Events

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.
 
Happy Birthday Affinity For Quilts
 

Celebrate with us as Affinity For Quilts turns 5! It's been an exciting journey over these past 5 years, filled with memorable moments and plenty of fun.

Mark your calendars for our annual anniversary sale, happening from July 8th to 13th. You might wonder why we're celebrating in July instead of our actual anniversary month. Well, when COVID forced us to close our doors on our first anniversary, we decided to postpone our big sale until July after the state reopened.

But that doesn't mean we can't have a blast on Monday, April 1st! Join us for cupcakes and festivities as we commemorate our 5th year anniversary. We'd love to have you be a part of this special occasion.

Date:  Monday, April 1, 2024
Time:  9:00am - 5:00pm

All Minnesota Shop Hop 
 
The All Minnesota Shop Hop Magazines and fabric line have arrived in-store.  Fabric sales will commence on April 1, 2024. 

Join the All Minnesota Shop Hop Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/allminnesotashophop for Shop Hop Talk Tuesday at 5:30pm, contests and amazing prizes before the Shop Hop kicks off. Who knows? You might be the next lucky winner!

We can't wait to see everyone!

Dates:  April 1, 2024 thru May 31, 2024
Hours:  9am-5pm  Monday-Saturday

Special Hours on:
Shop Hop Sunday:  Sunday April 7, 2024 11:00am-5:00pm
Friday, April 26, 2024  9:00am-9:00pm
Sunday, April 28, 2024 1:00pm-7:00pm
Shop Hop Sunday:  Sunday, May 5, 2024 11:00am-5:00pm
Friday, May 17, 2024 9:00am-9:00pm
Sunday, May 19, 2024 1:00pm-7:00pm

Machine Binding Class 
 

Are you ready to take your quilting to the next level? Join instructor Katie Glancy in this  hands-on instructional class, where you'll learn the tips and tricks of machine binding for quilts. Whether you're a novice or looking to refine your skills, this class offers a comprehensive guide to achieving a polished, professional machine binding finish.

During the class, you'll bring in a project that is ready for binding, and Katie will skillfully guide you through the step-by-step process of machine binding. By the end of the session, you'll have the confidence and expertise to complete your future quilting projects with impressive machine-bound edges.

 

Date: Saturday, April 6, 2024
Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Instructor: Katie Glancy
Class Fee: $35.00

Featherweight Machine Maintenance

Join us for a hands-on sewing machine maintenance class with our expert instructor, Jordan Frayne. Spend a productive morning learning how to take care of your cherished Singer Featherweight sewing machine. In this class, you will gain valuable insights into inspecting, oiling, and cleaning your machine. Whether you're a sewing enthusiast or just starting your journey with these iconic sewing machines, this classis a must-attend.

No class preparation is required. Just bring your Singer Featherweight sewing machine and an eagerness to learn!
 

Date: Monday, April 8, 2024
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00pm 
Instructor: Jordan Frayne
Class Fee: $25.00

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: Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Time:  9:30pm-12:30pm
Instructor:  Tammy Berry
Class Fee:  $15.00
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, April 11, 2024 
           Thursday, April 18, 2024 
Time:  10:00am-3:30pm
Class Fee:  $15.00
Instructor:  Sharon Lenertz
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 Spring Sleep In Your Own Bed Retreat.  This weekend will be nothing short of fun and will include: 
  • A Gift Bag for each Attendee
  • Great Door Prizes
  • Short product demo each day 
  • In Store Shopping Discounts for retreat participants 
  • Plenty of snacks and beverages both days including a meat, cheese, and vegetable tray each afternoon
  • Salad and Pizza Friday night from Carbone's Pizzeria & Pub
  • Saturday morning start your day with delicious pastries, muffins, fresh fruits, and juice
  • Catering by Todd Scheel for our Saturday evening meal.  The menu includes Tossed Garden Salad, your choice of Signature Pan Seared Chicken Breasts or Beef Stroganoff, Over Roasted Baby Red Potatoes, Green Bean Almandine, and a Fudge Brownie with Raspberry Mousse for dessert.

You still have the opportunity to register for this enjoyable event, as several available spots are still open.

Dates/Time:  Friday, April  12, 2024 10:00am - 9:00pm
                     Saturday, April 13, 2024 9:00am - 9:00pm
Location:  White Bear Lake Masonic Lodge at 4923 Stewart Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110

Retreat Fee:  $175.00 for Friday and Saturday
                      $125 for only one day Friday or Saturday
  

Partial Eclipse Quilt Class

Join Susan in an exciting quilting class and craft your own stunning Partial Eclipse quilted wall hanging or table topper! Under Susan's guidance, you'll create a beautiful 32 1/2" square quilt, exploring the art of curved piecing and curved edges.

Susan will walk you through each step, sharing her expertise to ensure a successful quilting experience. The versatile pattern, designed by Robyn Pickens, welcomes various fabric choices such as charm packs, layer cake, or fat quarters for blocks. You have the freedom to bring your own fabrics or replicate our sample by choosing one of our kits.

To make the most of the class, there is some prep work involved. Follow the instructions on the supply list for fabric cutting to come prepared for a day of creative quilting.
 

Date:    April 13, 2024   
Time:    9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Instructor:    Susan Drabek
Class Fee:    $55.00 (Pattern Sold Seperately)

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: Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM 
Club Leader:  Diana Wendorf
Club Fee: $15.00

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, April 19, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM 
Club Leader:  Diana Wendorf
Club Fee: $15.00

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, April 20, 2024
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Instructor: Lori Adameitz 
Class Fee: $45.00 
(Pattern sold separately)

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.  The menu for April will be Tossed Green Salad, Beef Stroganoff over Egg Noodles, French Bread and Chocolate Brownies for dessert. 

Continue to inspire your fellow quilters with your handiwork during Show-and-Tell, which will take place after supper.  

Date:   Friday, April 26, 2024
Time:  4:00pm-Midnight
Event Host: Diana Wendorf
Class Fee:  $25.00
Magnolia Drawstring Bucket Bag
 
Just. Too. Cute! This is a surprisingly spacious bag on the inside. Constructed with a cork exterior provides both flexibility of the design when cinched closed and stability for the bag overall. The interior can be made with a number of fabric types from cotton to waterproof canvas and boasts a roomy interior zippered pocket.

With this bag you will learn the following:
- How to work with cork fabric
- Game changer: tiny staples
- Game changer: double-sided tape
- Creating two-toned and adjustable bag straps
- The use of and installation of grommets in bags
- How to improvise from someone else’s mistake


Date:  Saturday, April 27, 2024
Time:  9:30am-4:30pm
Instructor:  Ruth Thompson
Class Fee:  $70.00 (Pattern and materials extra)
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.  The menu for April will be Tossed Green Salad, Beef Stroganoff over Egg Noodles, French Bread and Chocolate Brownies for dessert. 

Continue to inspire your fellow quilters with your handiwork during Show-and-Tell, which will take place after supper. 

Date:   Sunday, April 28, 2024
Time:  1:00pm - 7:00pm 
Event Host: Diana Wendorf

Class Fee:  $25.00

Thursday Threads with Ruth

We are thrilled to begin our revised Flash Monday series now called "Thursday Threads with Ruth" and led by the talented Ruth Thompson, these sessions promise to be a fun journey of creativity, sewing, and skill-building.

Taking place the first Thursday of each month, each session will provide you the opportunity to create a project from start to finish in just a few short hours. From brand new projects to exciting twists on previous samples found in our shop, "Thursday Threads with Ruth" offers a wide range of projects. Each session is designed to be both engaging and productive, providing the perfect environment for you to expand your sewing skills. Whether you're sewing solo or with friends, you'll find inspiration, encouragement, and plenty of opportunities to learn and grow.

Our first project will be the fabulous Mannequin Pin Cushion!

Date: Thursday, May 2, 2024
Time:9:30 am – 1:30 pm
Instructor: Ruth Thompson
Class Fee:  $28.00

Beginning Applique

Delve into the  world of applique under the expert guidance of Linda. Using the instructional book 'First Time Applique' by Janet Pittman, Linda will walk you through each step of machine applique, from the initial tracing to the final finishing touches. You'll have the opportunity to choose from five different applique projects to kickstart your journey to master them all!

A sewing machine equipped with a zig-zag stitch is required for this class.

Class Preparation: Before the day of the class, there is a bit of cutting and interfacing attachment required at home.

 

Date: Saturday, May 4, 2024
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (including a half-hour lunch break)
Instructor: Linda Heimerl
Skill Level: Beginner
Class Fee: $55.00
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, May 18, 2024
Time:  1:00pm - 4:00pm
Instructor:  Aryn Lill
Class Fee:  $55.00  Follow like above to register.  Class fee includes all supplies.

Bird Song Quilt Class - Mastering Curves

Join Becky to create the spring Bird Song quilt. This class is perfect for those eager to learn or improve their skills of sewing curves with ease and precision.

In this comprehensive, all-day class, you will explore the techniques behind the Mini Wonderful Curves book, utilizing the QCR Mini Ruler.  This essential tool not only simplifies the cutting of curved pieces but also helps to ensure cutting accuracy, making it an invaluable asset for your quilting projects.

Throughout the class, you will be guided step-by-step through the process of piecing together the beautiful Bird Song quilt. Whether you see your finished piece as a spring wall hanging, a charming table runner, or even a cozy lap quilt with added borders, this class provides the skills and confidence needed to master those curves!

Highlights of the Class

  •    Learn  to sew curves with ease, an essential skill for any quilter

  •    Master  the use of the QCR Mini Ruler for cutting and trimming curved pieces

  •    Step-by-step  guidance through the construction of the Bird Song quilt   

  •    Techniques  applicable to a variety of quilting projects beyond the class   

  •    An  opportunity to complete a project that can be adapted to a wall hanging, table runner, or lap quilt.


Date: Saturday, June 1, 2024
Time: 9:30 am-3:30 pm
Instructor: Becky Umenthum
Class Fee:  $55.00

Stripology Ruler Demonstration & Trunk Show

Enter the world of efficient and precise cutting with the Stripology Ruler Demonstration and Trunk Show. Whether you're new to Stripology rulers or looking to maximize your usage, this lecture by certified Stripology Instructor Peggy Alspaugh, is designed to unveil the versatility of these innovative tools.

Highlights

  • Ruler Features :    Discover the unique features of all four Stripology rulers. Learn  how each ruler can revolutionize your quilting process, making it faster, more accurate, and infinitely more enjoyable.

  • Live Demonstrations:    Witness firsthand the efficiency of Stripology rulers. Our live    demonstrations will cover a wide range of techniques, including    cutting quarter-inch increments, managing multiple layers with ease,    cutting angles without hassle, and mastering the creation of half    square triangles and flying geese.

  • Comprehensive Guidance:    Understand the full potential of these rulers through detailed    discussions on each one's capabilities. Learn how to leverage Stripology rulers for various quilting projects, enhancing both creativity and precision.

  • Trunk    Show:    Be inspired by a stunning display of quilts, all crafted using Stripology rulers. This collection will showcase the rulers' versatility and adaptability to different quilting styles and    patterns.


Date: Saturday, June 29, 2024
Time: 10:00 am- 12:00 pm
Instructor: Peggy Alspaugh
Class Fee:  $25.00

Quilt Minnesota 2024 
July 26, 2024 - August 17, 2024

Don't forget to add the 18th annual Quilt Minnesota Shop Hop to your calendar. If you're eager to get your hands on the 2024 Quilt MN fabric you've been eyeing, you can pre-order it now by visiting our website at www.affinityforquilts.com. There, you'll find all the details on pricing for panels, precuts, and fabrics. The website currently shows a price of $0.00 for these items, meaning you won't be charged until the Shop Hop is about to start. Starting July 22nd, we'll reach out to you by phone to arrange for payment. If we haven't secured payment for your order by August 3, 2024, the reserved products will be made available for sale again, unless you've discussed alternative arrangements with the owner. Detailed pricing for the Quilt Minnesota Fabric line can be found in the description section for each fabric on our website. If you'd rather place your pre-order in person, feel free to visit our store. Please note that the actual fabric will not arrive in-store until June 2024.

Affinity For Quilts Shop Hop Hours: 
Monday - Saturday:  9am-5pm
Sunday:  11am-5pm
Upcoming Quilt Shows
March 27th-April 19th, 2024 
Quilt Art for the Love of It

Dakota County Star Quilters' 29th Annual Quilt Show
Dakota County Historical Society Museum
130 3rd Avenue North
South Saint Paul, MN 
Special presentation and trunk show by Carol Hancuh "Growing a Voice in Quilting on Tuesday April 9th at 1:00pm and 7:00pm..  Tickets available at Evenbrite.com

Museum Hours:  Wed & Friday 9am-5pm, Thurs 9am-8pm, and Sat 10am-3pm
Suggested museum donation:  $5.00 

May 3-May 4, 2024 
Maple Grove Quilters' 2024 Quilt Show Spring Fling
Featuring:  Member Quilt Exhibit, Guild Challenge Exhibit, Demonstrations, Boutique, Raffle Quilt, Vendors, and Prizes.
Location:  Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Rd, Maple Grove, MN  55369
Admission:  $7.00 

June 13-15, 2024
Minnesota Quilters Quilt Show 2024
Location:  Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, 
 350 Harbor Dr, Duluth, MN 55802
Admission:  MN Quilters Member $12.00 - Non Member $15.00