Wow…is anyone else feeling a bit in disbelief? How is it possible that Christmas 2021 is already a thing of the past? I don’t know if it’s because it fell on a Saturday this year or what, but the fact that it’s already over just doesn’t seem right. A lot of us put a tremendous amount of planning into this one particular holiday, meticulously decorating and preparing for weeks – or even months ahead of time. I don’t know about you, but I’m not quite ready to let the Christmas season go this year. I had such a good time getting into the spirit by showing you all my favorite things of 2021, I thought what a better way to tap back into the warm and fuzzy than to take a look back at my 12 Days of Christmas one more time! So grab a hot coco and your favorite lap quilt, here we go again!
If you recall, we started the 12 Days of My Favorite Things off with talking all about Little Gatherings, which is my brand new book from Martingale Publishing (due to come out early 2022). We got the GREAT news that the book actually arrived early a couple of weeks ago, so that means I’m able to get them signed and out to you ASAP (Pre-orders only – Must be ordered as the only item in your cart! Our anticipated shipping date at this time is January, 2022)!
If you love mini quilts, this book is definitely for you! Little Gatherings is a compilation of 13 little quilts all together in one place. It doesn’t matter if you’re an avid little quilt lover or if you’re just getting started, Little Gatherings has something for you! Remember, if you purchase Little Gatherings now through January 2nd, 2022 you’ll not only receive an autographed copy of the book, but also a FREE small variety pack of Primitive Gatherings Triangle Paper! If you need additional triangle paper, the Day 12 special also includes 20% off ALL Primitive Gatherings Triangle Paper, now through January 2nd, 2022! It’s a great time to stock up!
On Day 11 we celebrated another beautiful Moda fabric line along with a new Quilt Along coming in 2022! I’m extra excited because I think this fabric line is really going to be fun! It’s two collections in one – Garden Gatherings & Garden Gatherings Shirtings! This glorious line includes lots of unique colors and colorful shirtings (backgrounds) to play with, and is scheduled to release in April/May, 2022.
You still have time to pre-order your Garden Gatherings fabrics, pre-cuts and quilt kits at a sale price of 20% off, now through January 2nd, 2022! You can also take 25% off your backings if you order by January 2nd, 2022 as well. Simply click the photo below for easy ordering (please remember each pre-order needs to be ordered separately as an individual order – it should be the only item in your cart)!
Meet Me in the Garden QAL – Finished size 104″x 104″ is starting in June/July 2022. The event features an amazing quilt designed by my longtime friend Val Krueger. It’s going to be simply awesome! 
To make this quilt, you will need the FQ Bundles of each Garden Gatherings and Garden Gatherings Shirtings, along with a Layer Cake of the shirtings, so make sure to secure those ahead of time. You can do that by clicking the link below! We will post pattern & ruler details later in 2022.
CLICK HERE to Secure Your Garden Gatherings Pre-Cuts NOW!
Val will be doing video instructions for each block, so you will have all month to get them ready for the next set. Sets release each month. The last month (of 6 months total) will be focusing on finishing. If you’re new to quilting, don’t worry! This quilt is perfect for the beginner or advanced quilter.
Beautiful, hand-dyed wool is one of my favorite things to work with when quilting, so for Day 10 of My Favorite Things, we lumped a whole bunch of what I consider to be, “Wool Essentials.” 
All of the Day 10 items are truly my favorites for wool appliqué. I simply can’t work without them! The needles for wool appliqué are a must. Do not try to just use what you have… You will struggle! Also, Tweezers are really awesome for picking up those little wool pieces and removing the paper from the back.
Don’t forget marking pens! By far the best marking pen for wool is the white liquid chalk pen. You simply mark lightly onto the wool and let it dry. Markings will stay on for the duration of your stitching, it does not brush off. If you need to remove it, you can just steam it away!
Our Primitive Gatherings Scissors are so beautiful and functional that I’m to the point where I feel like I can’t cut without them. I truly do not like using any other scissors! They are light weight, super sharp and I cut everything with them. Yes… even paper fusible web because they never dull. I also use the little rotary cutters (18m & 28mm) to quickly cut out my fusible web before it is adhered to the wool. I also love my stem cutting rulers. The rulers perfectly cut 3/16″ strips of wool/fusible for exact 1/4″ stems and vines for all your wool projects!
Fusible web is your friend when doing wool appliqué! It holds the shapes to your background (or to each other) and gives the wool nice crisp edges for stitching. I recommend using HeatnBond Feather Lite for all appliqués, and then using Lite Steam-a-Seam2 for all your stems and vines. I do not use the SAS2 Lite for my appliqués because it is too sticky to stitch through. This can be an issue if you are getting your work machine quilted because it tends to cause a lot of skipped stitches.
It’s still a great time to stock up! I would for sure buy a bolt (35yds) of the Feather Lite at this time because we are offering 25% off the whole bolt! Take 20% off all other wool essentials through January 2nd, 2022!
You can see me explain all the items we have on special now through January 2nd, 2022 by checking out my “Stitch with Lisa Bongean” video on YouTube for Day 10 by clicking the link below!
For wool appliqué I am most proud of my two books, Wool, Needle & Thread 1 and 2. They are the perfect go-to books for anyone looking to get into wool appliqué and embroidery! In Wool, Needle & Thread, I share my tried-and-true techniques from start to finish with lots of colorful, step-by-step photos to look at along the way. I even include a few projects so you can give your new skills a try!
Wool, Needle & Thread 2 challenges your new stitchery skills even further, with 15 patterns brimming with possibilities ranging from table mats and pincushions, to pillows and wall hangings.
CLICK HERE to Order Your Copies of Wool, Needle & Thread 1 and 2 – On SALE Now!
Decorating my house is defiantly one of my most favorite things – especially around the holidays. I love making my home festive and welcoming… even more so when I know I will be hosting guests! For that reason, Day 9 of the 12 Days of My Favorite Things went to celebrating holiday home decor! If you’ve been tuning in, I’m sure you remember this fun fact about me – I only like to offer things for sale that I also want in my own house. In other words, everything we offered in our Home Decor Department this Christmas season was something I wanted for myself… or already have in my own home!
Another fun fact is I LOVE to stock up on holiday decor at the END of the season when everything is on SALE! If you’re anything like me, get excited because we still have a few holiday Home Decor items left after our first-ever, “Live Flash Sale” on Day 9. We weren’t sure if a live sale like that would be fun – or if anyone would even show up – but it turned out to be a real blast! If you missed out on the flash sale, or are just on the hunt for some great deals, remember that now through January 2nd, 2022 Home Decor items are STILL 20% off!
One of my go-to must-haves for entertaining any time of year is my personalized potluck pans. They make serving guests and keeping food warm a snap, and the stylish personalization is always a conversation starter. In addition to home decor, now through January 2nd, 2022 take 20% Off all potluck and deviled egg pans as well!
On Day 8, I dedicated some time to my most favorite things for working with fabric! We covered a collection of more of what I consider, “must-haves” in my studio. 
I started by talking about my three sizes of wool pressing mats. We use them at The Gathering and pretty much everyone who tries them ends up buying one to take home… if they don’t already have one that is! Our mats are sized differently than others out there, and not to mention much, much cheeper. We made them in three sizes that I think make the most sense. Our large mat is made to go on “big board” type ironing boards. They are 20″x 58″ and fit very nicely. I know some people have cut them down to custom fit their ironing surface, so there are many options with the big ones. These wool mats offer even distribution of steam, and releases it back up into the fabric instead of down into your wooden ironing/ big board or table. These mats are nice and thick, and make the most beautiful covers for your “big board” ironing station. They come in 20″×58″, 20″×20″ and 12″x12″. The smaller ones are especially nice if you do not have a big space or you have to travel with it!
I also mentioned the starch I prefer to use. Unfortunately, I still don’t sell it at this time but you can look for it in the big box grocery stores. Price wise it’s a few dollars a can depending on where you live. If you don’t have time to shop around for it, you can also find it on Amazon!
CLICK HERE for Faultless Heavy Finish Spray Starch
Pressing sticks are also a crucial item in my fabric essentials arsenal (I know I call it a pressing stick but it is really called a Strip Stick)! I know most of you have seen me use them in our American Quilter’s SAL while working on the Hogs for Heroes quilt. If you haven’t, check out our videos on our YouTube Channel! At 20% off it’s a perfect time to pick up a few of these handy tools. They make pressing simple and fun! The larger sizes are perfect for pressing sashing and borders open with ease, and the smaller ones are super convenient for traveling (to Primitive Gatherings quilting retreats, of course)! Sizes available include 8″, 18″, 22″ and 45″. They also make great gifts for birthdays, Christmas, or anytime – so don’t forget to pick a couple up for a quilter friend or two!
Let’s not forget Magic Pins!!! I can’t believe how much I am In LOVE with these pins! I have so many other types of really nice pins around me yet, I always avoid them and go straight for these (Magic Pins come in all sizes and thicknesses so please pay attention to those details when ordering). Don’t get me wrong, they are all good. You just don’t want a thick pin while pinning your blocks. Thicker pins do work fine for pinning borders, however! Remember that now through January 2nd, 2022 all my favorite fabric essentials are 20% off (not including the Rowenta Steam Station)!
Then last item on my Day 7 list is the coveted Rowenta Steam Station. Simply put, no other iron measures up! I LOVE it and so does everyone else who is using it at The Gathering.
As you all know, the Rowenta Steam Station is very popular which is making them really hard to get right now, even for us. If you’re lucky, you can snag one off Amazon if they are still in stock. If not, keep checking back as inventory is constantly changing. Here is the link to find it there…
CLICK HERE to Get Your Rowenta Steam Station on Amazon
If you missed my, “Stitch with Lisa Bongean” YouTube presentation all about Fabric Essentials on Day 8, hit the link below to watch now!
On Day 7 our focus was on Machine Quilting. As I’m sure you would all agree, one of the most exciting parts of making a quilt is when it’s finally ready to be quilted. Picking out the final details is so exciting – it’s obviously one of my favorite things! 
Do you have unfinished quilt tops to be quilted? Great news! We offer Long Arm Quilting services here at Primitive Gatherings! Even better, now through January 2nd, 2022 we’re giving you a great opportunity to receive $25 off (minimum of $100 purchase) our Long Arm Quilting services! Email us at Bernina@primitivegatherings.us and let us know that you’d like to get on the schedule for Long Arm Services. Please leave us your name and contact information so we can connect with you regarding when you can send or bring your quilt in for the service!
Day 6 of the Primitive Gatherings 12 Days of Christmas was spent celebrating…well…us! We are super excited to finally have released our newest Primitive Gatherings Apparel – All 20% off Now Through January 2nd, 2022!!! With a variety of colors and design options available, our stylish PG garb will quickly turn you into the the coolest quilter on your block!
More good news… We now have sweatshirts available as well! We also have several new sweatshirt and t-shirt designs to choose from with an assortment of unique color options available. Sweatshirt colors include Rust, Mustard, Dusty Rose and Light Pink (which despite the name, in my opinion it’s more of a peach color). T-shirt colors include Antique White, Blue, and Army Green as shown below. Not pictured but also available for t-shirts are Black and Grey.
These fresh new designs are still in production but you can pre-order now through January 2nd, 2022 to be one of the first to receive them when they arrive. With the exception of hats, all pre-order apparel items must be ordered separately from regular-order and other types of pre-order items. It is OK to order multiple pre-order shirts and/or sweatshirts at once, but these pre-order apparel items should be the only thing in your cart aside from hats. In other words, do not put Garden Gatherings pre-orders in with your pre-order sweatshirt for example. Pre-orders must be made separately. Anticipated shipping date at this time for new apparel items is March, 2022.
If hats are more your style, no worries! We offer two types of Primitive Gatherings hats that are sure to fit your lifestyle, no matter the season!
CLICK HERE for 20% OFF Primitive Gatherings Apparel!
Day 5 of Primitive Gatherings 12 Days of Christmas was all about pre-cuts! Pre-cuts are offered in several sizes, 2 1/2″, 5″ 10″, Jelly rolls 2 1/2″ x 44″, Honey Buns 1 1/2″x 44″, Fat Eighths and Fat Quarter Bundles. They contain the whole range of colors and prints included in a fabric line. Pre-cuts are typically designed to work together and can go directly into a project. They’re some of my most favorite things! Easy and fun to use, pre-cuts reduce (or even eliminate) the amount of cutting required to being a project. It’s like having a little jump start!
I really love our flannel pre-cuts, especially this time of year! I hope that by now you have had a chance to work with my MODA flannels. They are amazing to say the least!!! This year we used them for project pouches, Christmas stockings, ornaments, pillow backgrounds, both pieced and wool appliqué, and quilts. The possibilities really are endless when working with flannel!
All fabric pre-cuts are still 20% OFF now through January 2nd, 2022! There’s no better time to stock up for your current or future projects!
CLICK HERE for 20% OFF Pre-Cuts!
On Day 4 we honored the idea of doing something for YOU in the midst of all the holiday chaos. We were especially excited to announce that we are now offering an awesome new Primitive Gatherings Subscription Quilt Box for 2022!!!
Our Subscription Quilt Box will ship 6 times a year, every other month starting in February. We want to open our boxes up to a wide range of fabrics, designers, on-going projects, notions and gadgets – sure to bring much joy and lots of inspiration!
Quilt Box ideas are as follows: Themed boxes that re-create some of my antique quilts in smaller versions or mini quilts, small hand-piecing or EPP, small and easy cross-stitch, quilts with a little hand appliqué or embroidery, pin cushions, pouches, totes, pillows, plus an on-going block project that will grow into a larger quilt. Our main focus will be smaller quilts, but I also want to stretch the possibilities to include other patchwork/sewing projects.
You will be able to join at anytime as long as the subscription is not full to capacity! Cancellations also can be at anytime, but you must take the next box, as we plan for these months ahead.
Our boxes are charged every billing month on the 15th. This will be easy and automatically charged – so no need to make a payment every box! They will ship at the end of the month after all billing is cleared. This will help to give us a bit of a shipping cushion.
CLICK HERE to Get Our NEW Subscription Quilt Box!
Day 3 was an extra special one here at Primitive Gatherings. I’m sure most of you know that we are partnered with the organization, “Hogs for Heroes” as our way to give back to WI veterans. We’re proud to say that currently, we have raised over $33,000 between private donations and our 2021 “American Quilter’s Stitch Along” event! I want to say thank you to everyone who contributed so far, we could never have done it without you!
CLICK HERE to Learn More About Hogs for Heroes!
The amount we’ve already raised is truly amazing. Your generous donations and hard work makes me feel inspired to do even more! Some of my favorite things are definitely graphic tees so I thought, why not create one specifically for a Hogs for Heroes fundraiser! My team and I came up with an awesome design that I think you’re really going to love. On the front it features the Hogs for Heroes logo. On the back it shows one of my favorite quilt blocks from the, “American Quilter’s Stitch Along” series, along with the words, “I Stitched for a Hero.” Our Primitive Gatherings logo is also proudly displayed on the sleeve. The t-shirt itself is Biker Black.
If you’re not into t-shirts, no worries! We also have Hogs for Heroes patches available that combine both the Hogs for Heroes, and Primitive Gatherings logos together. These patches make a stylish addition to pretty much anything you can think of. You could even sew it to the back of your quilt as a label! I love that idea.
Now here’s the best part! T-shirts are only $25.00, plus $5.00 for shipping (all proceeds go to benefit Hogs for Heroes). Creative Imprint is our local go-to shop that prints all of our custom t-shirts and bags. I’m so proud to say that they are very generously donating their time to produce and ship these items as a way of contributing to this great cause! All I can say is, WOW! We can’t thank them enough for their kind gesture. Please keep Creative Imprint in mind for any of your future custom apparel needs! Not only are they generous, but they also do a beautiful job! If you would like to order a t-shirt, please follow the link below. Please keep in mind that since they are coming from an off-site location, they are not available through the Primitive Gatherings website.
Hogs for Heroes patches are currently already on-site here at Primitive Gatherings. If you would like to order patches, please follow the link below (please note that the link for ordering t-shirts is different than the link for ordering patches)!
If you would like to donate to help Hogs for Heroes in another way, please consider one of our other options:
CLICK HERE to DONATE to Hogs for Heroes!
One of my favorite themes in quilting is Red and White – a classic combination of colors that quilt-makers have gravitated to for generations – myself included!
I thought a great way to celebrate Red and White quilts would be to have challenge based around them. On Day 2 of my 12 Days of Christmas, I was thrilled to announce some great news! The Primitive Gatherings, “2022 Red & White Quilt Challenge” has officially started!
We have four categories. It doesn’t matter if you have appliqué, pieced or a combo. Anything goes as long as it’s red and white, or shades of those two colors (cream is acceptable for example). Prints, solids, and wool can all be used as well. The possibilities are endless as long as they are done in red & and white!
What does the registration fee include? The registration fee includes a complimentary “Red & White 2022” sticker (shown below), a free red fat quarter, a free white fat quarter, and entry into the 2022 Primitive Christmas Red & White Quilt Show. Note: you are not required to use your free fat quarters in your show entry. 
What will you win? Cash and Prizes, of course!!! Hopefully I can also get some sponsorship from the big companies I work with! Like Moda, Bernina, Juki, Martingale, Riley Blake, Free Spirit, and Checker to name a few. My ultimate wish is for your quilts to fill up The Gathering from November through December, 2022! If you would like to register for this awesome challenge, simply click the link below!
Are you excited yet? If you are joining this challenge and need to add to your fabric or wool supply, we have just the stuff! Jess has put together a few selections with Red and White quilts specifically in mind. Clink the link below to secure yours now! As of today we don’t have a deadline for entry, however we would really like to see entries made by June/July so we can get an idea of how many we will be displaying.
CLICK HERE for Red and White Fabric and Wool Suggestions!
Now that you have a new and exciting project to get started on, why not come and stitch with us at The Gathering? I would absolutely love to see what you’re working on – and of course, answer any questions you might have on your project or techniques! I’ll even throw you some extra incentive… Book your stay NOW through January 15th, 2022 and receive an additional $50.00 on your swag bag gift certificate (*offer valid for non-event stays only)!!!
…and just like that we’re back to Day 1 all over again! On this day we gave our attention to one of the most important aspects of what we do – sewing machines!
I started off by talking about Bernina. As much as I love my Juki, if I had to pick a machine that encompasses everything we need, I would have to go with a Bernina. Smooth and effortless, these efficient machines come with a wide range of world-class features designed to help you be creative, all while saving time. I really have come to appreciate these beautiful machines, and I’m proud to say we are a brand new Bernina dealership here at Primitive gatherings! To celebrate, now through January 2nd, 2022, if you purchase a Bernina Machine from Primitive Gatherings, we will throw in FREE *lifetime machine inspections, cleanings, and oil changes (*up to 4 times per year)!
Please come in, email bernina@primitivegatherings.us or call us at 920-841-1066 to set up an appointment. Come experience our full line of what Bernina has to offer! I am excited to say that I am going to be getting another new Bernina for myself after seeing how wonderful these new machines have become! I will be sure to show you my new set up on future videos as soon as I can.
Most of you know that my most preferred machine is the Juki TL2010. Iv’e used the TL2010 machine for what feels like forever – it’s definitely what I consider my, “work-horse”. Without this awesome machine I would not be half the quilter I am today. Here’s why!
Juki is by no means new to the market. They are well known in the garment industry and are mostly industrial machines. Juki made their debut in the quilting world with a semi-industrial machine for designed just for quilters. I think I’ve had a Juki for about 10 years now. I also own two Berninas – The 1260 and 1530, and a couple of Featherweights (I only admit this to you so that you know what I’m basing my opinions on). Not only that, I teach all across the country and have stitched on many different kinds of machines.
I bought the Juki with the intention to use it as a second machine, specifically for machine quilting my little quilts. Having it also meant I didn’t have to change the walking foot from my regular foot on my Bernina – which is a huge time saver. They come with a few different feet, including two free motion feet and a walking foot. I like using the regular foot to stitch up against a bumper so I can get a scant quarter inch.
I especially love that Juki machines are all metal including the bobbins and feet. The TL2010 features a larger 9″ opening between the body and the arm, so machine quilting is easier to handle. It also has an extension table, which is especially nice for retreats. I usually have mine embedded in my table.
This machine ONLY stitches straight. Now, this might be an issue for some, but my only intention for this machine was machine quilting. The fact that it only stitches straight is actually a plus…nice tension at all times and a single hole throat plate. It holds large cones as well as regular thread. It also has an automatic thread cutter, automatic needle threader, knee lift, and stitches 1500 stitches per minute (or something like that). In other words, it is FAST!!!
It has some really great advanced features, such as an industrial sub-tension system, variable speed control slider, and bright white LED lighting. It’s definitely built for precision sewing. With a large work area of up to 23 inches (with auxiliary table attached), the TL-2010 can handle large quilt, sewing or home decor project with ease. It also allows you to trim top and bobbin threads using the exclusive foot controlled trimming system. Just rock your heel back on the foot control, and the thread is quickly and precisely cut. The machine is equipped with an automatic thread button that simultaneously trims the needle and bobbin threads at the sewing end by lightly pressing the push-button. It also keeps the thread from quivering when sewing at high speeds and provides accurate fine tuned thread tension. Pretty cool! For a full list of factory specs please visit juki.com!
Because the Juki is one of my VERY most favorite things, we’re offering it as our Day 1 – FINAL day of my 12 Days of Favorite things special. Now through January 2nd you can get a Juki TL2010 for yourself for only $999.00! Click link below to get yours now!
Want even better news? In the true spirit of Christmas, it’s time to GIVE AWAY another Juki! Buy purchasing your Juki between now and January 2nd, 2022 you’ll earn yourself a chance to WIN your Juki for FREE! You read that right, one lucky customer will have their Juki paid for by us as a way to say thank you for the purchase.
Whew! I almost forgot how much we’ve covered over the last couple weeks. If you have questions on any of this please feel free to leave me a comment! I love to hear what you think! Thanks again for tagging along as I explored the 12 Days of my most favorite things here at Primitive Gatherings!
Oh and before I forget, tune-in to my, “Stitch with Lisa Bongean” on YouTube at 11:30 today! Click the link below to watch! See you there!
I can’t believe Christmas is gone by. We had a wonderful time with our family. Now I can take the time to order from the 12 days of Christmas. Treat myself.
The Twelve Days of Christmas was sew much fun!!!
Hi Lisa I REALLY need to speak to some one at PG and the phone only rings busy,
for hours now Are you closed?
Donna Roh they are there today. I know because I called. First time the phone just rang and I got the message with the store hours. I hung up and checked their holiday hours thinking they were still closed but that was not the case. I called back and the phone was answered but I could hear the phone ringing in the background. They are busy just be patient and keep trying.
Thank you Valerie🤗
The holiday did go by so quickly!
Loved the 12 days of Christmas. Already made something from my order I received so quickly. Joined the Quilt Box, can’t wait. Happy New Year 🥳🥳🥳.
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