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Thank you to everyone who came out to our annual Easter Egg hunt on Saturday. This is always such a fun event and it never ceases to amaze me that the first customer of the day is usually the one who finds the $30.00 Gift Certificate. Congradulations Bobbi!
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Be Sure to Check Out Our Latest Arrivals!
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We’re excited to introduce Paws & Play, the charming debut collection by Eri Kamei for Figo Fabrics. This delightful line captures the whimsy of feline friends at rest and play in nature, illustrated in soft, muted watercolor tones. You'll find playful cats nestled among leaves, petals, yarn balls, and delicate florals. With a nostalgic palette of gentle blues and warm browns, Paws & Play is perfect for adding a touch of cozy charm to your next handmade project.
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Discover the charm of Conway Cottage, a serene collection by Karen Lewis for Andover Fabrics. This line features soft florals, tiny ditsy prints, and tonal textures in a calming palette of dusty blues, warm creams, and muted rusts—perfect for creating peaceful, timeless projects.
Pair it with Freckles, Karen’s versatile blender collection. With its playful speckled design, Freckles complements Conway Cottage beautifully and is a great staple for any fabric stash!
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Forest Tales by Whistler Studios for Windham Fabrics is a charming collection that brings classic fables to life through fabric. Featuring curious woodland creatures and whimsical foliage, this collection blends storytelling with design. The palette of soft cream, earthy brown, and gentle blue creates a warm and inviting feel, perfect for quilts, home décor, and handmade gifts inspired by nature and imagination.
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Introducing Timberland Trails by Wilmington Prints, a rustic and serene collection that captures the spirit of the great outdoors. With silhouettes of moose, elk, and bears set against a palette of dusty blues, greens, warm browns, soft grays, and rich ivory, this line brings the peaceful beauty of the forest to your quilting and crafting projects.
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Get Inspired with Our Latest Store Samples
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Introducing our new table runner sample – Colorburst! Dig into your scrap bins and stash to make the stunning Colorburst star pattern! This vibrant design lets you play with color by gradating hues through the foundations, creating your own dazzling color wheels. With just one block, the possibilities are endless—quilts, pillows, wall hangings—but we chose to showcase its beauty in a fresh new table runner. Stop by and see how one block can become many things!
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Several quilters kicked off their Temperature Quilt journey at the start of the year, and they’ve been having so much fun with it—I just had to share my own progress! My quilt, which reflects daily temperatures from January 1 through April 2, is currently on display in the shop.
If a Temperature Quilt has been on your quilting bucket list, it’s not too late to get started. Just chat with any of our Sales Associates—we’d love to help you begin your own!
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Classroom Space
If your group is looking for a place to meet, we invite you to contact Affinity For Quilts at 651-429-1039 to check availability. We offer two free Open Sew Days each month—on the 1st Friday and the 3rd Tuesday—from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Space is limited, so registration opens on the 15th of the month prior.
Please note: due to the holiday season, Open Sew will only be available on the 1st Friday in November and December; the 3rd Tuesday sessions will not be held during those months.
Private groups may also rent our space for a fee of $10 per day, per group. In addition, we welcome nonprofit organizations and quilting guilds to host events at our shop—just give us a call to discuss the details and make arrangements.
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Monthly Promotions at Affinity For Quilts
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Double Punch Tuesday – Earn double loyalty punches on every 1st Tuesday of the month!
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Freebie Monday – Visit us every 2nd Monday of the month for a surprise freebie with your purchase.
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Fat Quarter Wednesday – On the 3rd Wednesday of each month, buy 6 fat quarters and get the 7th one FREE!
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Sale Wall Friday – Enjoy an extra 10% off all Sale Wall fabrics every 4th Friday of the month.
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Sewing Machine Service
Does your sewing machine need a tune-up or repair? Jordan is on-site and ready to help with all your machine servicing needs.
When dropping off your machine, please be sure to include the following:
• Sewing machine
• Foot control and power cord
• Standard zig-zag foot (if applicable)
• Bobbin case, bobbin, and thread
To schedule an appointment or speak with Jordan directly, call him at 612-275-3356. For added convenience, curbside pickup and delivery are currently available.
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Join the Quilting For Affinity Facebook Group
We’d love to see what you’ve been working on! Share your finished projects and get inspired by fellow quilters in our Quilting For Affinity Facebook group.
Simply click on the "Join Now" button below to visit the group, then select "Join Group"—and you're in! It’s a great way to connect, share ideas, and celebrate the joy of quilting together.
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Tip Of The Week
When washing a quilt, I always grab a box of color catcher sheets from the grocery store aisle and toss a few into the washing machine. It’s important to use more than one sheet to help trap any excess dye and prevent color bleeding. As soon as the wash cycle ends, be sure to remove the quilt immediately—letting it sit in the washer with damp fabric touching light areas can lead to bleed-over. If that happens, treat the spot with a spray stain remover and rewash the quilt with fresh color catcher sheets. These little sheets really do the heavy lifting!
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Just a reminder if you have a tip you would like to share with our readers just e-mail Diana at quilt@affinityforquilts.com.
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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!
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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!
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.
April 1, 2025 thru May 31, 2025
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Midnight Open Sew
Looking for a fun and creative way to spend your Friday night? Join Diana for Midnight Open Sew— an evening dedicated to stitching, sharing, and socializing! Bring your current project, sewing machine, and basic quilting supplies for eight enjoyable hours of uninterrupted sewing time.
This month’s menu features a cozy meal of beef stroganoff served over egg noodles, accompanied by a fresh green salad, warm bread, and peanut butter chocolate chip cookie bars for dessert.
Wrap up the evening by inspiring others during our always-popular Show-and-Tell session, held after supper. We can’t wait to see what you’ve been working on!
Date: Friday, April 25, 2025
Time: 4:00pm - Midnight
Event Hostess: Diana Wendorf
Class Fee: $25.00
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Sew-In-Sunday
Looking for a relaxing and creative way to spend your Sunday? Join us for Sew-In-Sunday and enjoy a full day of sewing alongside fellow quilting enthusiasts. Bring your own project(s), your machine, and your favorite supplies, and settle in for a day of stitching and fun!
Dinner will be served at 5:00 PM. This month’s menu features a comforting dish of beef stroganoff over egg noodles, paired with a green salad, warm bread, and peanut butter chocolate chip cookie bars for dessert.
After supper, take part in our Show-and-Tell session—share your progress, admire others’ creations, and leave feeling inspired!
Date: Sunday, April 27, 2025
Time: 1:00pm - 7:00pm
Event Hostess: Diana Wendorf
Class Fee: $25.00
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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
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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, May 8, 2025
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Time: 10:00 am - 3:30 pm
Fee: $15.00/monthly gathering
Instructor: Sharon Lenertz
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Classic Market Tote Class
Join us for a hands-on class where you’ll learn the techniques to create a beautiful and functional market tote bag using the Auntie Two Bali Bags Revisited pattern. Instructor Kris Livingston will guide you through two methods to create this bag. The first method is covering clothesline with fabric for a unique, and creating another sturdy design using 2 ½-inch fabric strips stabilized with fusible interfacing. You will also learn to finish the top of the bag for a professional look, add fabric or purchased handles and incorporate an internal pocket for extra storage.
Kris brings her expertise in bowl and rug making techniques to this class, encouraging creativity and skill-building with your sewing machine. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your sewing techniques and create a stylish tote!
There will be a short break for lunch
Date: Friday, May 9, 2025
Time: 9:30 am – 2:30 pm
Instructor: Kris Livingston
Class Fee: $35.00
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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, May 14, 2025
Time: 9:30pm-12:30pm
Instructor: Tammy Berry
Class Fee: $15.00
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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, May 16, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Club Leader: Diana Wendorf
Club Fee: $15.00
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Crisscross Apron Class
Join Kris to create Minnesota designer Mary Mulari’s popular Crisscross Apron. This reversible apron slips easily over the head with no ties, making it a comfortable and practical choice for both adults and children.
In this class, you’ll learn techniques to make apron construction quick and easy, including using a rotary cutter for efficient pattern cutting and adding fun details like heart or cupcake-shaped pockets. Kris will share customization ideas and expert tips to help you create a one-of-a-kind apron. Choose from adult or child-size patterns and get creative with novelty prints—perfect for holiday baking or as a thoughtful handmade gift. Whether you're sewing for yourself or a someone else, this class is a great way to build skills and enjoy the process of making something special.
Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
Time: 9:30 am – 1:30 pm
Instructor: Kris Livingston
Skill Level: All skill levels welcome
Class Fee: $35.00
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Thread Painting & Embellishment Class
Enhance your quilts and fabric projects with stunning thread painting techniques! In this hands-on class, you will learn how to use free-motion straight stitching and zig-zag stitching to add intricate details, shading, and texture to your designs. Whether you're working on landscape quilts, pet portraits, or printed fabric panels, thread painting allows you to bring your projects to life with depth and dimension.
Techniques covered include:
- Free-motion thread painting with straight and zig-zag stitching
- Adding shading and texture with thread layering
- Enhancing printed fabric designs with stitched embellishments
- Creating realistic details for pet portraits and landscapes
- Selecting the right threads, stabilizers, and needles for optimal results
This class is perfect for confident beginners and experienced quilters looking to expand their artistic quilting skills. Join us and discover how thread painting can transform your quilting projects into stunning works of art.
Date: Saturday, May 31, 2025
Time: 9:30 am-12:30 pm
Instructor: Linda Heimerl
Class Fee: $40.00
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Mystery Five-0 Mini-Mystery - Starlight
The wait is almost over! We’ve hand-selected the most stunning fat-quarter bundles to perfectly complement your upcoming Mystery Five-0 Mini-Mystery Quilt, Starlight. 🧵✨
While these exclusive fabric bundles aren’t available just yet, we promise they’re worth the wait! Mark your calendar—May 1 is when the magic begins.
Want a sneak peek? Stay tuned to our newsletter and social media for exclusive first looks!
Happy Quilting!
Diana
Date: May 31, 2025
Place: The Affinity For Quilts Mystery Five-0 Facebook Group
Time: Watch For Upcoming Details
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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, June 6, 2025
Time: 5:00pm - 9:00pm
Instructor: Diana Wendorf
Class Fee: $15.00
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Metro Twist Quilt Class
Pattern by Sew Kind of Wonderful
Join us for a fun and skill-building class using the Metro Twist pattern by Sew Kind of Wonderful. This modern quilt features a fresh and dynamic twist design created with curved piecing, perfect for showcasing your favorite fabrics with movement and flow.
In this class, students will learn how to confidently work with curves while creating a visually striking quilt. Whether you're new to sewing curves or want to fine-tune your skills, this class will guide you through each step of the process.
Skills Taught in Class
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How to use the Quick Curve Ruler for cutting precise curved pieces and trimming blocks
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Techniques for sewing smooth and accurate curved seams
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How to cut, organize, and sew mirror image blocks for balanced and symmetrical quilt layouts
This is a great opportunity to expand your quilting skills while creating a modern and eye-catching quilt top. Join us and discover how fun and approachable curved piecing can be!
Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025
Time: 9:30 am-4:00 pm
Instructor: Becky Umenthum
Class Fee: $55.00
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Laura Heine Teeny Tiny Collage Class
Looking for a creative way to use those fabric scraps you've been saving for “just the right project”? This is it!
Join Lori for a full day of fabric play as you dive into the art of collage using one of Laura Heine’s whimsical Teeny Tiny Collage patterns. These charming designs are the perfect way to explore color, texture, and layering—all while creating a unique work of art.
During class, you’ll learn:
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How to prepare and organize your fabrics for collage
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Techniques for layering and fusing pieces
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Tips for bringing personality and movement into your design
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How to finish and display your piece
Our class sample is just one of several pattern choices available—pick the one that speaks to you and make it your own! Whether you're new to collage or looking to try something fresh and fun, you'll leave inspired and ready for more.
Pack a lunch and get ready for a day full of creativity!
Class date: Saturday, July 19, 2025
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Instructor: Lori Adameitz
Class Fee: $45.00
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Tuffet Class
Add a touch of charm to your home with a handmade tuffet! This two-session class is perfect for anyone looking to create a unique, stylish footstool with a quilted flair.
Session 1: Creating the Tuffet Cover - July 26, 2025
In the first session, you’ll learn the foundation piecing technique to sew the tuffet cover. Kristen will guide you through the process and help you get as much sewing done as possible in class. You’ll complete any remaining sewing at home before the next session.
Session 2: Assembling the Tuffet - August 9, 2025
Come ready to bring it all together! In this session, you’ll learn how to assemble your tuffet step-by-step. By the end of class, you’ll have a beautiful, finished 18” round tuffet ready to take home and enjoy.
Whether you're looking to add a personalized accent piece to your space or create a thoughtful handmade gift, this class is a fun and rewarding way to do it!
Dates: Saturday, July 26, & August 9, 2025
Time: 9:30 am-1:30 pm each day
Instructor: Kristen Bender
Class Fee: $325.00 (includes tuffet kit and pattern)
$110.00 for students that own their kit and pattern
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Hexi Fun 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!
Key Takeaways
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Mastering the Creative Grids Hexi Ruler: Maximize your fabric by learning the ins and outs of using the Creative Grids Hexie Template/Ruler.
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Straight-Line Quilting: Susan will share tips on successful straight line quilting with your domestic sewing machine
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Hanging Sleeve Demo: Susan will demonstrate how to add a hanging sleeve for a professional touch and easy display of your finished projects.
Date: Thursday, July 31, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Instructor: Susan Drabek
Class Fee: $55.00
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Foundation Paper Piecing
Colorburst Table Topper Pattern
Have you wanted to learn Foundation Paper Piecing but didn’t know whereto start? Now is your chance! Join instructor Susan Drabek for a full-day, hands on workshop where you’ll learn how to construct the Colorburst table topper using Foundation Paper Piecing techniques.
While our shop sample uses three blocks to create a table runner, the Colorburst pattern is versatile— once you've learned the paper piecing techniques you will be able to make additional blocks at home to turn your table topper into a runner, throw, or full-size quilt! Whether you're new to paper piecing or looking to sharpen your skills, this class will guide you through the process of precision piecing with confidence.
Skills Taught
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Foundation Paper Piecing technique
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Seam matching for a polished finish
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Reducing bulk in your seams for flatter blocks
Leave class with new skills and a beautiful project to show for it!
Date: Sunday, August 3, 2025
Time: 9:30am - 4:00pm
Instructor: Susan Drabek
Class Fee: $55.00
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Featherweight Machine Maintenance
Join us for a hands-on sewing machine maintenance class with expert instructor Jordan Frayne! Spend a productive afternoon learning how to care for your beloved Singer Featherweight sewing machine. In this class, you'll discover how to properly inspect, clean, and oil your machine—skills that will help keep it running smoothly for years to come.
Whether you're new to Featherweights or have been sewing with one for years, this class is a must-attend for anyone who wants to better understand their machine and how to maintain it.
What to Bring: Your Singer Featherweight sewing machine and a willingness to learn—no additional preparation required!
Date: Sunday, August 10, 2025
Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Instructor: Jordan Frayne
Class Fee: $25.00
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The Cube Bag Class
Back by popular demand: after an almost two-year run with this class we are thrilled to be offering it once again!
Looking for a fun project that's both useful and cute? Join Ruth for a one-day class making The Cube Bag—a smaller take on the popular Boxy Tote, designed by Penny Sturges. This handy little bag is just the right size for sewing supplies, small knitting projects, makeup, or whatever you like to carry on the go.
During class, you'll learn how to
- Work with foam to give your bag structure
- Add pockets for organization
- Put in a zipper (don't worry, Ruth makes it easy!)
- Build a bag from start to finish
Ruth's step-by-step teaching style and easy-to-follow instructions will give you the skills and confidence to make this bag again on your own.
We'll take a half-hour break for lunch, so bring a snack or head out for a quick bite. Come ready to sew and have a great time!
Please note - there is pre-work/cutting required prior to class
Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025
Time:9:30am – 3:30 pm
Instructor: Ruth Thompson
Skill Level: Very Confident Beginner/Intermediate
Class Fee: $50
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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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