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Did you miss me? I was in Chicago last week attending the H+H Americas conference, and just couldn’t find time to pull together a newsletter from the hotel. But I’m back, and we have lots of fun things to share with you this week—so let’s dive in!
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Look At What I Found At The Show!
Affinity For Quilts is excited to now carry Madam Sew Project Bags, the perfect solution for organizing your tools and materials across a variety of crafts. These spacious bags feature dual pockets and a clear mesh design, making it easy to see what’s inside at a glance. Each bag is designed to hold all the essentials for your project, allowing you to pause one and pick up another without missing a step.
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The New Villa Rosa Patterns Are Here!
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This fabric is a perfect match for the upcoming Downtown White Bear Lake Dog Days event taking place on Saturday, May 17th.
Purr and woof with joy over Fur-ever Friends, new from Gareth Lucas and Windham Fabrics! This paws-itively perfect collection for pet lovers showcases Gareth's signature illustrations of loveable cats and dogs. Designed to promote pet adoption, it is a fetching way to create heartwarming projects that celebrate our furry friends and their forever homes.
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Feel the rhythm of Feeling Jazzy, a collection by Whistler Studios for Windham Fabrics that embodies the soulful essence of jazz. Featuring piano keys, music notes, and a variety of instruments, this line brings a harmonious energy to any project. The retro color palette adds a touch of nostalgia, making it ideal for designs with timeless style and character.
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We’re excited to share that new Aboriginal fabrics have just arrived at Affinity For Quilts. These stunning prints showcase the rich traditions, symbolism, and storytelling of Indigenous Australian artists through vibrant colors and intricate patterns. Whether you're looking to add cultural depth to your next quilt or simply drawn to bold, meaningful design, these fabrics are sure to inspire.
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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.
Please note: due to the holiday season, Open Sew will only be available on the 1st Friday in November and December; the 3rd Tuesday sessions will not be held during those months.
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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Monthly Promotions at Affinity For Quilts
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Double Punch Tuesday – Earn double loyalty punches on every 1st Tuesday of the month!
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Freebie Monday – Visit us every 2nd Monday of the month for a surprise freebie with your purchase.
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Fat Quarter Wednesday – On the 3rd Wednesday of each month, buy 6 fat quarters and get the 7th one FREE!
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Sale Wall Friday – Enjoy an extra 10% off all Sale Wall fabrics every 4th Friday of the month.
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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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Tip Of The Week
A simple way to keep your sewing area more efficient is to tie a piece of ribbon to a small pair of scissors and attach them directly to your ironing board. This clever trick ensures that your scissors are always within reach while you're pressing your quilt blocks or fabric pieces. Instead of searching around your sewing space for a pair of scissors, you can quickly grab them and snip away any loose or unwanted threads as you go. Keeping your workspace tidy and your project neat becomes much easier when the tools you need are right at hand.
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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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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, 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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All Minnesota Shop Hop
It's hard to believe we're celebrating the fourth year of this incredible sewing adventure across our beautiful state of Minnesota!
If you’re not already following the All Minnesota Shop Hop online, be sure to visit their website and join their Facebook group for updates and information!
For complete details about the All Minnesota Shop Hop, visit their website at www.MinnesotaShopHop.com.
Join their Facebook Group to see Shop Hopper experiences and learn more about the stores at FB: AllMinnesotaShopHop.
April 1, 2025 thru May 31, 2025
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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, May 15, 2025
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, May 16, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Club Leader: Diana Wendorf
Club Fee: $15.00
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Downtown White Bear Lake Dog Days
Dog owners and lovers will unite on May 17 for the ninth annual celebration of Dog Days of White Bear Lake. Organized by Indulge Salon and Spa, the event brings a doggone good time for people and pups alike with opportunities to play and build community.
From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the downtown “square” (Fourth Street, Banning Avenue, Third Street and Washington Avenue) will be lined with vendors, activities and learning opportunities—and many area businesses also participate.
Affinity For Quilts will have water bowls set up outside for our four-legged friends and doggie treats plus a free bandana pattern inside. We just got some new dog fabric in that your dog is sure to "woof" over.
Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
Store Hours: 9:00-am - 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. This month, we’re serving up Chicken Tacos with Chips and Salsa, Spanish Rice on the side, and Toffee Cracker Bars for a sweet finish.
After supper, take part in our Show-and-Tell session—share your progress, admire others’ creations, and leave feeling inspired!
Date: Sunday, May 18, 2025
Time: 1:00pm - 7:00pm
Event Hostess: Diana Wendorf
Class Fee: $25.00
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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.
This month, we’re serving up Chicken Tacos with Chips and Salsa, Spanish Rice on the side, and Toffee Cracker Bars for a sweet finish.
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, May 23, 2025
Time: 4:00pm - Midnight
Event Hostess: Diana Wendorf
Class Fee: $25.00
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Thread Painting & Embellishment Class
Enhance your quilts and fabric projects with stunning thread painting techniques! In this hands-on class, you will learn how to use free-motion straight stitching and zig-zag stitching to add intricate details, shading, and texture to your designs. Whether you're working on landscape quilts, pet portraits, or printed fabric panels, thread painting allows you to bring your projects to life with depth and dimension.
Techniques covered include:
- Free-motion thread painting with straight and zig-zag stitching
- Adding shading and texture with thread layering
- Enhancing printed fabric designs with stitched embellishments
- Creating realistic details for pet portraits and landscapes
- Selecting the right threads, stabilizers, and needles for optimal results
This class is perfect for confident beginners and experienced quilters looking to expand their artistic quilting skills. Join us and discover how thread painting can transform your quilting projects into stunning works of art.
Date: Saturday, May 31, 2025
Time: 9:30 am-12:30 pm
Instructor: Linda Heimerl
Class Fee: $40.00
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Mystery Five-0 Mini-Mystery - Starlight
Are you ready to start your Starlight Mini-Mystery Quilt but unsure how to choose the right fabrics? 🎨✨
Good news! Teresa Coenen, co-founder of Mystery Five-0, has put together a fantastic video to guide you through the fabric selection process. Whether you’re using one of our curated fabric bundles or pulling from your stash, this video will help you make the best choices for a stunning quilt!
📌 In this video, you’ll learn:
✔️ How to balance contrast & complementing colors
✔️ Understanding fabric value (light, medium, dark)
✔️ Choosing print scale for the best effect
✔️ How to work with directional fabrics
🎥 Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02W0mvo2ov
If you haven’t picked up your Starlight Mini-Mystery Quilt fabric bundle yet, we still have a few left! Get yours before they’re gone!
🛍️ Shop curated bundles here: https://www.affinityforquilts.com/pages/mystery-five-0
We can’t wait to see your fabric selections—get ready for the mystery to unfold on May 31st.
Happy Quilting!
Diana
Date: May 31, 2025
Place: The Affinity For Quilts Mystery Five-0 Facebook Group
Time: Watch For Upcoming Details
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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, June 6, 2025
Time: 5:00pm - 9:00pm
Instructor: Diana Wendorf
Class Fee: $15.00
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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, June 11, 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, June 12, 2025
Thursday, June 19, 2025
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, June 14, 2025
Time: 9:30 am-3:30 pm
Instructor: Linda Heimerl
Class Fee: $55.00
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Metro Twist Quilt Class
Pattern by Sew Kind of Wonderful
Join us for a fun and skill-building class using the Metro Twist pattern by Sew Kind of Wonderful. This modern quilt features a fresh and dynamic twist design created with curved piecing, perfect for showcasing your favorite fabrics with movement and flow.
In this class, students will learn how to confidently work with curves while creating a visually striking quilt. Whether you're new to sewing curves or want to fine-tune your skills, this class will guide you through each step of the process.
Skills Taught in Class
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How to use the Quick Curve Ruler for cutting precise curved pieces and trimming blocks
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Techniques for sewing smooth and accurate curved seams
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How to cut, organize, and sew mirror image blocks for balanced and symmetrical quilt layouts
This is a great opportunity to expand your quilting skills while creating a modern and eye-catching quilt top. Join us and discover how fun and approachable curved piecing can be!
Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025
Time: 9:30 am-4:00 pm
Instructor: Becky Umenthum
Class Fee: $55.00
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Landscape Collage Quilt Class
Turn a favorite landscape photo into a one-of-a-kind quilted wall hanging in this creative class! Working from your own photo, you’ll learn how to trace, fuse, and layer fabrics to bring your image to life in fabric form. Building your composition from background to foreground will add depth and detail to your project
This is a class of intermediate difficulty for those who want to explore art quilting techniques in a supportive, hands-on environment.
Date: Saturday, June 28
Time: 9:30 am-4:00 pm
Instructor: Linda Heimerl
Class Fee: $55.00
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Flash Monday--July
We’re excited to bring Flash Monday back -- and it's better than ever! These fun, 3-hour classes are all about making something great — and fast. Spend a few hours with Ruth and she'll walk you through each project step-by-step!
July’s Project: The Travel Case
This month we’re making the Travel Case from P3 Designs — a slim, stylish little organizer that’s packed with storage. Perfect for carrying your sewing tools, and it only takes a few fat quarters (or 2/3 yard of fabric) plus a bit of interfacing to make!
Grab your fabric and come join us for a few hours of sewing, learning, and fun!
Date: Monday, July 14, 2025
Time: 2:00pm - 5:00pm -Or- 6:00pm-9:00pm
Instructor: Ruth Thompson
Class Fee: $15.00
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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.
During class, you’ll learn:
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How to prepare and organize your fabrics for collage
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Techniques for layering and fusing pieces
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Tips for bringing personality and movement into your design
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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!
Class date: Saturday, July 19, 2025
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Instructor: Lori Adameitz
Class Fee: $45.00
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Tuffet Class
Add a touch of charm to your home with a handmade tuffet! This two-session class is perfect for anyone looking to create a unique, stylish footstool with a quilted flair.
Session 1: Creating the Tuffet Cover - July 26, 2025
In the first session, you’ll learn the foundation piecing technique to sew the tuffet cover. Kristen will guide you through the process and help you get as much sewing done as possible in class. You’ll complete any remaining sewing at home before the next session.
Session 2: Assembling the Tuffet - August 9, 2025
Come ready to bring it all together! In this session, you’ll learn how to assemble your tuffet step-by-step. By the end of class, you’ll have a beautiful, finished 18” round tuffet ready to take home and enjoy.
Whether you're looking to add a personalized accent piece to your space or create a thoughtful handmade gift, this class is a fun and rewarding way to do it!
Dates: Saturday, July 26, & August 9, 2025
Time: 9:30 am-1:30 pm each day
Instructor: Kristen Bender
Class Fee: $325.00 (includes tuffet kit and pattern)
$110.00 for students that own their kit and pattern
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Hexi Fun Quilt Class
Join us for a hands-on quilt class where you'll create the Hexie Fun quilt by Sew Mariana for Cut Loose Press, a 28" x 28"project perfect for learning and showcasing new techniques. You'll master the Creative Grids Hexie Ruler to maximize your fabric and create precise hexagon designs with ease. Susan will share her expertise in straight-line quilting, offering tips for achieving professional results using your domestic sewing machine. To complete your quilt, Susan will demonstrate how to add a hanging sleeve, giving it a polished finish and making it easy to display. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your quilting skills!
Key Takeaways
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Mastering the Creative Grids Hexi Ruler: Maximize your fabric by learning the ins and outs of using the Creative Grids Hexie Template/Ruler.
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Straight-Line Quilting: Susan will share tips on successful straight line quilting with your domestic sewing machine
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Hanging Sleeve Demo: Susan will demonstrate how to add a hanging sleeve for a professional touch and easy display of your finished projects.
Date: Thursday, July 31, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Instructor: Susan Drabek
Class Fee: $55.00
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Foundation Paper Piecing
Colorburst Table Topper Pattern
Have you wanted to learn Foundation Paper Piecing but didn’t know whereto start? Now is your chance! Join instructor Susan Drabek for a full-day, hands on workshop where you’ll learn how to construct the Colorburst table topper using Foundation Paper Piecing techniques.
While our shop sample uses three blocks to create a table runner, the Colorburst pattern is versatile— once you've learned the paper piecing techniques you will be able to make additional blocks at home to turn your table topper into a runner, throw, or full-size quilt! Whether you're new to paper piecing or looking to sharpen your skills, this class will guide you through the process of precision piecing with confidence.
Skills Taught
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Foundation Paper Piecing technique
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Seam matching for a polished finish
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Reducing bulk in your seams for flatter blocks
Leave class with new skills and a beautiful project to show for it!
Date: Sunday, August 3, 2025
Time: 9:30am - 4:00pm
Instructor: Susan Drabek
Class Fee: $55.00
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Featherweight Machine Maintenance
Join us for a hands-on sewing machine maintenance class with expert instructor Jordan Frayne! Spend a productive afternoon learning how to care for your beloved Singer Featherweight sewing machine. In this class, you'll discover how to properly inspect, clean, and oil your machine—skills that will help keep it running smoothly for years to come.
Whether you're new to Featherweights or have been sewing with one for years, this class is a must-attend for anyone who wants to better understand their machine and how to maintain it.
What to Bring: Your Singer Featherweight sewing machine and a willingness to learn—no additional preparation required!
Date: Sunday, August 10, 2025
Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Instructor: Jordan Frayne
Class Fee: $25.00
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The Cube Bag Class
Back by popular demand: after an almost two-year run with this class we are thrilled to be offering it once again!
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.
During class, you'll learn how to
- 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!
Please note - there is pre-work/cutting required prior to class
Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025
Time:9:30am – 3:30 pm
Instructor: Ruth Thompson
Skill Level: Very Confident Beginner/Intermediate
Class Fee: $50
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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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