It's National Quilting Month! How Will You Celebrate?

Welcome to What's Up Wednesday!    It's time to celebrate!  March is National Quilting Month and here are 11 ways that you can celebrate the event.   1)  Finish a UFO  2)  Start a new quilt  3)  Organize Your Quilting Space  4) Visit a Quilt Museum or a local show  (Be sure to check out the Upcoming Quilt Show section of our newsletter  5)  Take a class  (We have several fun classes scheduled)  6)  Share your skills and teach a friend to quilt  7)  Join a Guild  8)  Make a charity quilt to donate  9)  Join a group on Social Media 10)  Watch a Quilting Video to learn a new skill 11)  Visit your local quilt shop The All Minnesota Shop Hop is fast approaching, with less than a month to go, and Shop Hop Talk Tuesday is making a comeback. Tune in to the All Minnesota Shop Hop Facebook Group every Tuesday evening at 5:30pm for a live session with the event's organizers. They will cover a range of topics including the magazine, the rules for passports, and an assortment of freebies, prizes, sponsors, along with any other topics that arise. This is an excellent opportunity for both newcomers and experienced shop hoppers to gather valuable information about the hop. Plus, the team is known for their Prize Giveaways, offering exciting quilting-related prizes that everyone loves.  Are you a fan of receiving quilting supplies for free? If the answer is yes, don't miss out on Freebie Monday happening on March 11th. This month, we'll be offering Binding Needles to customers who spend $25.00 pre-tax, while supplies last. The latest batch of Villa Rosa patterns have landed! It's a monthly highlight for me to discover which new designs will be unveiled. This time, I found it particularly apt that one of the patterns is called Eclipses. It leaves me curious whether this naming was intentionally chosen to commemorate the total solar eclipse happening on April 8th. Summer calls for road trips, with a fully stocked cooler at the ready for adventures! Now, you have the opportunity to capture the essence of your travels to America's stunning National Parks through matching fabric panels. Delve into the warmth of the season with Riley Blake Designs' National Parks Panel, featuring a map of the United States surrounded by Art Deco travel posters showcasing various national parks. These parks are among the most breathtaking destinations on our planet! Start planning your cross-country journey with this fabric collection adorned with Art Deco posters representing Yosemite, Yellowstone, Zion, and many others. 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.   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.  Winter Weather Notifications A Facebook post will be added to our page with details of the closure. An e-mail will be sent to everyone who is a current subscriber to the What's Up Wednesday newsletter. The website calendar will be updated with a note stating "Closed due to the weather" 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!  Backstitching is relatively rare in quilting, but if you find yourself needing to remove an area where backstitching has been applied, ensure that you cut through all the threads in that section. Following this, it should be sufficient to remove every third or fourth stitch. It's important to note that the cutting blade of your seam ripper is situated on the curved inside, not on the pointed end. Bearing this in mind, when you're undoing stitches, make sure your slicing motion continues until it reaches the curve of your seam ripper. 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. Cosmic Feather Quilt Class Join Becky as she guides you through creating The Cosmic Feather Quilt - a modern interpretation of the classic Lone Star Quilt design. In this comprehensive class, you will learn specialized techniques for cutting, matching and sewing 45-degree diamonds, ensuring precision in every piece.   Becky will demystify the process of accurately cutting fabric from paper templates, sewing a scant quarter-inch seam, which are key elements in creating this quilt.  She  will also share practical tips on sewing and pressing the quilt blocks, ensuring that fabrics fit together seamlessly and the final star lays flat. Don't miss the chance to join Becky in creating this beautiful quilt! Date: Saturday, March 9, 2024 Time:  9:30 am-3:30 pm Instructor: Becky Umenthum Class Fee:  $55.00 (Pattern sold separately) 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, March 13, 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, March 14, 2024             Thursday, March 21, 2024  Time:  10:00am-3:30pm Class Fee:  $15.00 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, March 15, 2024 Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM  Club Leader:  Diana Wendorf Club Fee: $15.00 Yin Yang Bag This absolutely adorable bag - appropriately names Yin-Yang - features the opportunity to get creative with two contrasting yet complementary fabrics that look the same from both sides.  There are two slip pockets in this bag, with the option of having them both on the outside, both on the inside or even one of each,  With this bag you will learn the following:  The proper way to assemble printed pattern pieces How to sew consistent seam allowance around curves Working with gussets Sew "raw" seam allowances Date: Saturday, March 16, 2024 Time:  9:30am - 4:30pm Instructor:  Ruth Thompson Class Fee:  $70.00 (Does not include pattern or materials) Bag Making Skill Building Series This long-anticipated new series of classes and instruction is designed to provide a safe, hands-on, positive learning environment for developing bag making knowledge and skills. In these classes students will: Explore new techniques, fabrics, hardware and tools Understand the "dos and don'ts" associated with bag making Discover limitless possibilities with bag patterns and come to appreciate that a pattern is merely a guideline The series runs once a month for four months, March - June, 2024, with a new bag each month. Each bag has been carefully selected to build on the knowledge and skills of the previous class while introducing new elements to add to the knowledge/skills/tools toolbox. To achieve success in this series and ensure a positive experience for all students, commitment and focus are essential for learning, creating, and obtaining valuable outcomes. To effectively participate, students should meet the following criteria: This is a great series for Confident beginners who have some experience in bag making Students who want to develop their bag making skills and/or take them to the next level Students who are committed to the time, effort and potential investment required of the entire 4-month series This series is not intended for People who have never sewn a bag before People who have never sewn before People who just want help making a bag If you have any questions or concerns about these criteria, please don't hesitate to reach out via email to classes@affinityforquilts.com Included in the series cost is the Bag Making Skill Building Series Booklet. This fully bound booklet features lists of required, highly recommended, and optional materials, individual class/bag syllabus, pattern/instruction modifications (if applicable), note-taking pages and pocket envelopes for organizing all series patterns in one place. Patterns, fabrics, notions, hardware and tools are not included in the cost of the series. Please note that some tools will need to be sourced outside of Affinity For Quilts and will be clearly identified as such.   Dates: Saturday, March 16, 2024 – Yin Yang Bag Saturday, April 27, 2024 – Magnolia Drawstring Bucket Bag Saturday, May 11, 2024 – Hudson Cooler Saturday, June 8, 2024 – Retro Sling Time: 9:30am-4:30pm Instructor: Ruth Thompson Bag Making Skill Building Series Class Fee: $265.00 (class fee does not include individual patterns or materials) Individual Class Fee: $70.00 (does not include Bag Making Skill Building Series Booklet; however, booklet may be purchased for an additional charge) 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, March 19, 2024 Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM  Club Leader:  Diana Wendorf Club Fee: $15.00 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 will be announced next week.   New for 2024 will be a short demonstration at 5:15pm.  Continue to inspire your fellow quilters with your handiwork during Show-and-Tell, which will take place after supper.   Date:   Friday, March 22, 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 will be announced next week.  New for 2024 will be a short demonstration at 3:00pm.  Continue to inspire your fellow quilters with your handiwork during Show-and-Tell, which will take place after supper.  There are two open places available.   Date:   Sunday, March 24, 2024 Time:  1:00pm - 7:00pm  Event Host: Diana Wendorf Class Fee:  $25.00 Umbrella Class April showers bring May flowers!  Join our newest teacher Lisa, and discover the art of crafting your very own umbrella in this full-day workshop! In this class, you'll delve into the creative process of making a stylish and functional umbrella. Learn essential sewing techniques while working on your project under Lisa's expert guidance. Prepare to bring your enthusiasm and a working sewing machine and get ready to create something truly unique! Come join us for a day of creativity, learning, and fun!   Date:        Saturday, March 23, 2024 Time:        9:30 am – 4:00 pm Instructor:    Lisa K Giebink Class Fee: $55.00 (Pattern and Umbrella Frame Sold Separately) There will be a half hour break for lunch 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 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) 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) All Minnesota Shop Hop    The All Minnesota Shop Hop Magazines and fabric line have arrived in-store. If you've pre-ordered a magazine, please drop by to collect it. However, regarding the fabric, browsing is permitted only at this time. Fabric sales will commence on April 1, 2024.  Join the All Minnesota Shop Hop Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/allminnesotashophop for fun 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 when the snow thaws and April-May bring the All Minnesota Shop Hop. 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 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. If you are interested in attending the retreat you must register by  Saturday, March 23, 2024 . We are requesting a 30% deposit upon registration with full payment by March 23, 2024.  Deposit for Friday/Saturday would be $52.50.   Please indicate your food preference;  the Signature Pan Seared Chicken Breasts or Beef Stroganoff when registering.  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   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. 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 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.