Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Wendorf.
Hi Diana, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My quilting journey began in 2002 thanks to my husband, Wade. He had the idea of making a quilt as a holiday gift for a mutual friend. I thought I could just help by purchasing the fabric, but Wade insisted that if the gift was going to come from “us,” I needed to help make it too!
I knew how to use a sewing machine from my high school days, but as every quilter knows, quilting is nothing like garment sewing. After finishing that first quilt for our friends, I decided to take on another project for myself — Delectable Mountains. That was the start of my passion for quilting.
Over the years, I loved attending Midnight Open Sews and retreats at my local quilt shop, where I built friendships and deepened my love for the craft. During a retreat in December 2018, I overheard people talking about Bear Patch Quilting in White Bear Lake closing and being for sale. When I got home, I casually mentioned it to Wade, and he simply said, “Why don’t you buy it?”
Guess what? I did!
In January 2019, Bear Patch Quilting closed its doors, and on April 1, 2019, Affinity For Quilts officially became part of the Downtown White Bear Lake business community. Today, Affinity For Quilts is a place where creativity, community, and inspiration come together — a space for quilters of all levels to learn, connect, and share in the joy of quilting.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
COVID was the biggest struggle and the state shut down that took place in March of 2020. This caused the shift to on-line shopping.
Higher costs and material shortages. The tariffs on imported goods. This has also lead to rising costs of our in-store goods.
Shift in consumer behavior. Long time quilters are working with the fabric “stash” instead of buying new materials.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Affinity For Quilts Inc?
Affinity For Quilts is all about community. We’re more than just a quilt shop — we’re a place where creativity and friendship come together. Whether you’re just beginning your quilting journey or have been quilting for years, you’ll find a welcoming space to learn, create, and be inspired.
Education is at the heart of what we do. We offer a wide variety of classes designed for quilters of all experience levels — from beginners learning basic techniques to advanced quilters looking to expand their skills. Our talented instructors guide students through projects that build confidence, spark creativity, and foster connection within our quilting community.
There’s always something new to learn at Affinity For Quilts!
Affinity For Quilts offers two free Community Open Sew events each month — on the 1st Friday and 3rd Tuesday — giving quilters the chance to gather, share ideas, and enjoy uninterrupted sewing time together.
Our ongoing clubs are a great way to meet fellow quilters and explore new skills:
Hand Embroidery Club – 2nd & 3rd Thursday of each month
Sashiko Club – 2nd Wednesday of each month
Featherweight Sewing Machine Club – 3rd Friday of each month
Midnight Open Sew – 4th Friday of each month
Sew-In Sunday – 4th Sunday of each month
Our Mystery Five-0 program is one of the most popular offerings at Affinity For Quilts! Each quarter, participants embark on a new quilting mystery — uncovering clues, cutting, sewing, and assembling as the design slowly comes together. We also feature smaller mini-mysteries throughout the year for those who love a quick and fun challenge.
Affinity For Quilts carries over 4,500 bolts of fabric, including one of the largest selections of blenders — an essential for every quilter, even those with a well-loved stash!
We are proud to have Frayne Sewing Machine Repair located within our shop. Jordan, our on-site technician, services all machine brands and is Baby-Lock and Bernina certified.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was born and raised in rural Nebraska on a Grade A dairy farm, where I spent much of my time with my grandmother. She taught me to knit when I was five and to crochet when I was six—skills I still enjoy today alongside my love for quilting. During my freshman year of high school, I took a required Home Economics class, and one semester focused on sewing. My grandmother gifted me my first sewing machine, and throughout high school, I made many of my own clothes. Sewing quickly became something I truly loved.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.affinityforquilts.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affinityforquilts/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/affinityforquilts
