Perfect Finishes: Quilt Binding Made Easy

Posted by Diana Wendorf on

Welcome to What's Up Wednesday!

Mark your calendar for a fun night out in Downtown White Bear Lake! On Thursday, February 13th, we’re celebrating Galentine’s Day with a special evening of Galentine’s Day Bingo. Gather your friends and visit participating businesses to stamp your Bingo card while enjoying the festivities. The official event runs from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, but Affinity For Quilts will kick off the fun early at 3:00 PM and remain open until 8:00 PM for your shopping convenience. Check out the Classes and Events section below for all the details on what we have planned!

Every second Monday of the month is Freebie Monday! We carefully select each giveaway item to ensure it's something useful for your quilting projects. On Monday, February 10th, we’re featuring these adorable button quilting pins. Simply spend $25.00 pre-tax to receive yours for free while supplies last!

We all have those beautiful fabric pieces that feel too special to cut into small pieces, so we're always searching for patterns that let them shine. Stuffing, designed by Molly Cook for Villa Rosa Designs, is the perfect choice! This pattern makes great use of your favorite fat quarters, featuring six for the main prints and four for accents. Just add a 1/2 yard for binding, and your quilt top will be ready for quilting.  This quilt measures 44" x 60" and limited kits are available for $42.99.

Cityscape by Amanda Murphy for Benartex Fabric combines a city skyline with the striking New York Beauty quilt block, creating a modern collection full of energy and movement. We've selected the Cityscape Day color story, which offers a vibrant rainbow of color and mood. This collection includes three “endless” panels featuring New York Beauty, Drunkard’s Path, and Circles. Stay tuned for the exciting projects we have planned—we can’t wait to see them come to life!

Prepare to be dazzled by Calixta! Designed by Christiane Marques for Robert Kaufman Fabrics, this captivating collection features intricate medallion florals and lush foliage in two breathtaking color stories, each with rich, coordinating jewel tones. These stunning prints are perfect for creating a show-stopping project!

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!   If your pattern includes templates, make a photocopy of the template page to preserve the original. Apply rubber cement to the paper and place a sheet of template plastic over the glue. Let it set for about 10 minutes before cutting out the pieces. The instructions will remain visible through the plastic.
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!

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, 2025
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

Celebrate Galentine’s Day in Downtown White Bear Lake

Gather your gals and pals for a fun-filled evening of shopping, food, and Bingo in Downtown White Bear Lake! It’s the perfect way to celebrate friendship while exploring local businesses and enjoying exciting prizes.

How to Play Bingo:

  • Pick up a Bingo card at any participating downtown business.
  • Visit each participating location to shop, dine, and get your card stamped.
  • Downtown Main Street is offering fantastic prizes:
    • Regular Bingo: Enter to win gift cards from participating businesses.
    • Windmill Bingo: Enter to win a prize basket.
    • Blackout Bingo: Enter to win the Grand Prize!

Affinity For Quilts’ Special Celebration:

We’re joining in the fun with exclusive offers and giveaways, starting at 3:00 PM!

  • Free "I Have Found a Quilted Heart" kit (while supplies last).
  • Prize Drawing: Enter to win a box of quilting love!
  • 40% off all Valentine’s fabric—plus other unadvertised specials!
  • Enjoy complimentary cookies and punch while you shop.
To ensure all our customers receive their free gift and have the opportunity to register for the prize drawing, please stop by the checkout area. No purchase is necessary to participate in the drawing or to receive the free "I Have Found A Quilted Heart" kit while supplies last.  

The official Downtown White Bear Lake Galentine’s Day event runs from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, but you can start celebrating early at Affinity For Quilts! Please note: The official Downtown White Bear Lake Bingo game begins at 5:00 PM with participating businesses.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Date:  Thursday, February 13, 2025
Time:  3:00pm - 8:00pm (Affinity For Quilts Official Event Hours.  Downtown White Bear Lake Official Event Hours 5:00pm-8:00pm.)

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

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, February 21, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM 
Club Leader:  Diana Wendorf
Club Fee: $15.00

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

 

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 February will be Cesar Salad, Chicken Cacciatore, Bread, Salted Carmel Apple Cheesecake Bars.

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

Date:   Sunday, February 23, 2025
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 February will be Cesar Salad, Chicken Cacciatore, Bread, Salted Carmel Apple Cheesecake Bars.

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

D
ate:   Friday, February 28, 2025
Time:  4:00pm-Midnight
Event Host: Diana Wendorf
Class Fee:  $25.00
Umbrella Class

Step into the world of umbrella crafting with our two-part workshop!

Throughout this comprehensive class, you'll embark on a journey of creativity and skill-building. Led by the experienced instructor Lisa, you'll be guided through every step of the process.

No prior experience is necessary; this workshop is designed for beginners and seasoned crafters alike.

Make sure to bring your enthusiasm and a working sewing machine, as you immerse yourself in a day filled with creativity, learning, and fun. By the end of the workshop, you'll walk away with a stylish and functional umbrella that reflects your unique style and craftsmanship.

Don't miss this opportunity to join us for an unforgettable day of crafting and camaraderie!

Date:  Saturday, March 1  &  Saturday March 8, 2025
Class Time:  Day 1:   12:30 pm – 4:30pm
                     Day 2:    9:30 am - 1:30 pm 
Instructor:  Lisa K Giebink
Class Fee:  $55.00

Temperature Quilt Open Sew

How is your Temperature Quilt coming along? This open sew session is a great opportunity to work on your temperature quilt blocks while connecting with others participating in the Temperature Quilt Sew-Along. Share inspiration, ideas, and see the creative progress of fellow quilters!

To maximize your sewing time, consider signing up for the Community Open Sew happening the same day from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Come hungry—pizza and salad will be served!


Date:  Friday, March 7, 2025
Time:  5:00pm - 7:00pm
Instructor:  Diana Wendorf
Class 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: Friday, March 14, 2025
Time: 9:30am – 2:30 pm
Instructor: Kris Livingston
Class Fee:  $35.00

Convex Illusions Quilt Class

Join us for an engaging 2-day quilt class featuring the captivating Convex Illusions pattern(60"x60"). This striking quilt gives the illusion of a center that curves outward, creating a visually dynamic project. Throughout the class, you'll learn essential techniques to master sewing and ironing strip sets so they remain perfectly straight—no curves! Additionally, we’ll explore methods for adding borders to a quilt center set on point, ensuring a polished and professional finish. Whether you're looking to challenge your quilting skills or simply try something new, this class is perfect for expanding your repertoire. Sign up today to secure your spot!

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

Dates:  Saturday, March 22,  & Sunday April 6, 2025
Time- Day One: 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
           Day Two: 12:00 am – 5:00 pm  
Instructor:  Becky Umentheum
Class Fee:  $70.00
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  

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. She'll share her expert techniques and tips, ensuring that you leave with the knowledge to create a beautiful, professional-looking result. 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 5, 2025
Time: 1:30 pm - 4:30pm
Instructor: Katie Glancy
Class Fee: $35.00

HexiFun Quilt Class

Join us for a hands-on quilt class where you'll create the Hexie Fun quilt by Sew Mariana for Cut Loose Press, a 28" x 28"project perfect for learning and showcasing new techniques. You'll master the Creative Grids Hexie Ruler to maximize your fabric and create precise hexagon designs with ease. Susan will share her expertise in straight-line quilting, offering tips for achieving professional results using your domestic sewing machine. To complete your quilt,  Susan will demonstrate how to add a hanging sleeve, giving it a polished finish and making it easy to display. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your quilting skills!

 

KeyTakeaways   

  • Mastering the Creative Grids Hexi Ruler:  Maximize your fabric by learning the ins and outs of using the Creative Grids Hexie Template/Ruler.         

  • Straight-Line Quilting:    Susan will share tips on successful straight line quilting with your domestic sewing machine

  • Hanging Sleeve Demo:    Susan will demonstrate how to add a hanging sleeve for a    professional touch and easy display of your finished projects.
     

Class    Date:    Saturday, April 12, 2025
Class    Time:    9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Instructor:   Susan Drabek      
Class Fee:  $55.00
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, April 26, 2025
Time: 9:30 am-3:30 pm
Instructor: Linda Heimerl
Class Fee: $55.00  

April 1st will be here before we know it, marking the start of the All Minnesota Shop Hop!  The Shop Hop magazine is an invaluable resource to keep in your car all year long. It includes the names, addresses, phone numbers, and hours of all 61 participating Minnesota quilt shops. Plus, it features six exclusive quilt patterns designed specifically for the event.  Magazines are expected to arrive in mid-February, but you can pre-order online or reserve your copy at the shop. Each magazine is $12.95 and doubles as your passport for the Shop Hop!

All Minnesota Shop Hop

It's hard to believe we're celebrating the fourth year of this incredible sewing adventure across our beautiful state of Minnesota!

While we strive to have magazines available during the Shop Hop, they may not always be in stock. To guarantee you have your passport and magazine, we recommend pre-ordering. You can pre-order the magazine on our website or by visiting us in-store. The price this year is $12.95.

If you’re not already following the All Minnesota Shop Hop online, be sure to visit their website and join their Facebook group for updates and information!


For complete details about the All Minnesota Shop Hop, visit their website at www.MinnesotaShopHop.com.

Join their Facebook Group to see Shop Hopper experiences and learn more about the stores at FB: AllMinnesotaShopHop.
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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