To quilt is human, to finish is divine

Posted by Diana Wendorf on

Welcome to What's Up Wednesday!   
Had a great time at the Minnesota State Fair over the weekend and truly enjoyed looking at all the quilts.  Affinity sponsors Special Awards for several quilting categories.  Wade and looked for all of the winners, but were only able to locate a few. Below are photos of the quilts we found. Congratulations to all, your work is truly inspiring.  
 
It's gift card giveaway time!  The month of September is National Sewing Month and September 17th is National Jelly Roll Day.  To enter our September drawing for a $10.00 gift card, follow us on Facebook, like this post and share the number of jelly roll quilts you have made in 2022, or hope to make in September.  Double your chances of winning by tagging a friend.  The winner will be randomly selected on September 16th.  Good luck to all that enter!
 
Freebie Monday is back!  This month we will be giving away a free spool of Aurifil Thread with a Gypsy Quilter Thread Peel.  Just stop into the store on Monday, September 12th and spend $25.00 pre-tax for your free gift while supplies last.  
Halloween is coming and we have some great new samples in the shop!

The first one we have to share with you is Celebrate October.  This is the perfect wall-hanging measuring 34" x 38" and features fabric from the Halloween collection of Celebrate The Seasons from Hoffman Fabrics.  Kits are available for $41.99.
Sew Simple Panel features the Ghostly Greetings line of fabric designed by Deb Strain for Moda Fabrics.   The pattern was designed by Lavender Lime and measures 48-1/2" x 64-1/2".  Kits are available for $79.99.
Night of the Ravens by the Whimsical Workshop features the Candelabra line by Cerrito Creek Studio from Northcott Fabrics.  The quilt measures 70" x 90" and is perfect for those cool October nights.  Kits are available for $135.99.
Heavenly Hedgerow by Jane Carkill for Figo Fabrics features paradisiacal fields of florals, foliage, and woodland creatures.  The unique landscape of Jane's homeland was her inspiration for this line. 
Fall Melody Flannel by Holly Taylor from Moda fabrics is an autumnal flannel quilt fabric collection featuring maple leaves, wicker plaid prints, solids and more in a rich fall color palette of crimson, olive, brown, cream, and black. 
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 your quilting needs, but items that are not basic sometimes 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.

COVID-19
We continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation.  Please refer to our website www.affinityforquilts.com for the shops current precautions and updates. 

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

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:  Don't throw away those zippered plastic bags that curtains, linens, or bedspreads come in.  The small ones are great for storing small projects, stacks of quilt blocks, fabric swatches to take to the store, or even finished quilts. 
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.
 
Beginning Sashiko

Learn the art of Sashiko with a small pre-printed 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 a new projects. Students will be learning Sashiko using four preprinted coasters. One project to get started on endless fun. Supplies are few to try this addictive hobby. Join us!

Date: Monday, September 12, 2022
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm or 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Instructor: Tammy Berry

Class Fee:  $20.00

Sashiko Stitching Club

The Sashiko Stitching Club includes an exclusive project each month, only available to Club members.  During this time 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. Participants will also receive a 15% discount for their Sashiko supplies, and fabric purchases.  Discount excludes: Thread, Notions and Quilt MN fabrics.

Be sure to call today to reserve your spot in this fun and exciting club!

Date:  Wednesday, September 14, 2022             
Time:  12:30pm-3:30pm
Class Fee:  $10.00
Instructor:  Tammy Berry
Best Day Ever Jelly Roll Quilt Class

September 17 is National Jelly Roll Day! Celebrate the day by joining Becky Umenthum to create the jelly roll "Best Day Ever" quilt.  The pattern chosen for this class is from Annie's Quilting. Becky will walk you through the steps to add triangle corners to strip-set units making this design sparkle with the diamonds your blocks will form when sewn together. You will learn how to cut your borders and squares from the length of the fabric. The pattern is aptly named as sewing the day away is always the best day ever!

Date: September 17, 2022
Time: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
Instructor: Becky Umentum
Class Fee: $50.00


There will be a half hour break for lunch
National Sew A Jelly Roll Day

Come celebrate National Sew A Jelly Roll Day with Affinity For Quilts.  Jelly Rolls are so much fun to work with and the pattern ideas are endless.  Stop in on Saturday, September 17th and be inspired.  
  • Free Pattern with Jelly Roll Purchase
  • 20% Off Jelly Roll or Strip Set Purchase. Excludes Quilt Minnesota Rolls
  • 15% Off all bolt fabric purchases.  Excludes Quilt Minnesota
  • 10% Off Jelly Roll pattern/book purchases
Date:  Saturday, September 17, 2021
Time:  9am-5pm
Boro Sashiko Class

Join Tammy for the Boro  Sashiko class.  In this class you will combine your fabric scraps with Sashiko embroidery to create beautiful textile art. This is a great way for quilters to put  favorite leftover bits of fabric to use. This will be a raw edge, hand sewn project. You will learn about creating variations too! Gather your fabric scraps, scissors and embroidery supplies and begin creating using the Japanese tradition of Boro Sashiko.  No Sashiko stitching experience necessary. 

Date:  Tuesday, September  20, 2022
Time: 9:00 am – 12:30 pm 
Instructor: Tammy Berry
Class Fee: $25.00

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 Sweet and Spicy Chicken with Veggies served over rice, salad greens, and Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars for dessert.

Date:   Friday, September 23, 2022 
Time:  4:00pm-Midnight
Event Host: Diana Wendorf
Class Fee:  $20.00
Machine Binding Class

Have you always wanted to learn how to bind your quilt by machine? Join Katie In this instructional class to master machine binding. Working with pre-quilted fabric, you will leave this class ready to finish all of your quilts with a beautiful, professional-looking machine binding!   If you have a quilt ready to bind, bring it along and if there is time, you can begin to bind that as well!  The class fee includes pre-quilted fabric and binding fabric.

 

Date:  Saturday, September  24, 2022
Time: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm 
Instructor: Katie Glancy
Class Fee: $35.00

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 Sweet and Spicy Chicken with Veggies served over rice, salad greens, and Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars for dessert.

Date:   Sunday, September 25, 2022  
Time:  1:00pm - 7:00pm 
Event Host: Diana Wendorf

Class Fee:  $20.00
One Wing Wool Pop Up Shop
 
Join us in welcoming One Wing Wool for a week-end of wool.  Darlene Smith of One Wing Wool specializes in uniquely designed wool appliqué patterns and kits.  The wool applique designs include needle cases, pin cushions, penny mats, table runners, pillows, etc. she also has a handful of rug hooked doll patterns.  She will be offering patterns, kits, hand dyed wool, small bundles, and floss, enjoy & respect that Darlene's designs are protected by copyright.  Thank you!  

If you are not familiar with wool as part of the crafting world, this is the perfect time and place to explore all of the fun you can have creating with it.    Darlene is a great designer and has many  fun projects and products for sale.  To find out more about One Winged Wool, visit Darlene's website at: http://www.onewingwool.com/

 Date: Friday September 30 and Saturday October 1, 2022
Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm 
Stack-n-Whack Quilt Class

In this class you will be working with medium- to large-scale prints, you will create dynamic pieced blocks without hours of planning and precision cutting. The kaleidoscope effects occur spontaneously, thanks to the simple 'Stack-n-Whack'® cutting technique. Each block will be unique and unexpected! Your quilt will be pieced with construction methods that eliminate set-in seams and ensure quick, successful results.  Choose from a throw, queen size quilt or table runners!

 There will be a half hour break for lunch.

Date: Saturday, October 8, 2022
Time: 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Instructor: Becky Umenthum
Class Fee: $50.00
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 Tool 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!
 

Date:  Thursday, October 20, 2022
Time:  9:30am – 3:00 pm
Instructor:  Ruth Thompson
Class Fee: $40.00

There will be a half hour break for lunch

Quilt As You Go Placemats Class

Pick your favorite novelty print to make cheerful placemats for any season or décor. We will be using a Quilt-As-You-Go method and the Bay Window Placemat pattern. Seams and quilting are sewn at the same time, speeding the process. Teacher, Kris Livingston will show how this method can be used to speed other projects such as coasters and bags. In fact, you will learn how this placemat pattern can be used to make an attractive, fully lined accessory bag with only the addition of a zipper and a few seams! Other helpful hints will be demonstrated that reduce need for pins and trips to the ironing board. Join us for this fun class! This class is for all skill levels.

Date:  Saturday, October 22, 2022
Time: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Instructor: Kris Livingston
Class Fee: $30.00

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 29, 2022
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Instructor: Lori Adameitz
Class Fee: $45.00

There will be a half hour break for lunch

Posh Holly or Posh Santa Class

Just in time for the holidays, join Becky Umenthum for the day to create the Posh Holly or the Posh Santa from Sew Kind of Wonderful!! Becky will walk you through the steps to create these 28" x 38"decorative wall hangings. You will learn curve cutting and sewing techniques using the QCR mini ruler.

Both Holly and Santa are full of personality and are just the right size for a door quilt or wall hanging to greet your holiday guests.

Some cutting prior to class is required.

Date: Saturday, November 12, 2022
Time: 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Instructor: Becky Umenthum

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 first Sleep In Your Own Bed Retreat since the onset of COVID.  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 
  • A Fun Quilting game after lunch each day; with prizes
  • In Store Shopping Discounts for retreat participants
  • Catering by Manitou Grill with Pizza and Salad on Friday night and Salad, Mushroom and Herb Chicken or Pot Roast with Roasted Baby Red Potatoes and Amaretto Butter Green Beans and a Molten Caramel Drizzle Brownie for dessert
Unlike past retreats there is a deadline for registration as the event center needs a final headcount by a specific date.  If you are interested in attending the retreat you must register by  Saturday, September 24, 2022. 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 September 24, 2022.  Deposit for Friday/Saturday would be $52.50 and for Saturday only would be $37.50.  Also please indicate your food preference; the Mushroom Herb Chicken or Pot Roast upon calling in your registration. 

We are now taking names for our wait list!  Things do come up and sometimes people have to cancel.  If you are on our wait list this will give you the first opportunity for the spring retreat.  


Dates/Time:  Friday, October 14, 2022 10:00am - 10:00pm
                     Saturday, October 15, 2022 9:00am - 10:00pm
Location:  Ballroom of Manitou Event Center, 2171 4th Street, White Bear Lake, MN  55110
Retreat Fee:  $175.00 for Friday and Saturday
                      $125.00 Saturday only
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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