April Showers Bring May Flowers (and rainbows too!)

Posted by Diana Wendorf on

Welcome to What's Up Wednesday!   
We want to thank all the All Minnesota Shop Hoppers who stopped into the store since the event began.  It has been fun meeting everyone, and even having pictures taken with a couple of the hoppers.  We look forward to meeting many more over the next two months.   Please ask for your picture to be taken with me, the owner, or staff member,
and post to the All Minnesota Shop Hop FaceBook page.  


On page 65 of the All Minnesota Shop Hop magazine there is a Quilter's Bucket List Challenge.   This inspired me for our Monthly Facebook Gift Card Giveaway.  Do you have a quilting bucket list?   A list of quilting related thing you want to do and/or see?  To enter this month's drawing, follow us on Facebook and share something from your Quilting Bucket list in the comments section.  Double your chances to win by tagging a quilting friend!  The winner will be randomly selected on April 16, 2022 and will receive a $10.00 gift certificate to the store.

I have some very exciting news to share with everyone this week!  The Affinity For Quilts Sleep In Your Own Bed Retreat will be happening this fall on October 14th and 15th.  The contract has been signed and you will find all the fun details below in the "Events" section. 

It is Freebie Monday Time!  Monday, April 11th is Freebie Monday and this month you will receive a package of the Primitive Gatherings Binding Needles when you make a purchase of $25.00 or more pre-tax.   These needles are great for binding your quilts as they are long and thin, but will not bend like a straw needle, and have a nice big eye to thread a heavier quilting thread that you should use when binding quilts that will be used and washed.  There are 12 needles in a tube.  
Need some inspiration for your next quilting project?  We have it; the new Villa Rosa patterns have arrived!   There are three that are my favorites, which ones are yours?
Roar-some was designed by Jilly P for Dashwwood Studio.  This charming six piece collection was inspired by our need to look after our planet and the animals who live on it.  The collection has a playful focus on our big cat friend, the Lion. With soft washed hues of yellow and orange and a lovely loose style this collection is bound to charm us all.
I've Got A Notion by Shelley Davies for Northcott Fabrics is sure to delight quilters and sewists alike.  This collection is ideal for any project from quilts to bags and everything in between.  You will loose yourself in the focal print, in the multitude of vintage sewing notions in cheerful colors, while other prints focus on threads, scissors, measuring tapes, buttons, and pins.  
Sweet World by Charlotte Grace from Wilmington Fabrics features  rainbows, stars, and clouds.
Here at Affinity For Quilts we love great blenders and background fabrics.  We just received these beauties from Art Gallery Fabrics.  The perfect backgrounds for all your quilting projects.
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 negotiable with the shop for evening meetings.

COVID-19
Per the CDC COVID is now an endemic vs a pandemic. This means that, while some people would still get infected, it wouldn't be an unbearable number with devastating consequences that overwhelms the public, hospital systems and providers.  The seasonal flu, or influenza, is an example of an endemic virus.
 We will continue to monitor the COVID situation; however, masks are still a great way to stop the spread of this disease.  If you have not been vaccinated please wear a mask when in the shop.  At the current time it is employee choice if they want to mask or not.


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
Bad Weather Store Closure Policy
While we strive not to close the shop sometimes mother nature has other ideas and we have to make the decision to close for everyone's safety.  This is just a reminder of the store closure policy here at Affinity For Quilts. 
  1. We will post any notifications on Facebook.
  2. An e-mail will be sent to everyone who is a current subscriber on our list. 
  3. Our website calendar will be update.
  4. If the weather is questionable and you are unsure if the shop is open please call before heading out. 

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:   Save your large cutting mat from repeated cuts in the same place by using  a smaller cutting mat, or rotating cutting mat, when sub-cutting your strips into smaller pieces or squaring up your blocks.  This will extend the life of your large mat and the smaller ones are cheaper to replace.  
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.

You can register and pay for classes in person at 2199 4th Street, White Bear Lake Minnesota or by phone at 651-429-1039.

Boro Sashiko
 

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: April 14, 2022
Time: 9:00 am – 12:30 pm or 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Class Fee: $30.00

Instructor: Tammy Berry

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  square block that can be finished as a 16" pillow. One project to get started on endless fun. Supplies are few to try this addictive hobby.  Come join us!

Date:  Saturday,  April 16, 2022
Time:  AM Session 9:00am - Noon
            PM Session 1:00pm - 4:00pm 
Class Fee:  $20.00
Instructor: Tammy Berry

Easter Egg Hunt

The Easter Bunny has contacted me asking for permission to deliver some very special Easter Eggs for our customers. These eggs are not only filled with chocolate but are also filled with savings off all of your favorite quilting supplies and a few lucky eggs are even filled with gift certificates.

Date:  Saturday, April 16, 2022
Time:  9am-5pm, or until all eggs are found.

Must be 18 or older to participate. Children with parents can hunt for eggs; however, only one egg per household.
Beginning Quilting

Join us in this 3 part Beginning Quilting class to learn the very basics of quilt making.  In this class you will learn how to read a pattern, use a rotary cutter, cutting mat, basic quilt ruler, and other quilting supplies, while achieving that necessary 1/4" seam.  Diana will lead you through the steps to create this fun beginner quilt top. The pattern we have chosen is Burn Bright 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:  April 19, 2022, May 3, 2022, and May 17, 2022
Time:  9:30am-12:30pm or 6:00pm-9:00pm 
Class Fee:  $50.00  (Fee includes a small spool of Aurifil thread and a package of sewing machine needles)
Instructor:  Diana Wendorf
Midnight Open Sew

Are you ready to spend a night quilting with friends?  Join Diana as she hosts our monthly Midnight Open Sew.  This month we will be having Beef Stroganoff served over egg noodles with French Bread and Chocolate Brownies for dessert.  

Date:   Friday, April 22, 2022 (Only 2 spaces available)
Time:  4:00pm-Midnight
Class Fee:  $20.00
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 and the menu will feature Beef Stroganoff served over egg noodles with French Bread and Chocolate Brownies for dessert.  

Date:   Sunday, April 24, 2022  (Only 2 spaces available)
Time:  1:00pm - 7:00pm 
Class Fee:  $20.00
Shop Hop Sunday
April 24, 2022 11am-5pm
All Minnesota Shop Hop 
April 1, 2022 - May 31, 2022

 
To follow all the action of The All Minnesota Shop Hop  join Koleene and Jen, the organizers of  The All Minnesota Shop Hop on Facebook at: 
www.facebook.com/groups/allminnesotashophop
We are looking forward to seeing everyone as the snow melts and the warm weather returns. 

The next Shop Hop Sunday will be on: 
May 22, 2022 11am-5pm
Makers Project Bag 2.0

Join Tammy in this all day class to create this fun project bag.  With a finished size of 13.5" x 13.5", it will easily hold your Sashiko, Embroidery or Quilt project blocks.  The clear vinyl window allows for visibility of the contents too!  The large project bag is perfect to adapt and use your 12"x12" Sashiko stitched project.    An extra quilt block or two, would also make a great backdrop in this bag!

Date:  April 30, 2022
Time:  9:30am - 4:30pm
Class Fee $45.00
Instructor:  Tammy Berry

 

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, May 11, 2022
           Sunday, May 15, 2022
               
Time:  12:30pm-3:30pm
Class Fee:  $10.00
Instructor:  Tammy Berry
Beginning Paper Piecing

Join us in the Beginning Paper Piecing class and learn how to create your quilt project using the paper piecing method of quilting. You will create perfect points every time with this technique of quilt making! Rebecca will lead you through the steps to create this fun beginner table topper. The pattern we have chosen is by Cindi McCracken from Cut Loose Prints and is created with the beginner paper piercer in mind. A straight stitch sewing machine is required for this class.

Kits are available for $43.99 and include pattern, paper piecing foundations, and fabric for top and binding.   

Feel free to choose your own fabrics.  Pattern and Paper Piecing Foundations can be purchased separately.  


Date:  Thursday, May 19, 2022
Time:  9:30am-1:00pm
Class Fee:  $40.00
Instructor:  Rebecca Rise

 

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 30, 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.  

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
Quilt Minnesota 2022 - July 29, 2022 thru August 20, 2022

Quilt Minnesota 2022 fabric is now available for pre-order.  Here at Affinity For Quilts we do not require a deposit for your order and the website (www.affinityforquilts.com) is set up with a $0.00 price for Quilt Minnesota fabrics and pre-cuts.  Payment processing will not begin until July 25, 2022.    You will find a complete price list of the Quilt Minnesota Fabric line in the description area of each fabric.  If you prefer to pre-order Quilt Minnesota 2022 fabrics in person just stop into the store and talk to any sales associate. The actual fabric will not be in store until June of 2022.   
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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