Here’s a look at the sample for our very first Top-A-Long! The quilt, Barnum by Rachelle Handmade for Villa Rosa Designs, measures 62" x 62". For our shop sample, we used the Industrial Prints strip roll and a coordinating Robert Kaufman background. We have several strip rolls available, and you can select the background fabric of your choice to make it your own!
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The Newest Villa Rosa Patterns Have Arrived!
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Coffee is the perfect way to start the day — and when you mix in a little sewing, you’ve got the Perfect Brew! The newest fabric collection by Andi Metz for Benartex Designer Fabrics features fun, graphic prints of your favorite coffee drinks and cozy motifs. This delightful, caffeine-inspired collection is sure to keep your creativity brewing all day long!
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Dive into creativity with Under the Sea, a stunning new collection by Skyline Studio for Benartex Fabrics. This collection features ultra-realistic underwater prints showcasing graceful sea turtles, vibrant coral reefs, and colorful schools of tropical fish — all complemented by a beautiful range of water-inspired designs. Perfect for beach-themed quilts, totes, home décor, and apparel, these fabrics bring the beauty and serenity of the ocean right to your sewing room!
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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. 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.
Private groups may also rent our space for a fee of $10 per day, per group. In addition, we welcome nonprofit organizations and quilting guilds to host events at our shop—just give us a call to discuss the details and make arrangements.
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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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If you’re using a large Aurifil thread spool and notice the thread breaking, gently twist and loosen the bottom flange. This adjustment helps ensure the thread isn’t being pinched and can unwind smoothly from the spool.
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Classes and Events
Class Registration and Cancellation Policy
To ensure fair access, payment is required at registration. Cancellations made at least 7 business days prior to the class are eligible for store credit or a full refund issued by check. 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.
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, don’t forget to add your name to the waitlist. We’ll contact you if a spot becomes available, and your interest helps us decide whether to offer the class again in the future.
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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Northwoods Quilt Trek – October 3–11, 2025
Celebrate autumn in Minnesota by joining us for the Northwoods Quilt Trek, a special shop hop along Highways 35 and 61 during peak fall color season. From Friday, October 3 through Saturday, October 11, you’ll have the opportunity to visit 11 wonderful quilt shops from Lutsen to White Bear Lake.
What You’ll Find Along the Way
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Prize Drawings – Register at each shop for a chance to win a $75 gift basket.
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Exclusive Quilt Block Kits – Collect a custom fall-themed block kit available for purchase from each stop.
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Grand Prize – Complete the hop and to be entered into the drawing to win a JUKI sewing machine (valued at $1,799), generously provided by Country Loft Quilt & Design.
Participating Shops (North to South)
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47 Degrees North – Lutsen
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Quilt Corner – Beaver Bay
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One Old Loon – Two Harbors
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StitchCraft Quilt Factory – Duluth
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Creations Quilt Shop – Duluth
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Quilted Dog Quilt Shop – Cloquet
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Quarry Quilts & Yarns – Sandstone
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The Cutting Edge Quilt Shop – Rush City
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She Shed Quilts – North Branch
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Country Loft Quilt & Design – Forest Lake
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Affinity for Quilts – White Bear Lake
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Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy Minnesota's fall beauty, stock up for the winter season, and support your favorite small-town quilt shops.
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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, October 8, 2025
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, October 9, 2025
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Time: 10:00 am - 3:30 pm
Fee: $15.00/monthly gathering
Instructor: Sharon Lenertz
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Beach Dance Quilt Class
Add motion and warmth to your next quilting project with the Beach Dance pattern! This dynamic and versatile quilt design is the perfect setting to learn practical techniques that will elevate your piecing and make your quilting more efficient.
What you'll learn:
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The "stitch and flip" method for making triangles — no drawn lines needed
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Plan and press your seams so points match up with ease
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Sew partial seams as part of block construction — a valuable skill for modern piecing
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Apply time-saving piecing and pressing techniques that help you quilt faster without sacrificing precision
Perfect for confident beginners and experienced quilters alike, this class offers the skills and strategies to bring your Beach Dance quilt to life with confidence and style.
Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
Time:9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Instructor: Becky Umenthum
Class Fee: $55.00 - Does not include pattern or supplies.
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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, October 17, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Club Leader: Diana Wendorf
Club Fee: $15.00
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Free Motion Quilting
Ready to break free from straight lines and explore the creative side of quilting? Join us for this Free Motion Quilting workshop, where you'll learn to move beyond the feed dogs and discover how to quilt fluid, expressive designs—all on your home sewing machine.
This hands-on class is designed for confident beginners and beyond. You’ll practice on multiple quilt sandwiches as we guide you through the day.
What you'll learn:
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How to set up your machine for free motion quilting
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Best practices for tension, thread, and needle choices
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Drawing and practicing common quilting motifs like loops, spirals, meanders, and more
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Tips for improving control, consistency, and movement
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You’ll also have time to draw and sketch out your quilting ideas, helping you build muscle memory and confidence before stitching.
Date: Saturday October 18, 2025
Time: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
Instructor: Susan Drabek
Class Fee: $55.00
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Midnight Open Sew
Looking for a fun and creative way to spend your Friday night? Join Diana for Midnight Open Sew— an evening dedicated to stitching, sharing, and socializing! Bring your current project, sewing machine, and basic quilting supplies for eight enjoyable hours of uninterrupted sewing time.
The menu for the evening will be Green Salad, Chicken Stew, Bread, and Apple Crisp for dessert.
Wrap up the evening by inspiring others during our always-popular Show-and-Tell session, held after supper. We can’t wait to see what you’ve been working on!
Date: Friday, October 24, 2025
Time: 4:00pm - Midnight
Event Hostess: Diana Wendorf
Class Fee: $25.00
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Fabric Collage - Laura Heine Teeny Tiny Collage Class
Looking for a creative way to use those fabric scraps you've been saving for “just the right project”? This is it!
Join Lori for a full day of fabric play as you dive into the art of collage using one of Laura Heine’s whimsical Teeny Tiny Collage patterns. These charming designs are the perfect way to explore color, texture, and layering—all while creating a unique work of art.
What you'll learn:
- How to prepare and organize your fabrics for collage
- Techniques for layering and fusing pieces
- Tips for bringing personality and movement into your design
- How to finish and display your piece
Our class sample is just one of several pattern choices available—pick the one that speaks to you and make it your own! Whether you're new to collage or looking to try something fresh and fun, you'll leave inspired and ready for more.
Pack a lunch and get ready for a day full of creativity!
Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Instructor: Lori Adameitz
Class Fee: $45.00
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Downtown White Bear Lake Candy Crawl
Visit Affinity For Quilts with your little ghosts and goblins on Saturday, October 26th, for the Downtown White Bear Lake Candy Crawl.
Quilters, we’ll have some sweet treats for you too, so don't forget to bring your quilting bag—we'll help you fill it up!
Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Time: 10:00am - 5:00pm
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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. The menu for the evening will be Green Salad, Chicken Stew, Bread, and Apple Crisp for dessert.
After supper, take part in our Show-and-Tell session—share your progress, admire others’ creations, and leave feeling inspired!
Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025
Time: 1:00pm - 7:00pm
Event Hostess: Diana Wendorf
Class Fee: $25.00
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Clam Up Pouch Class – By Annie
Learn how to make the popular Clam Up Pouch by Annie! These fun, zippered pouches come in multiple sizes and are perfect for storing sewing notions, cosmetics, or small gifts. In this class, you’ll get hands-on practice with bag-making techniques while creating one (or more!) pouches to take home.
What you'll learn:
- How to read and follow a ByAnnie pattern
- How to sew and insert zippers
- How to bind a small seam
- Tips for fussy cutting to feature your favorite fabrics
We will cut out and sew during class — most students finish one pouch and some even complete two!
Date: Thursday, October 30, 2025
Time: 9:30 am-1:00 pm
Instructor: Lisa Giebink
Skill Level: Confident Beginner/Advanced Beginner
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Top-A-Long Sewing Adventure
There’s still time to join our Top-A-Long! This fun, monthly quilting event meets the first Saturday of each month at 9:30am. Each session features a new Villa Rosa Designs pattern, show-and-tell, and chances to win prizes. Can’t make it in person? We’ll mail your pattern so you can still sew along and participate. Don’t miss out on the fun — join our quilting community today!
Kick-off Date: Saturday, November 1 , 2025
Time: 9:30pm
Instructor: Diana Wendorf and Becky Umenthum
Class Fee: $18.00 (includes monthly Villa Rosa pattern)
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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. 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, November 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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Quilted Postcards & Appliqué Cards
Send greetings that will be treasured long after the occasion has passed. In this class, you’ll explore two creative methods for making custom cards: quilted postcards and appliqué cards. Learn how to design and assemble quilted postcards that can be mailed directly or placed in an envelope, plus tips and techniques for appliqué card designs you can personalize for any occasion.
Whether for holidays, birthdays, or special events, these handmade cards offer a unique way to share your creativity. You’ll leave class with starter patterns, practical skills, and plenty of inspiration to create cards that reflect your style. The possibilities are truly endless!
What you'll learn:
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How to create quilted postcards suitable for mailing
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Step-by-step appliqué card techniques
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Fabric, thread, and embellishment selection for small-scale projects
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Tips for designing cards for different occasions
Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025
Time: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Instructor: Kris Livingston
Class Fee: $35.00
Skill Level: Confident Beginner
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Boro Sashiko
Discover the beauty of Japanese hand stitching in our Boro Sashiko class with instructor Tammy Berry. Using fabric scraps and Sashiko embroidery supplies, you’ll create a one-of-a-kind textile art piece inspired by the centuries-old tradition of Boro Sashiko. This slow-stitch method embraces visible mending, raw edges, and a hand-sewn aesthetic, making each creation truly unique.
Whether you’re completely new to Sashiko or looking to expand your stitching repertoire, this class will guide you through essential techniques while encouraging creative expression. You’ll learn how to layer fabrics, experiment with stitch patterns, and repurpose your favorite textiles into something beautiful and functional.
What You’ll Learn:
- How to prepare and layer fabrics for Boro Sashiko project
- Boro Sashiko stitching techniques
- Creative ways to repurpose and reuse fabric scraps
- Tips for achieving balanced and visually appealing designs
Date : Saturday, November 8, 2025
Time: 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Class Fee: $30.00
Skill Level: Beginner
Instructor: Tammy Berry
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Tissue Tote Cover
Flash Monday November
Just in time for the holidays, this tissue box cover and organizer is an ideal gift choice for nearly everyone on your shopping list. Its thoughtful design and practical function make it a standout present for any occasion. Get creative with your fabric selections, tailoring each cover to match the recipient’s style or home décor. Perfect in a sewing room, charming on a coffee table, or convenient on a nightstand, this cover accommodates standard cube tissue boxes and adds both style and function wherever it’s placed.
What You’ll Learn:
- A creative method for constructing a slit-style opening
- Tips and tricks for sewing a square to a tube shape
- How to adapt a pattern for faster, easier results
With the pre-work completed prior to class and a few simple adaptations, you may complete up to two Tissue Tote covers during the session.
Date: Monday, November 10, 2025
Time: 2:00pm–5:00pm or 6:00pm–9:00pm
Instructor: Ruth Thompson
Class Fee: $15.00
Skill Level: Beginner
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Holiday Runner and Ornaments
Creating with Half-Square Triangles
Get ready for the holidays in this festive class! Learn a quick and easy method for making half-square triangles using the Angle Ruler, and create table runners and/or ornaments from the same versatile block design—just in different sizes.
What you’ll Learn:
- Efficient half-square triangle construction with the Angle Ruler
- Cutting squares and triangles from the same strips
- Layout options using provided designs or your own
- Ornament hanger construction
- A nearly invisible stitch to close ornament openings
Make one project or all of them—your choice!
Date: Friday, November 14, 2025
Time: 9:30 am – 1:30 pm
Instructor: Becky
Class Fee: $35.00
Skill Level: Confident beginner and beyond
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The Cube Bag Class
Looking for a fun project that’s both useful and cute? Join Ruth for a one-day class making The Cube Bag—a smaller take on the popular Boxy Tote, designed by Penny Sturges. This handy little bag is just the right size for sewing supplies, small knitting projects, makeup, or whatever you like to carry on the go.
What you'll learn:
- Work with foam to give your bag structure
- Add pockets for organization
- Put in a zipper (don’t worry, Ruth makes it easy!)
- Build a bag from start to finish
Ruth’s step-by-step teaching style and easy-to-follow instructions will give you the skills and confidence to make this bag again on your own.
We’ll take a half-hour break for lunch, so bring a snack or head out for a quick bite. Come ready to sew and have a great time!
Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025
Time:9:30am – 3:30 pm
Instructor: Ruth Thompson
Skill Level: Very Confident Beginner/Intermediate
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Thread Painting Class
Enhance your quilts and fabric projects with stunning thread painting techniques! In this hands-on class, you’ll explore how to use free-motion straight stitching and zigzag stitching to add depth, detail, and texture to your Pet Portrait project. Whether you’re working on landscape quilts, pet portraits, or printed fabric panels, thread painting will bring your projects to life with dimension and artistry.
What You'll Learn:
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Free-motion thread painting with straight and zigzag stitching
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Adding shading and texture with layered threads
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Enhancing printed fabric designs with stitched embellishments
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Creating realistic details for pet portraits and landscapes
- Choosing the right threads, stabilizers, and needles for success
This class is perfect for confident beginners and experienced quilters alike who want to expand their artistic quilting skills.
Date: Sunday, November 30, 2025
Time: 1:30pm– 4:30 pm
Instructor: Linda Heimerl
Class Fee: $35.00
Skill Level: Confident Beginner and above
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Holiday Hugs Ornament & Gift Card Holder
Turn your fabric scraps into charming handmade ornaments in our Holiday Hugs class featuring the pattern by Poorhouse Quilt Designs. Each ornament has a hidden pocket - perfect for slipping in a gift card, cash, or a sweet treat. Choose from whimsical houses, heartfelt hearts, or cozy mugs to create thoughtful gifts or festive decorations for your tree.
These ornaments measure approximately 5-1/2" x 5" and offer a fun surprise on the back. Add a magnet for a fridge -friendly gift, or swap fabrics to make them suitable for any season. You'll also learn a clever mock binding technique - an absolute game-change for small projects - that gives your ornaments a polished, professional finish.
What you'll learn:
- How to create ornaments with a built-in gift pocket
- Seasonal fabric selection tips for year-round gifting
- Mock binding technique for small projects
Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025
Time: 9:30am - 12:30pm
Instructor: Kris Livingston
Class Fee: $35.00 - Does not include pattern or supplies.
Skill Level: Confident Beginner
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Temperature Quilt Open Sew
How is your Temperature Quilt coming along? This open sew session is a great opportunity to work on your temperature quilt blocks while connecting with others participating in the Temperature Quilt Sew-Along. Share inspiration, ideas, and see the creative progress of fellow quilters!
To maximize your sewing time, consider signing up for the Community Open Sew happening the same day from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Come hungry—pizza and salad will be served!
Date: Friday, December 5, 2025
Time: 5:00pm - 9:00pm
Instructor: Diana Wendorf
Class Fee: $15.00
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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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