Autumn Inspirations & Quilting Updates!

Posted by Diana Wendorf on

Welcome to What's Up Wednesday!   
I enjoy all the seasons, but I have to admit that Autumn is my favorite. Each day, nature's color palette transforms, shifting from greens to vibrant golds, reds, browns, and oranges. The days grow cooler, and the nights even chillier, marking the arrival of the perfect time for quilting season to truly begin.

Looking for tools to help clean your sewing machine? Visit the store on Monday, October 14th, and receive a FREE package of Gypsy Quilters Every Nook and Cranny Cleaning Tools with a $25.00 pre-tax purchase, while supplies last. The silicone bristles are soft yet effective, and the assortment of tips in the set allows you to reach all those small, hard-to-access areas in your machine.
The latest Villa Rosa patterns have arrived in the shop. Which one is catching your eye?
Searching for a fun project with the Tilda Creating Memories collection? We found the perfect pattern—Round the Lake by Australian designer Emma Jean Jansen—that uses all 16 fat quarters from the seasonal collections. Our sample showcases the small throw, made with one Creating Memories seasonal fat quarter bundle, along with background and binding fabric. The finished throw measures 56" x 56".  
Ready to spruce up your fall table or wall? The Turkey Trot pattern is just the thing! This quick and fun runner uses one charm pack from Riley Blake's Bittersweet collection, along with background, border, and binding fabrics. Measuring 32" x 64", it can also double as a wall-hanging. Limited kits are available for $69.99.

We are excited to introduce Clothworks Fabrics delightful Guess How Much I Love You 2024 fabric collection—a charming and playful tribute to the beloved children's tale of Big Nutbrown Hare and Little Nutbrown Hare. The collection also includes a delightful panel and two flannel options, perfect for adding an extra soft touch to your backing.  This collection beautifully captures the essence of love and joy from the heartwarming story.

The "Fairy Dust" collection by Makower UK for Andover Fabrics is a whimsical fabric line that draws inspiration from the enchanting world of fairies. Featuring delicate patterns like sparkling stars, toadstools, and unicorns, the designs evoke a dreamy atmosphere. The pastel color palette—gentle pinks, soft blues, and muted purples—creates a light and ethereal feel, making it perfect for children's quilts, playful decor, and imaginative projects. "Fairy Dust" adds a touch of fantasy and charm to any sewing collection.
Deal of the Week!  Love fabric? So do we! This week, we’re offering a special 15% OFF when you purchase the remaining fabric on any bolt!  Whether you need that extra yard for a project or just can’t resist adding to your stash, now’s the time to grab the entire piece and SAVE!  Offer excludes Quilt Minnesota, Tilda and Cork
Just a reminder, the next "Deal of the Week" will be announced on Facebook this Sunday. If you’re not following us yet, it’s simple just click!
https://www.facebook.com/affinityforquilts.
***Halloween Fabric Sale***
 
As many of you know, I lived in Anoka for many years and still feel closely connected to it, since it's only 11 miles south of Oak Grove. After all it is the Halloween Capital of the World! That’s why you’ll always find a good selection of Halloween-themed samples and fabrics at Affinity For Quilts.

From Thursday, October 10th through October 31st, Affinity For Quilts is offering 15% off all your favorite Halloween fabrics. Halloween kits will be discounted by 10%, Halloween Sale fabric will be priced at $7.00 per yard, and Halloween fat quarters will be just $2.75 each.

Classroom Space
If your group needs a meeting place, please call Affinity For Quilts at 651-429-1039 to inquire about availability. 
  • We offer two free open sew days each month, the 1st Friday and the 3rd Tuesday, from 10am to 4pm. Registration for each month will begin the 15th of the month prior as space is limited.  
  • Private groups can rent the space for a fee of $10 per day, per group.
  • We also invite non-profits and Guilds to use our facilities for their events. Please contact the shop to discuss and arrange your event.

Recurring Store Specials
  • Double Punch Tuesday: Every 1st Tuesday of the month.
  • Freebie Monday: Every 2nd Monday of the month.
  • FQ Wednesday:  Every 3rd Wednesday of the month. Buy 6 Get 7th Free.
  • Sale Wall Friday:  Every 4th Friday of the 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, please remember to 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.  You can reach Jordan directly at  612-275-3356 to speak to him directly or to schedule an appointment. He is currently offering curbside pickup and delivery for your convenience.

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 redirected to the Facebook group.  Select 'join group' and you will be added.  It's that easy!  

 
Tip of the Week!   When marking, avoid holding your pencil upright, as this can cause it to drag on the fabric and result in an inaccurate line. Instead, angle the pencil against the pattern and mark with one smooth, continuous motion. If the pencil line is thick, trim inside the mark when cutting for piecing.
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 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.
 
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 10, 2024
          Thursday, October 17, 2024
Time: 10:00 am - 3:30 pm
Fee: $15.00/monthly
 gathering
Instructor: Sharon  Lenertz

 
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 18, 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 sample is just one of several pattern choices for this class. The results are beautiful and the possibilities are endless!


Class Date: Saturday, October 19, 2024
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Instructor: Lori Adameitz
Class Fee: $45.00

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.  The menu for October will be Tossed Green Salad, Chicken Stew, Bread, and Apple Crisp for dessert. 

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

Date:   Friday, October 25, 2024
Time:  4:00pm-Midnight
Event Host: Diana Wendorf
Class Fee:  $25.00
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.  The menu for October will be Tossed Green Salad, Chicken Stew, Bread, and Apple Crisp for dessert. 

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

Date:   Sunday, October 27, 2024
Time:  1:00pm - 7:00pm 
Event Host: Diana Wendorf

Class Fee:  $25.00
Color In Quilting Lecture

Discover the wonderful world of color in quilting!  Color is an essential and often underestimated aspect of quilting, standing as a cornerstone along side fabric selection, thread choice, and the quilt pattern. 

In this lecture, you'll discover the world of  color theory and its practical application in quilting. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced quilter,  the decisions surrounding color can be challenging and sometimes overwhelming. 

Understanding the fundamentals of color will demystify color principles, and how color choice directly impacts and enhances your quilt projects. Gain valuable problem-solving strategies to address common color challenges that may arise during your projects. 

Tammy's expertise in color theory will empower you to confidently diagnose and resolve color-related issues independently. By the end of this lecture, you'll have the tools to make informed and impactful color decisions in your quilting endeavors.

Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024
Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Instructor:  Tammy Berry
Lecture Fee:  $25.00
Format: This event is a lecture-only session 

Color-filled Fabric Bowl Class

Enjoy the interplay of colorful fabrics and make decorative and useful bowls in this engaging sewing class! We will use the Bali Bowls pattern to learn two distinct methods for creating fabric bowls, both beginning with 2 ½-inch fabric strips. The first method uses double-sided fusible batting to stabilize the bowl, while the second method relies on clothesline to form the structure.

In this class, you will receive comprehensive tips for making and finishing your bowl to perfection. Whether you are a seasoned sewer or a beginner, you'll find this class enjoyable and rewarding.

Our instructor, Kris Livingston, brings extensive experience in Jelly roll rug making and fabric-wrapped clothesline bowls. With Kris's guidance, you'll master the techniques needed to create your own unique and beautiful fabric bowls.

Join us for a creative and fun-filled session where you'll leave with a project and new sewing skills!


Date: Friday, November 8, 2024
Time: 9:30am – 2:00 pm
Instructor: Kris Livingston
Class Fee:  $35.00

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

Registration is handled by The Blue Fox and must be done using the link below. 
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/395665475087

Date:  Saturday, November 9, 2024
Time:  1:00pm - 4:00pm
Instructor:  Aryn Lill
Class Fee:  $55.00  Follow like above to register.  Class fee includes all supplies.

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, November 13, 2024
Time:  9:30pm-12:30pm
Instructor:  Tammy Berry

Class Fee:  $15.00

Share the Pears Table Runner

Join us for a day with Susan creating the Share the Pears table runner. This fun 52”x72” quilt pattern is designed by Quiltfox Designs and is the perfect project to explore the nuances of applique, curved piecing and edges.

Under Susan's guidance, you'll learn the techniques of cutting fabric, planning your project using the mirror image technique while refining your curve sewing techniques. Through hands-on instruction and personalized attention, you will learn new skills while creating a runner for your own table or as a gift for a friend.

The pattern chosen for class works well using fat quarters, so you can easily use fabrics from your stash, something new that catches your eye or one of the kits available for the project.

To get the most from the class, we ask that you arrive fully equipped for a day of creativity and camaraderie. As with most of our classes, some prep work is required. Simply follow the instructions outlined in the supply list.   

Date:    Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time:    9:30 am – 1:00 pm
Instructor:    Susan Drabek      
Class Fee:    $35.00

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, December 14, 2024
Time: 9:30 am-3:30 pm
Instructor: Linda Heimerl
Class Fee: $55.00  
Upcoming Quilt Shows
October 12-13, 2024 
Mixed Sampler Quilt Guild 37th Annual Quilt Show
Location:  Webster High School, 7564 W. Alder St, 
Webster, WI  54893
Hours:  Saturday, October 12th 10:00am-4:00pm
              Sunday, October 13th 10:00am-4:00pm
Admission:  $5.00 

October 18-19, 2024
Evening Star Quilters present A Quilters' Country Fair
Featuring:  Member Quilt Exhibit, Crafters' Garage Sale, Guild Challenge Exhibit, Country Market Boutique, Raffle Quilt, Vendors, and Refreshments
Location:  Mahtomedi District Education Center, 1520 Mahtomedi Ave, Mahtomedi, MN  
Hours: Friday, October 18th 9:00am-6:00pm
            Saturday October 19th 9:00am-4:00pm

Admission:  $5.00
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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