March is officially here! I haven’t actually seen one yet, but I am excited to say that I’ve been hearing robins in the woods for the last few days. The sun has been out and temperatures are warm enough to crack the window for a bit – just long enough to let in some much-needed fresh air. Spring time puts an energy in me like no other time of year! I have so many new ideas brewing right now… I feel like I’ve been on a major planning rampage all week!
I have a few things coming up that I should talk about right off the bat. First of all, I wanted to mention that for those of you who are registered for, or planning to register for our 2022 “Red & White Quilt Challenge,“ be sure to check out my blog post regarding the official details and rules for the Challenge! It has been updated with a button that will provide you with a printable PDF of the contest rules and required forms needed to complete your registration. You can re-visit that post by clicking HERE, or access the contest rules and required forms by clicking the button below!
Ok! Now that we’ve covered the Red & White Challenge, let’s talk shop. I’m excited to announce that starting soon, we will be featuring an additional LIVE broadcast each week called, “Shop Talk” hosted by our awesome quilt shop manager, Michelle (aka Shelley). We’ll cover any shop announcements, upcoming classes, workshops and retreats, product reviews, and more! You can find “Shop Talk” LIVE on my YouTube channel, “Stitch with Lisa Bongean“ weekly on Tuesday at 9AM CST.
Over the weekend there was certainly a busy buzz around The Gathering as our “Cuddle Up & Stitch” retreat was underway. We started out in the morning with Chef Erica’s chai lattes and famous scratch-made scones for breakfast. After our bellies were full we got to work on our projects. In class I covered a lot of useful topics and skills designed to streamline workflow. I talked about starching, layering fabrics for more efficient cutting, perfecting your ¼” seam allowance, pressing with steam, and opening seams for less bulk in the intersections. I also went over how to quickly rip out a row that was sewn incorrectly (I won’t mention who’s ripper got the biggest workout – what happens at retreat, stays at retreat!!!).
I also made some real progress on my project, “Rustic Retreat,” which is my quilt recently featured in the new book, “Snuggle Up“ by Martingale publishing. The best part is, I did it along-side a great group of fellow stitchers who all came to join me for the weekend. I always say the best part about retreat is the new friends I make. I love how The Gathering brings people from all over the U.S. together for fun and quilting fellowship. For example, retreat guest Kris drove all the way form Indiana for her birthday – by herself! Jean and Leanne (who was here enjoying her husband’s birthday gift to her. Wow! I’d say he’s a keeper!) were both here as day guests because they are lucky enough to live in the area. Roselin, Gay, Debbie, Junelle, and Char were here for their first visit, while Cindy and Gloria were back as repeat attendees! We talked, laughed, stitched, and ate our way through the weekend. It was a really good time!
If you’re thinking about staying at The Gathering in the near future, great news! Coming up in March is our next retreat, “Hello Spring.“ This multi-day event will be taking place March 14th through March 20th, 2022 at The Gathering! 
The cost of this retreat is $425 per person for daily students, and $275 per person, plus lodging for guests staying at The Gathering for the week. The price includes three projects complete with kits, class instruction by me, daily lunches, an exclusive behind the scenes tour of Primitive Gatherings, and a local field trip (weather permitting). Lodging guest rates also include all meals, a swag bag, and a gift card to spend at the Primitive Gatherings retail store.
For “Hello Spring.” I have one quilt (with two versions) and two wool projects picked out that I’m sure you’re going to love. They include an adorable pillow and mini quilt which are both St. Patty’s Day themed, and a super cute bunny and carrot lap quilt.
As usual these projects are limited to our retreat guests, and are not yet available to the public. In other words, if you need these sweet little additions in your life, sign up for the “Hello Spring“ retreat today! Spots are limited so don’t wait to get in on the fun. To register, call The Gathering at 920.778.8031. You can also email thegathering@primitivegatherings.us to sign up.
Looking for more great ideas for St. Patrick’s Day? Make sure to catch, “Stitch with Lisa Bongean“ this week on Thursday at 1PM CST where I’ll be showing off some of my favorites from the shop, along with some other fun stuff. Click the link below to watch!
Remember to leave a comment for a chance to win a prize! Tell me what you’re working on for St. Patty’s Day. Is it a big holiday in your house? What do you and yours do to celebrate? Let me know! I will see you all soon. Until then, as always – bee sure to make time to…
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