Holiday Hop, Holiday Open House, and Jaunary Classes! YAY!!!

Posted by Diana Wendorf on

Welcome to What's Up Wednesday!   

We became involved with the local Holiday Shop Hop  three years ago and are excited to be part of it once again this year.  So get ready to begin your 2023 Holiday Shop Hop adventure with the Jingle Bell Hop this Saturday, November 11, 2023!   

Each shop created a fun holiday table runner, table topper, or wall hanging.  We chose the Creek Side Stitches pattern Tis' The Season.   The runner measures 16-1/2" x 40" and kits will be available for $27.99.

Additionally, every store will offer a chance to win a gift basket packed with fabulous quilting supplies curated just for you. Visit all of the participating shops, and enter your name for an opportunity to win. If luck is on your side, you might even secure more than one prize!  

Complete your passport to become eligible for a chance to win one of three grand prize gift baskets, each valued at approximately $150.00.

Who claims that 13 isn't a fortunate number? Get ready for Freebie Monday on November 13th! Visit the store and make a pre-tax purchase of $25.00 to receive a complimentary set of Wonder Clips. Personally, I can never have enough Wonder Clips – how about you?
Dress up your Thanksgiving table in style for less!  Beginning Thursday, November 2nd through Wednesday November 23rd all Fall bolt fabric will be for 15% off.  
The Sprite Quilt Pattern by Jody Leonardo of Purple Daisy Quilt Designs came about while collaborating with a friend to make something from some orphan HST blocks.  With a few tweaks and color adjustments, Sprite was born.   Sprite comes in three different sizes - our sample is the baby size at 40" x 40'" and features the Rainbow Sherbet line from Moda Fabrics.  Limited kits are available for $56.99.
If you are unable to locate a specific item you're in search of, please don't hesitate to reach out to any member of our dedicated Affinity For Quilts team.  We're committed to going the extra mile to source it for you.  While our aim is to stock a comprehensive selection of products to fulfill your quilting needs, there are occasions when certain items may need a special order. 

Classroom Space
If your group is looking for a place to meet, please contact Affinity For Quilts at 651-429-1039.  Evening meeting space is available, but please note that there will be a fee associated with evening meetings.  

Reccurring 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. 


Winter Weather Notifications

  1. A Facebook post will be added to our page with details of the closure.
  2. An e-mail will be sent to everyone who is a current subscriber to the What's Up Wednesday newsletter.
  3. The website calendar will be updated with a note stating "Closed due to the weather"
  4. If the weather is bad and you are unsure if the shop is open please call before heading out.  If no one answers the phone and it is between the hours of 9am-5pm then we are most likely closed.  

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 cutting more than one layer of fabric at a time iron the layers together first.  This helps to keep the fabric layers together more securely.  
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

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, November 9, 2023
                             November 16, 2023
Time:  10:00am-3:30pm
Class Fee:  $12.00
Instructor:  Sharon Lenertz
Christmas Mini Block Class

Get in the holiday spirit as you create the festive Christmas Mini Blocks, designed by Sherri McConnell. Whether you use them as charming coasters, exquisite ornaments, petite pillows, or heartwarming gifts, Kris will guide you through their creation. Gain invaluable insights into sewing mini blocks, including a simplified mock binding technique.

Led by the talented instructor Kris Livingston, you’ll not only learn the art of crafting these mini blocks but also explore pattern variations. Discover how to fashion smaller ornaments, crafty gift card holders, a festive Christmas lapel pin, or even a whimsical refrigerator magnet. The creative potential extends beyond Christmas, as many of these patterns can be adapted to other fabrics for timeless gifting opportunities.

With over two decades of professional sewing and teaching experience, Kris brings a wealth of expertise to inspire and nurture your joy for sewing and creative expression. Join us!

Date:        Friday, November 10, 2023
Time:        9:30 am – 1:00 pm
Instructor:    Kris Livingston
SkillLevel:    Confident Beginner
Class Fee:    $35.00 
(Pattern sold separately)
2023 Holiday Shop Hop - Jingle Bell Hop

You won't want to miss this exciting holiday Shop Hop. Here are the key details:

  • Each shop will feature a unique holiday table runner, table topper, or wall hanging.
  • Patterns, or kits, for these holiday items will be available for purchase at each shop.
  • Every shop will be giving away a Gift Basket valued at $75.00.
  • Complete your passport by visiting all the shops for a chance to be entered into the Grand Prize drawing.

This promises to be a fun and festive event, so mark your calendar and get ready to hop from shop to shop to celebrate the holiday season in style!
 

Participating shops are: 
A Little Piece of Mind - New Richmond, WI
Affinity For Quilts - White Bear Lake, MN
Angela's Quilting Studio - Dallas, WI
Doyle's Farm and Home - New Richmond, WI
Fiber Lab - Menomonie, WI
Marigold Quilt Shop - Glenwood City, WI
City Blocks Quilt Shop - Minneapolis, MN
The Grain Bin Market & Bakery - Boyceville, WI
Topstitchery - Roberts, WI
Two Meandering Ladies - Prescott, WI 

We have a listing with shop addresses, phone numbers, and shop hours by the registers.  

Date:  Saturday, November 11th through Saturday, November 18th.     
Time:  Store hours vary per shop
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 15, 2023
Time:  12:30pm-3:30pm
Instructor:  Tammy Berry
Class Fee:  $12.00
Downtown White Bear Lake Holiday Open House

Join us for a Merry Evening during the Downtown White Bear Lake Holiday Open House!

This is the perfect time to kick off your holiday shopping by visiting all the charming shops here in our downtown area.  The event runs from 5pm-8pm; however, Affinity For Quilts will be offering extended hours and will begin our sale at 2:00pm.  We will be offering some great in-store specials and a special drawing for a gift basket, gift certificate, and other prize. 

We will also be serving hot chocolate to warm you up and some sweet treats.

Date:  Thursday, November 16th, 2023
Time:  2pm-8pm  
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, November 18, 2023
Time:  1:00pm - 4:00pm
Instructor:  Aryn Lill
Class Fee:  $55.00  Follow like above to register.  Class fee includes all supplies.
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.  This month we will be having Chicken Marsala, Fettuccine Alfredo, and Apple Harvest Pound Cake with Caramel Glaze for dessert.  

New for 2023, show-and-tell!  Inspire your fellow quilters with your handiwork.  We will be having show-and-tell after supper, at approximately 6:30pm.     

Date:   Friday, November 24, 2023
Time:  4:00pm-Midnight
Event Host: Diana Wendorf
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.  This month we will be having Chicken Marsala, Fettuccine Alfredo, and Apple Harvest Pound Cake with Caramel Glaze for dessert.  

New for 2023, show-and-tell!  Inspire your fellow quilters with your handiwork.  We will be having show-and-tell prior to supper, at approximately 4:30pm.   

Date:   Sunday, November 26 , 2023   
Time:  1:00pm - 7:00pm 
Event Host: Diana Wendorf

Class Fee:  $20.00
Giving Tree Quilt Class

Many of us are a little hesitant to take on curves when creating a quilt.  In this class you will gain curve confidence as Becky teaches you the techniques of cutting, piecing and squaring up your curves using the QCR Mini Ruler to create the Giving Tree Wall Hanging. It is the perfect project to increase your quilting knowledge and create a wonderful quilt for the holidays. Finished Size 28” x 35”


Class Prep: There is cutting completed prior to class

Date:  Saturday, December 2, 2023
Time:  9:30 am – 3:30 pm (there will be 1/2 hour break for lunch)
Instructor:  Becky Umenthum
Skill Level:  Beginner
Class Fee:  $50.00 (Pattern sold separately)

Singer Featherweight Machine Maintenance Class

Spend the morning with Jordan to learn how to take care of your Singer Featherweight sewing machine. In this class you will be inspecting, oiling, cleaning, and sewing on your machine!  You will leave this class knowing the dos and don'ts of these great old Singer machines.  

Class Prep: There is no class prep for this class 

This class is currently filled; however, if you are interested please call the shop as we are booking wait list dates for 2024.  FYI, 1st quarter (Jan-Mar) 2024 is filled and we will be taking names for 2nd quarter (Apr-Jun) 2024.  FYI, class registration fee will be increased to $25.00.


Date: Monday, December 11, 2023
Time:10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Instructors: Jordan Frayne 
Class Fee:  $20.00

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, January 6, 2024
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Instructor: Lori Adameitz 
Class Fee: $45.00 
(Pattern sold separately)

Beginning Sashiko

Join Tammy for this 3 hour introductory class and learn the art of Sashiko.  Students will learn the Japanese running stitch embroidery, using a 12" x 12" 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 new projects.  Tammy will share her tips, tricks and expertise as she teaches you this beautiful form of hand stitching.  Supplies are few to try this addictive hobby. 

Date:  Saturday, January 13, 2024
Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Instructor: Tammy Berry
Class Fee:  $25.00

It's a Wrap!  -  Covered Cord Bowl Class

Join us  in our Corded Bowl Making class! Learn to craft colorful, round, oval, and square bowls using fabric strips and cotton clothesline with your sewing machine's zig-zag stitch. You can also make coasters and placemats using the same technique. Our reference book is "It’s a Wrap" by Susan Breier.

Date: Saturday, January 20, 2024
Time:9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Instructor: Kris Livingston, with 20+ years of sewing experience.
Class Fee:  $30.00

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: Saturday, January 27,  2024
Time: 9:30 am - 1:00 pm
Instructor: Tammy Berry
Class Fee: $30.00
 
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, February 3, 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
Friday January 5, 2024, Saturday, January 6, 2024 and
Sunday January 7, 2023  9am-4pm
Quilt Show Presented by Plum Creek Quilters
Hosted by Sargent's Nursery
3352 N Service Drive, Reg Wing, MN  55066
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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