We had so much fun during our recent Star Bright Mini-Mystery Quilt Event—and even if you missed it, we've got a little surprise just for you!
Beginning Saturday March 12th through Sunday March 13th we’re offering the exclusive Star Bright pattern from Mystery Five-0 FREE to download!
This 21” x 21” mini quilt is perfect for a weekend project or a quick creative boost—and we’d love to see what YOU make with it.
To receive your FREE pattern just follow these simple steps:
- Visit Our Mystery Five-0 page on our website
- Choose the PDF version of the Star Bright Mini-Mystery pattern
- Use coupon code ST4RBR1GHT24 at checkout for your FREE pattern
- Offer Valid April 12th and April 13 only, so don't wait
We’re proud to be a participating shop in the Mystery Five-0 program—bringing you exciting quilt mysteries all year long. Star Bright was just the beginning.
Stay tuned—more mysteries are coming, and we’d love to have you join the fun! To stay up to date on all the exciting Mystery Five-0 news and events, be sure to join our Mystery Five-0 Facebook group!
Here’s our latest sample of the Star Bright wall-hanging or topper, featuring fabrics from the Ride 'em Cowboy bundle. Bundles are available for $22.99.
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Join us on Saturday, April 12th, to celebrate spring—Downtown White Bear Lake style! Affinity For Quilts is excited to take part in the Downtown White Bear Lake Spring Fling event, featuring exclusive in-store specials and a special gift basket curated by Mainstreet White Bear Lake. Be sure to check the Classes and Events section below for all the details!
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Mark your calendars for Freebie Monday on April 14th! We all know the frustration of having to rip stitches, so our friendly in-house frog has picked the perfect gift just for you. Spend $25.00 (pre-tax) and receive a Clover Seam Ripper absolutely FREE!
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Who doesn’t love fresh new patterns? This week, we’re excited to share some inspiring additions just for you!
As always, the beginning of the month brings a new batch of Villa Rosa patterns—five fun and creative designs to spark your next project.
We’re also thrilled to introduce Make It Home With 3-Yard Quilts by Fran Morgan from our friends at Fabric Café. Alongside the classic 3-yard quilt patterns we all know and love, this book includes creative ideas for dresser scarves, pillow covers, table runners, wall hangings, bed scarves, placemats, and more! Stop in and pick up your copy today!
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Till the Cows Come Home by the RBD Designers for Riley Blake Designs is the perfect flannel collection for snuggling up your little bundle of joy. This charming collection features curious cows, classic check patterns, and more - each printed on soft, cozy flannel that's a comforting as it is cute.
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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.
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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
- 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! If you have a ruler, especially a specialty template, that tends to slip while you're cutting, try applying 3M’s Transpore Surgical Tape to the back. The textured surface helps keep the ruler firmly in place and prevents unwanted shifting.
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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.
Begins April 1, 2025 thru May 31, 2025
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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, April 10, 2025 Thursday, April 17, 2025 Time: 10:00 am - 3:30 pm Fee: $15.00/monthly gathering Instructor: Sharon Lenertz
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Spring Fling
Celebrate the season with us on Saturday, April 12th, as we join our fellow Main Street businesses for a fun-filled day in Downtown White Bear Lake! From 11:00am–2:00pm, enjoy special activities at the 3rd Street Mall you won’t want to miss.
Affinity For Quilts will open early at 9:00am with these exciting in-store specials:
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All Sale Fabric just $7.00 per yard
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15% off one fabric cut of 2 yards or more
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Register to win our Spring Fling Gift Basket, featuring a $25.00 Affinity For Quilts Gift Certificate
Additional Prize Drawings:
Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025 Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm
We hope to see you there!
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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 April will be Beef Stroganoff served over egg noodles, Green Salad, Bread, and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars for dessert.
Continue to inspire your fellow quilters with your handiwork during Show-and-Tell, which will take place after supper.
Date: Friday, April 25, 2025 Time: 4:00pm-Midnight Event Host: Diana Wendorf Class Fee: $25.00
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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 April will be Beef Stroganoff served over egg noodles, Green Salad, Bread, and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars for dessert.
Continue to inspire your fellow quilters with your handiwork during Show-and-Tell, which will take place after supper. We do not expect these spot to be open for long so so not delay in securing your spot.
Date: Sunday, April 27, 2025 Time: 1:00pm - 7:00pm Event Host: 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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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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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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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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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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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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