Hi everyone! I hope you had a great weekend. I spent mine cozied up indoors since Mother Nature decided to go nuts and ruin any chance of doing anything fun or enjoyable outside. Temps were unseasonably warm and it rained like crazy! Huge fat drops, and flowing rivers of rainwater everywhere… And now yesterday we just got two inches of snow. There’s an old saying about March in WI. “In like a lion, out like a lamb.” We’ve definitely got the first half right so far… I hate to say it but, a lot of years it’s more like, “In like a lion, out like a lion.” We’ll just have to wait and see what happens this time around!
The one advantage I can think of to all this sloppy weather is having the perfect excuse to stay inside and – what else – stitch! My dear friend Val Krueger is here visiting me from NV and needless to say, she’s not exactly impressed with our indecisive weather. When I asked her how she was feeling about it yesterday morning she very seriously said, “I feel glad that I live in Nevada!” LOL! She’s here visiting for the next few days, which is awesome. This is her first time visiting Primitive Gatherings since we put up the new buildings last summer, so it’s been a lot of fun showing her around.
Part of the reason for Val’s visit is to prepare for the release of Moda’s new Garden Gatherings fabric line (scheduled to release this April/May)! We’ve spent a lot of time filming for our future, “Meet Me in the Garden Stitch-A-Long,“ which is coming up in June/July, 2022. There is a lot of planning and preparation that goes into these online tutorials, and getting the footage is half the battle! Since Val is only here until Thursday, we have a lot to do and not a whole lot of time to do it, but that’s ok. It’ll all be worth it in the long run!
You might remember back in January when I was out in Las Vegas visiting Val at her place. She had a pretty good start going on her gorgeous quilt, “Meet Me in the Garden,“ which is designed with my new Garden Gatherings fabric line in mind. I’m excited to say she’s not only finished, but she brought it with her to WI so we could see it in person. Finally being able to see this masterpiece in its full glory has me simply in awe! “Meet Me in the Garden“ is a pretty good sized quilt. Val says, “It’s a real monster!” I really love the feel of a heavy quilt – just like a weighted blanket! Finished, this quilt measures at 104″ x 104″.
If you would like to participate in our, “Meet Me in the Garden Stitch-A-Long,“ we’d love to have you! We will post more information on how to join once we have a better idea of when the collection is going to arrive here at Primitive Gatherings. We will also be doing a post on what you’ll need for the Stitch-A-Long closer to the event that includes pattern & ruler details, so keep an eye on my blog for that.
Remember, the Garden Gatherings line doesn’t release until April/May, 2022, but you can pre-order what you’ll need for the Stitch-A-Long in advance! You will need the FQ Bundles of each Garden Gatherings and Garden Gatherings Shirtings, along with a Layer Cake of the shirtings as well. (please remember each pre-order needs to be ordered separately as an individual order – it should be the only item in your cart).
Click HERE to Pre-Order Fabrics for the Upcoming Garden Gatherings Stitch-A-Long with Lisa & Val!
As always, I have several projects in process, and several more on deck waiting to be started. Is it just me, or are there never enough hours in the day? I have been getting a ton accomplished during the, “Sit & Stitch“ group at The Gathering every week. If you haven’t heard of “Sit & Stitch“ let me fill you in. “Sit & Stitch“ is not a retreat, but more of a gathering where all types, ages, and ability levels of sewing enthusiasts can come together and stitch! It’s a great opportunity to socialize in a judgment-free zone, where participants are encouraged to share ideas and advice. Of course, there’s also plenty of good food, great conversation, and laughter to go around too!
You can bring your stitching projects of any kind to “Sit & Stitch!” Come take advantage of our huge, beautifully lit activity space. You can bring your own machine or rent one from us. Either way there’s plenty of room for everyone to spread out and get comfortable at one of the many large sewing tables – complete with power stations! Take it from me, a lot of times I’d rather work on projects at The Gathering rather than my studio at home!
The casual and easy-going atmosphere not only allows me to relax a little, but I can also take more time to talk one-on-one with people about anything they might need help on with their projects, or just about life in general! It’s always a great time.
If you want to join us for a Sit & Stitch we would love to have you! Call The Gathering to register. The phone number at The Gathering is 920-778-8031. You can also email thegathering@primitivegatherings.us. Sessions run from 9AM until 4PM. Registration fee is $25 per person for the day and includes a salad bar and homemade soup lunch prepared by Chef Erica!
Alright everyone. Time for me to get back to work! We have a few more things to film this afternoon and then it’s back to my studio for more stitching! I will catch you all later this week on, “Stitch with Lisa Bongean“ where I’ll talking all about what I am currently working on, and what I have planned coming up! Don’t miss it! And as always, make sure to leave me a comment here on the blog for a chance to win a prize! We choose prize winners from our YouTube page, Blog, and my, “Stitch with Lisa Bongean” Facebook page, so don’t be shy! Let me know what spring projects are on your work table! See you soon! ~Lisa
What a beautiful quilt ! I will definitely be checking out the SAL ! I have a few UFOs so I’m trying to stay focused to finish some, lol. Thanks for a chance to win !
Since I’m working during the day right now I am missing your live presentations. I’m so glad you post regularly to the block so at least I feel like I’m not missing out on everything. So excited to hear what you have coming up next!
Hey Nan! Thanks for reading my blog. If you’re missing “Stitch with Lisa Bongean” on LIVE, you can always catch the reply by hitting the link at the bottom of every blog post!
Hi Lisa,
Crazy weather here in Missouri too! Sunny and 60 tomorrow and Thursday, snow on Friday. Working on one of your St Pat’s Day wool projects. So looking forward to Garden Gatherings SAL. Hoping to make it back to a PG retreat this year!
Hi Jeanne! Glad to know we’re not the only ones with crazy weather. Thanks for the post! Looking forward to seeing you at a retreat this year! ~Lisa
I’m busy starting a rug hooking project for a birthday gift. Haven’t hooked all winter because I’ve been doing other stitch projects!
I love reading your blog and thanks for keeping us all up-to-date. Also thanks to all your wonderful employees!
Thank you Jennifer, for such a nice comment! We appreciate you and hope you visit us here someday! ~Lisa
Wish, I was closer, I’d be at every “Sit and Stitch”. Working on the spring items from the last wool box. Visiting my Mom right now, going home tomorrow. My husband informed me that my quilt box has been delivered. Excited to finally get to see it.
Took my quilt from Cuddle and Stitch retreat to longarmer today and she fell in love with it! Can’t wait to get it back and cuddle w my hubby! Deciding which PG kit to make next (have several on my shelf)!
Hi Deb! This is great to hear! Thank you so much for coming to Cuddle Up & Stitch, it was a great time! Hope to see you again soon. ~Lisa
Signed up for an all day sit and stitch in May. Can’t wait it will be my second time!
Hi, I am working on a couple kits I got from you recently. Valentine hearts and soon will be on st patty projects
“Meet Me On The Garden” is a stunning quilt!!
I’m excited for garden gatherings and those beautiful shirtings! It will make a glorious vintage quilt.
That quilt is magnificent! Looking forward to a day of relaxation and stitching on 4/19 amidst the big move to Grand Chute!!
I am currently working on a quilt in colors of Ukraine. Our area always takes in refugees from around the world, so when there’s a call for a child’s quilt, I’ll be ready, I’m using scraps/stash/leftovers and FQs. In raiding my stash I find I own exactly three FQs of yellow! I don’t wear yellow, I don’t decorate with yellow and I guess I don’t sew yellow! I sense a fq run coming up soon!
Hi Carol! What a thoughtful idea, you are really awesome. Please let us see it when it’s done! ~Lisa
Wish I lived closer-I would definitely come to “Sit and Stitch”. Everyone in the pictures looks so productive and happy! I am currently working on an EPP Sue Daley project.
You are amazing Lisa! I don’t know how you get so much done…and make it look effortless!
I recently finished two long term UFO’s. I’m looking for something fun and happy to start on my upcoming birthday.
Hey Jenny! Congrats on finishing your UFO’s and happy early birthday! If you’re looking for something new to start check out my “Stitch with Lisa Bongean” show this Thursday on YouTube. I have a bunch of great projects I’ll be showing off! Never know, you might find your next project there! Take care, ~Lisa
Currently working on Twilight Gardens and a lenten cross stitch!
Beautiful Quilt! Thank you for sharing your lovely work. Visiting the store and The Gathering is on my bucket list!
Coming to the Gathering in April and absolutely cannot wait!!!
Wanting to sew with you on your next stitch along. Waiting to see if my lqs is going to be carrying the new line. I’m currently working on Swan Island by Elizabeth Hartman.
Awesome Deb! I can’t wait for the SAL. I’m seriously in love with that quilt!
I wish I was closer so I could come and visit. Oregon is a several days drive. Love your Meet me in the Garden.
Looking forward to my last package of Sunflower Gatherings to arrive. I am all caught up- I think the borders may take a bit longer to finish-gorgeous quilt-it has been fun to do. I am finishing up all my kits and projects- I seriously missed the quit show in Houston the last 2 years-surgery last year. Seems to have left me with time for new projects now!! Can’t wait to remedy that!!
Scheduled for March, April, May & June so far!
Looking forward to those days in the beautiful retreat center, and the fabulous meals!
“Meet Me in the Garden” fabric is on my list. I like the quilt as well. We are cold in Ohio and more snow on the way. Winter is still here.
I was fortunate to meet Val on Saturday at the store. She showed me the quilt, thank you Val. Looking forward to the stitch along
I just watched todays live…I’m new to the wool box and am excited to start stitching the pennys.
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