Hello September! Hello National Sewing Month!

Posted by Diana Wendorf on

Welcome to What's Up Wednesday!   

The tradition of celebrating September as National Sewing Month started with a proclamation by President Ronald Reagan in 1982, when he acknowledged the significance of home sewing to our nation. National Sewing Month is a time to honor this creative form of self-expression that we celebrate in September but enjoy throughout the year. As quilters, we cherish sewing at home and also love coming together with fellow quilters. To mark National Sewing Month, we are waiving the $10.00 classroom fee for all groups who wish to sew with friends at our shop. Availability is limited, so call today to check for open dates.

National Jelly Roll Day is on September 21st! Don’t forget to check out our Classes and Events section to see what we have in store. We’ll be hosting the Noble Fir Jelly Roll class, along with some special in-store savings on that day.

Deal of the Week! We highlighted this in last week's newsletter—it's a special sale that runs from Monday through Saturday. You'll first hear about it on our Facebook page every Sunday, followed by an announcement in our weekly newsletter.  If you're not already following us on Facebook, it's easy—just click
https://www.facebook.com/affinityforquilts.

This week, we're offering a special deal on our fabric storybooks and activity books for just $7.00. These soft fabric books make wonderful gifts for that special child in your life and can also be transformed into beautiful quilts! The "Storybook" pattern by Tamara Cook for Villa Rosa Designs is perfect for turning a storybook into a fun and exciting quilt for children of all ages. We made a sample back in 2021, so I went through our photo archive to show you the real-life example.
Sunflowers are often seen as fall flowers since they bloom from late summer through the fall, lasting until the first frost. Sunflower Splendor by Susan Winget for Wilmington Prints is a vibrant tribute to the beauty of sunflowers and the vivid colors of nature. The collection features rich shades of black, yellow, orange, and green, capturing the radiant energy of sunflowers in full bloom. These colors bring a visually striking and inviting warmth to any quilt.

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!  Repurpose the three-bag laundry hamper into a convenient quilter's frame for small quilts. It comes with handy clamps for holding and stretching your work, and it's easy to move around or store since it doesn't take up much space. Plus, it's simple to break down and tuck away when you're not working on it.
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.
 

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, September 9, 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, September 11, 2024
Time:  9:30pm-12:30pm
Instructor:  Tammy Berry

Class Fee:  $15.00

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, September 12, 2024
          Thursday, September 19, 2024
Time: 10:00 am - 3:30 pm
Fee: $15.00/monthly
 gathering
Instructor: Sharon  Lenertz

 

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, September 13, 2024
Time: 9:30am – 2:00 pm
Instructor: Kris Livingston
Class Fee:  $35.00

Beginner Quilting Class
 

Join us for our 3 part Beginning Quilting class to learn the very basics of quilt making. In this class you will learn how to use the rotary cutter, cutting mat, basic quilt ruler, reading a quilt pattern while creating the Star Light quilt top . Diana will lead you through the steps to create this fun beginner quilt top. The pattern we have chosen is from Cotton and Joy and is created with the beginner quilter in mind. A straight stitch sewing machine is required for this class.


Dates: Tuesday, September 17, October 1, & October 15, 2024
Time:   6:00 pm - 9:00 pm 
Class Fee: $55.00
Instructor: Diana Wendorf

Fee includes thread and sewing needles

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, September 20, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM 
Club Leader:  Diana Wendorf
Club Fee: $15.00

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 September will be Tossed Green Salad, Sweet & Spicy Chicken with Veggies over rice and Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars for dessert. 

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

Date:   Sunday, September 22, 2024
Time:  1:00pm - 7:00pm 
Event Host: Diana Wendorf

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.  The menu for September will be Tossed Green Salad, Sweet & Spicy Chicken with Veggies over rice and Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars for dessert. 

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

Date:   Friday, September 27, 2024
Time:  4:00pm-Midnight
Event Host: Diana Wendorf
Class Fee:  $25.00

Quatrefoil Quilt Class

Join us for a two-day class to create the beautiful Quatrefoil Quilt! A quatrefoil quilt block is a symmetrical shape made up of four partially overlapping circles of the same diameter. It is a timeless design found in many art objects throughout history. When placed side by side, these blocks create a beautiful secondary pattern.

During this class, you will learn to create the 12-inch quatrefoil block using the half rectangle ruler from Bear Paw Productions, making the process much easier. The finished quilt will measure 76" x 76" and will be a treasured piece for years to come.

This class is designed for intermediate quilters looking to expand their quilting knowledge. Join us and take your quilting skills to the next level!

 

Date& Time: Saturday, October 5, 2024 9:30 am – 4:30 pm and  
                      Saturday, October 26, 2024 9:30 am – 1:30 pm

Instructor:  Sue Severiano
Class Fee:  $70.00

Noble Fir Jelly Roll Quilt Class

Join us for a special quilting class on National Jelly Roll Day! This hands-on class is perfect for quilters of all skill levels who want to learn how to create a stunning quilt using a fabric jelly roll. Under the expert guidance of our experienced instructor, students will complete the top two rows of the quilt during the class.

Class Highlights:

  • Efficient    Cutting Techniques:    Learn how to accurately cut fabric using templates to ensure your    pieces fit together perfectly.

  • Mirror    Image Blocks:    Discover tips and tricks for keeping track of mirror image blocks to    maintain the symmetry and balance of your quilt.
     

By the end of the class, you’ll have all the skills needed to complete the quilt on your own. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate National Jelly Roll Day with fellow quilters!

Class Prep: There is cutting required at home before the day of class

 

Date: Saturday, September 21, 2024
Time:9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Instructor: Becky Umenthum
Class Fee: $55.00

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. We have some great samples in our front window to give you inspiration.  Stop in on Saturday, September 17th and be inspired. 

To celebrate National Sew A Jelly Roll Day Affinity For Quilts Will be offering:

  • The first 15 people will receive a special Jelly Roll Gift 
  • Free Pattern with any Jelly Roll Purchase
  • 20% off any Jelly Roll or Strip Set Purchase. (Excludes Quilt Minnesota Jelly Rolls)
  • 10% Off Jelly Roll pattern/book purchases 

Be sure to check out our front window to inspire you for your next Jelly Roll project.  

Date:  Saturday, September 21, 2023
Time:  9am-5:00pm

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: Thursday, October  3, 2024
Time: 6:00 pm- 8:00 pm
Instructor: Peggy Alspaugh
Class Fee:  $25.00

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

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.
Upcoming Quilt Shows
September 13-14, 2024
Apple River Quilt Guild 33rd Annual Fall Festival Quilt Show
Location:  St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 1050 Keller Ave N, Amery, WI  
Hours:  Friday, September 13, 2024 9:00am-4:00pm
             Saturday, September 14, 2024 9:00am-4:00pm
Admission:  $5.00

September 27-28, 2024
Chaska Area Quilt Club
Fall Splendor of Quilts Show
Location:  Chaska Community Center, 1661 Park Ridge Dr, Chaska, MN  
Hours:  Friday, September 27th 10:00a - 6:00pm
             Saturday, September 28th 9:00am-5:00pm
Admission:  $10.00

October 5-6, 2024
St Cloud Heritage Quilters 2024 Quilt Show
Celebrating Our Stars @ River's Edge
Location:  River's Edge Convention Center, 10 4th Street, St Cloud, MN  56301
Hours:  Saturday, October 5th 9:00am-5:00pm
              Sunday, October 6th 10:00am-4:00pm
Admission:  $10.00 

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.

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