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…
We are an Irish family so we decorate with banners, decorations, and Irish food during the month! Cute spring projects!
I am working on a shamrock runner for my dining room table. I also have the little hat hanging from PG to work on too. Love St. Patty’s Day and it is celebrated at our house with Corned Beef and Green Beer!!
Reading about your St Patrick’s day projects reminded me of a green and white mini quilt of yours that I have the pattern and fabric for. Maybe I should get that out and get it done. BTW – love the bunny quilt!
Go for it Debbie! You still have time before the 17th!
Seeing your St Patrick’s day projects reminded me that I have a pattern and fabric for a mini quilt that you did. I need to get that out and finish it. BTW – love the bunny quilt!
I am working on your wool St Patty’s Day banner with the green top hat. I may not get it done by the day, but I’ll get it done before the month I over and hang it on my PG clipboard!
Cannot wait until April when I get to come to a retreat.
Our St. Patrick’s Day celebration is generally a birthday party because March 17th is also my niece’s birthday.
Enjoying sitting in spring sun working on a wall hanging using woolies flannel to see if I like it.
I’m working on your Irish Blessings kit in black. Having some Irish family history, and it’s our youngest daughter’s birthday, we do a lot of celebrating!
I made some sweet cross stitch projects for st. Pats. I added fabric trim and some pom pop trim too. A little padding and a sweet ribbon hanger to hang anywhere.
I am working on the little St. Patrick’s Day kit available at your shop, it has a few rows/columns of embroidered shamrocks and little nine patches, a cream background. Super cute!
I want to make a banner that says springtime or shamrock for my living room wall. I have a Let it Snow for January and a Valentine for February. If I did springtime I could leave it up for March and April. Love spring when you can open the house to wonderful weather.
Got my quilt box today….love it all!!
I’m actually not working on anything for Saint Patrick’s day. I never thought of doing anything!? Could do something for next year, lol!
loving your new projects.
We go out for supper to celebrate St Patrick Day, which is also my birthday! I am starting an Irish Chain quilt in shades of green.
Happy birthday Patty!
This year I won’t be decorating or working on St Patrick Day projects. Spending a week at my Mom’s in Northern CA at the beginning of the month for her birthday and than flying to Florida to spend three weeks with my daughter, to celebrate my granddaughters birthday. Prepped all my wool box projects for stitching while I am on vacation,
We do decorate for St. Patty”s and I make the traditional meal, with corned beef and cabbage. That is always a favorite. Your Hello Spring projects are really cute. Hopefully you will be selling these on your web page after the workshops. I will make it up there for a workshop and a stay at the gathering. It’s on the bucket list!!!!!
Hi Mary Ann! The “17” Pillow, “Gnome Shenanigans” Pillow and “Lucky Charm” mat are all available now on the website. Here is a link! https://www.primitivegatherings.us/new-items/st-patricks-day– As far as the, “Nibbles” Quilt goes, it will be up on the website later in spring, so keep an eye out for that!
My mom passed away unexpectedly last year and it wasn’t till she was gone that I realized she used to go all out for the grandkids on St. Patrick’s day! Corned beef and cabbage and for fun always colored the scrambled eggs green that morning! Thanks for asking it spurred this memory for me!
Thanks for sharing that wonderful memory with us Jennifer! Sorry to hear about your mother. It’s nice that St. Patrick’s Day also doubles as a day to remember her by!
I want to do it all!! Hahaha….can’t come for that retreat though. Will be thinking of all the fun and the ladies yammering!!
St. Patty’s day is not a big deal in my home. Now Spring…that’s a big deal . Can’t wait to get in my garden and get hands dirty!🌺
St Paddy’s day is the one holiday I do not have a quilt .. Looking forward to Lisas ideas
Lisa, I need to ask a question. Can you tell me what size of Vandali floss can I use for hand embroidery? I want the ball type. Is #12 still too heavy for dish towels or do I have to go to the reg. floss(not in a ball)? What is the lightest or comparable to DMC if I use 3 threads? Thank you sooo much Norma
I would use #12 for fine embroidery and #8 and #5 for thicker stitches on dish towels
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