New Year, New Clubs & Classes!

Posted by Diana Wendorf on

Welcome to the First Issue of What's Up Wednesday 2025!

I hope you’re all easing into the new year—I'm still recovering from the holidays and working through our inventory!

Here’s a fun fact for those who might have missed it on Facebook & Instagram: our inventory count revealed we have 42,883.76 yards of fabric in the shop. The best part? There’s even more on the way!

I want to apologize for the delay in launching the A Walk In The Woods Block of the Month program. Our distributor confirmed some shipping delays, but the kits should be mailed out by the end of the week. If you haven’t signed up yet, there’s still time to join this exciting program!

On the topic of shipping delays, our December Villa Rosa patterns finally arrived! Mailed out on December 6th, they didn’t reach us until after Christmas. But the good news is, they’ll be making their debut today—better late than never!

Thanks for your patience and support as we kick off 2025 together!

January 4th marked the start of our Top-A-Long!  For those who missed the introduction, the Top-A-Long is a collaborative sewing event where quilters create the same quilt top each month. The January project is Throwback by Running Doe Quilts for Villa Rosa Patterns. This quilt top measures 52-1/2" x 63".  We still have a few kits available for $62.99 each—don’t miss out!

Have you always dreamed of making a Temperature Quilt? If so, we’ve got just what you need to get started! We’ve created two Fat Quarter Bundles, each containing 22 Fat Quarters along with a temperature color key tailored to the Twin Cities area. Choose from two beautiful fabric lines: Moda Bella Solids for $59.00 per bundle or Moda Thatched for $88.00 per bundle.

Want to join the official Affinity For Quilts Temperature Quilt sew-along? Email Diana at quilt@affinityforquilts.com or stop by the store for more details!


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.    Due to the holidays the open sew space is only available on the 1st Friday of November and December.  The third Tuesday will not be available in November and December.  
  • 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. 


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!  Looking for an easy way to keep your punch cards organized? Try using a "business card holder book." With plenty of slots, it’s perfect for storing your punch cards and keeping them easily accessible. A quick search on Amazon will show you plenty of great options!
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
Class Registration and Cancellation Policy
To ensure fair access, payment is required at registration. If you need to cancel, please notify us at least 7 days before the class date for a refund, so we can offer your spot to someone else. Thank you for understanding!

Class Prep Information
Upon registering, you’ll receive a list of required supplies and preparations. Please review this to ensure a smooth class experience! If you register by phone, we’ll email the details to you.

Join the Waitlist
If a class is full, add your name to the waitlist. We’ll reach out if a spot opens, and the list helps us gauge interest for future classes.

Register In-Person or by Phone
Sign up at 2199 4th Street, White Bear Lake, MN, or call us at  651-429-1039.

Happy Quilting!
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, January 9, 2025
         Second Thursday meeting is cancelled this month.  
Time: 10:00 am - 3:30 pm
Fee: $15.00/monthly
 gathering
Instructor: Sharon  Lenertz

Funky Friends Melody Memory Bear
 

Join us for a fun and rewarding day of sewing as you create your own adorable teddy bear! In this hands-on class, you'll learn how to sew a Melody Memory Bear, perfect for gifts or keepsakes. Our expert instructor, Lisa K. Giebink, will guide you through the process step-by-step, from start to stuffing and hand-finishing.

This class is perfect for those looking to create a meaningful, handcrafted teddy bear while learning new sewing techniques.

Date: Friday, January 10, 2025
Time: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Instructor: Lisa K. Giebink
Class Fee : $50.00

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, January 17, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM 
Club Leader:  Diana Wendorf
Club Fee: $15.00

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: Saturday, January 18, 2025
Time: 9:30am – 2:00 pm
Instructor: Kris Livingston
Class Fee:  $35.00

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 January will be Green Salad, Beef Stew, Bread, and Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars.  

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

D
ate:   Friday, January 24, 2025
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 January will be Green Salad, Beef Stew, Bread, and Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars.  

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

Date:   Sunday, January 26, 2024
Time:  1:00pm - 7:00pm 
Event Host: Diana Wendorf

Class Fee:  $25.00
A Walk In The Woods Block Of The Month

Join the "A Walk in the Woods" Block of the Month program by Riley Blake Designs and embark on a delightful quilting journey starting January 2025. Designed by Beverly McCullough, this 6-month project features an enchanting mix of churn dash blocks, star blocks, and charming tree blocks. Crafted with Riley Blake Expressions Batiks, each block reflects the serene beauty of a woodland walk, perfect for quilters of any skill level. Enjoy the process of creating a beautiful quilt, one block at a time, and bring the essence of nature into your home.

Our journey begins on Saturday, January 4, 2025, with meetings held monthly on the first Saturday. For added flexibility, a second session will be available on the second Thursday of each month.

During the initial meeting, you'll receive a detailed outline of the six-month program, including meeting dates and an overview of each section of the quilt. You can also choose to pick up the provided kit in the featured colorway or select your own fabric combination.

Each monthly session will include discussions on block construction, helpful tips, tools that simplify quilting, and the pattern for the upcoming month's block.

Join us for "A Walk in the Woods" and create something special!

Kick-off Date:  Saturday, February 1, 2025
Time:  9:30am - 10:30am
------------or------------
Kick-off Date:  Thursday, February 6, 2025
Time:  6:00pm-7:00pm
Instructor:  Diana Wendorf 
Fee:  $159.99 -  includes kit, monthly pattern, and all six meeting session
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, February 1, 2025
Time:  1:00pm - 4:00pm
Instructor:  Aryn Lill
Class Fee:  $55.00  Follow like above to register.  Class fee includes all supplies.

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, February 8,
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Instructor: Lori Adameitz
Class Fee: $45.00

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, February 12, 2025
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, February 13, 2025
          Thursday, February 20, 2025
Time: 10:00 am - 3:30 pm
Fee: $15.00/monthly
 gathering
Instructor: Sharon  Lenertz

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: Thursday, February 20, 2025; March 6, 2025;  and March 20, 2025
Time:   6:00 pm - 9:00 pm 
Class Fee: $55.00
Instructor: Diana Wendorf

Fee includes thread and sewing needles

Beginning Sashiko

In this engaging class, students will learn the art of Sashiko, a traditional Japanese running stitch embroidery technique. Led by Tammy, an expert in the craft, participants will enjoy a morning exploring the fundamentals of Sashiko stitching.

During this class, students will focus on the intricacies of the Japanese running stitch, while working on a pre-printed coasters project specifically designed for beginners. This hands-on experience provides an ideal starting point for those new to Sashiko, allowing them to develop essential skills and techniques in a supportive environment.

Beyond learning the basics, students will discover the versatility of Sashiko stitching as Tammy will share her knowledge, offering invaluable tips, tricks, and insights to help students refine their stitching proficiency.

With minimal supplies required, participants can easily immerse themselves in this wonderful hobby creating beautiful hand-stitched pieces. 

Date: February 22, 2025
Time: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Instructor: Tammy Berry
Class Fee:  $25.00

 

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, March 29, 2025
Time: 9:30 am-3:30 pm
Instructor: Linda Heimerl
Class Fee: $55.00  
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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