Hey everyone! Despite the soggy weather this morning, the week was off to a busy start bright and early as my Mackinac Rewind Retreat officially started at The Gathering! In case you aren’t aware, as a way to give students who could not attend the Mackinac Island Quilting Art Seminar a second chance at taking my classes, I’m hosting a multi-day event that features my exclusive Mackinac Island Quilting Art Seminar projects!

For today’s class we kicked things off with a mini quilt project I’m calling “Fort Mackinac.” Mini quilts are definitely in the air this season and I’m having a lot of fun with them. I decided to go with a red, white, and blue colorway for my version of “Fort Mackinac” because you can never have too many options when it comes to patriotic décor! Finished, “Fort Mackinac” is 14″ x 14.5′ of adorableness. What better way to spend a rainy day than to be inside where it’s warm and dry, stitching the time away???

I love mini quilts and will admit I’m slightly addicted. They have always been an interest of mine, so much so that I have an entire wall in my home sewing studio dedicated to them. I know for a fact that I’m not alone in my affinity for the mini, and I’m willing to bet that many of you are now wondering when you too can make your own version of “Fort Mackinac.” The short answer is – not yet!!! Part of the perks of attending one of my events is being the first to have access to the exclusive projects that go along with it. YES, yes, the pattern for “Fort Mackinac” (along with all of the Mackinac Rewind projects) will be released to the public after the event is over. I would say you can start to look for it on our website in about a week or two… If you’re curious about tomorrow’s project or any of the others in the series, you can find a complete write up in another one of my recent blog posts by clicking HERE!

I often get the question, “why bother with a mini? What’s the point?” The history and purpose behind mini quilts is somewhat up in the air. Some sources suggest they started as quilts for baby dolls and doll houses, while others insist they were used as an opportunity to try out new techniques without taking on the responsibility of a full-size quilt. Whatever you believe, the definition remains the same. True miniature quilts are based on patterns or designs found in full-size quilts that have been recreated at a smaller scale. Ideally, in a photo with nothing to give away the actual size, a miniature quilt should easily be able to be mistaken for a full-size quilt if done right. 

While mini quilts can certainly be used as a way to keep a beloved baby doll cozy and safe, these days they’re used for a variety of purposes including hanging art, table décor, and trading pieces. They can help quilters focus on their abilities and allow them to try new techniques without a large amount of space or time invested. Though their small stature might suggest an “easy” project, be careful not to under estimate their might. While miniatures may not require as much fabric as larger quilts, they do take lots of skill and patience, which can help a newer quilter master their skills.

Do you have a mini quilt in your project portfolio yet? If the answer is no but you’d really love it if you did, I have just the solution for you! Last month I released the first of twelve mini quilt patterns included in my latest quilt-along, “Primitive Gatherings Monthly Minis Quilt-Along.” Here are the details:

• The QAL runs April 23rd, 2024 through March 23rd, 2025 and will feature 12 mini quilt projects over the course of 12 months.

• Patterns will be released on the 23rd day of each month by 5:00 p.m. Central Standard Time unless that day falls on a weekend or holiday. In that case, new patterns will be posted on the next business day by 5:00 p.m. CST.

• Each mini quilt pattern is $5.00 to release to download for one month (printable PDF format). If you prefer a printed pattern, they are available for $8.00 each. When the next pattern releases, past patterns will still be available to purchase for $12.00 each.

• The size of the projects will vary slightly from month to month, but all they will be minis.

• A video tutorial will be release for each pattern the same day it is released. You can find them on the STITCH with Lisa Bongean YouTube channel under the “Videos” tab by clicking here! https://www.youtube.com/@StitchwithLisaBongean

• Patterns are available as a PDF download or in printed format. They can be purchased both here on the Information Page via the links below, and on the regular Primitive Gatherings retail website at https://primitivegatherings.us/ by typing “Monthly Minis Quilt-Along” into the search bar.

• If you would like to make your quilt in the same colorway as mine, you will need one Fat Quarter Bundle of Garden Gatherings Shirtings, and one Fat Quarter Bundle of Garden Gatherings Colors. You can get them by clicking the buttons below!

Well, what do you think?1? Are you ready for a mini challenge with a monster outcome? Just think… You’ll have twelve quilts to do whatever you want with to show for it! You can hang them on display as a collection, or change them up every month! Or maybe you have twelve quilty friends to make stocking stuffers for later this year. Mini quilts make GREAT gifts! Whatever you decide to do with them, you won’t regret quilting along – I promise! If you’d like to participate, you can get the April pattern release for $5.00 through May 22nd, 2024 by clicking the button above (the price will increase to $8.00 when the next pattern is released)! Then, on Thursday May 23rd, 2024 the second pattern release will be available for $5.00 until pattern three releases in June. Grab em’ while they’re cheap – don’t pay more than you have to!!!

Wow – just like that it’s after five. I suppose that means I better start thinking about getting home so I can rest up and prepare for my day tomorrow. I’ll be teaching at The Gathering again – this time around the project is a darling Wool Appliqué table mat. It’s going to be a blast! Stay tuned for more photos and fun coming up soon! See you tomorrow! ~Lisa