dates & Times:  Friday, October 20, 2023   9:30 am – 1:30
                      Sunday, November 5, 2023   12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Instructor:  Becky Umenthum    
Class Fee: $55.00 (Class fee does not include One Block Wonder Panel Book)

 

Apron Class

Join Kris to create Minnesota designer Mary Mulari’s popular crisscross apron. Choose from the adult or child size pattern! This pattern design is reversible and slips easily over the head with no ties. Consider novelty prints for holiday baking or for a fun gift. Kris will provide ideas for apron customization and tips for making the process to create this project even easier, including cutting patterns with the rotary cutter and quick patch pockets.


Teacher, Kris Livingston enjoys encouraging others in the creative process of sewing. She has 20 plus years of experience.

Date:        Saturday, October 14, 2023
Time:        9:30 am – 1:30 pm
Instructor:    Kris Livingston
Skill Level:    All skill levels welcome
Class Fee:    $35.00 (Pattern sold separately)

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:  Thursday, November 2, 2023
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Instructor: Lori Adameitz 
Class Fee: $45.00 
(Pattern sold separately)

Finishing Class - Machine Quilt and Traditional Binding

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


Students will bring their own small pieced top or whole cloth measuring approximately 14”x 30” or 22”x 22” to work with.  

A complete supply list is provided at registration.

Date: November 4, 2023
Time:1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Instructor: Katie Glancy of Blue Door Quilting
ClassFee: $35.00

Christmas Mini Block Class

Get in the holiday spirit as you create the festive Christmas Mini Blocks, designed by Sherri McConnell. Whether you use them as charming coasters, exquisite ornaments, petite pillows, or heartwarming gifts, Kris will guide you through their creation. Gain invaluable insights into sewing mini blocks, including a simplified mock binding technique.

Led by the talented instructor Kris Livingston, you’ll not only learn the art of crafting these mini blocks but also explore pattern variations. Discover how to fashion smaller ornaments, crafty gift card holders, a festive Christmas lapel pin, or even a whimsical refrigerator magnet. The creative potential extends beyond Christmas, as many of these patterns can be adapted to other fabrics for timeless gifting opportunities.

With over two decades of professional sewing and teaching experience, Kris brings a wealth of expertise to inspire and nurture your joy for sewing and creative expression. Join us!

Date:        Saturday, November 11, 2023
Time:        9:30 am – 1:00 pm
Instructor:    Kris Livingston
SkillLevel:    Confident Beginner
Class Fee:    $35.00 
(Pattern sold separately)
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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