Greetings from warm and sunny FL! Not to rub it into all of my fellow Wisconsinites (and everyone else stuck in dreary, sloppy spring weather right now for that matter), but I’m still off in a land far, far away – having the time of my life in the sunshine state with my grandson Jace. We’re down here tearing it up at Disney World in true 7-year-old (and cool grandma) fashion. If you’ve never been able to visit, Disney World is definitely a place to see at least once in your life. I highly recommend adding it to your bucket list if you have yet to experience all the fun and magic that comes with a trip like this. I feel truly blessed to be able to do this for Jace. It’s a dream come true for both of us!
Even though I’m dreading the thought of leaving our little sliver of Paradise here in FL behind, I know that I need to go home (eventually) and get back to serious business. I have a lot to do to get ready for everything we have planned for the summer at Primitive Gatherings. So as great as the idea sounds, I simply can’t stay on vacation forever.
Easter is definitely one of the things I need to get moving on once I get home. Even though it’s right around the corner, I think there is still time to crank out a few last-minute basket stuffers and décor items before the big day hits us. I love projects that are not only great for celebrating the Easter holiday, but that also work throughout the entire spring and summer season! If you happened to catch, “Stitch with Lisa Bongean“ during our LIVE YouTube broadcast on Thursday, store manager Shelley had some great suggestions for Easter items that are not only quick and easy, but also make great basket stuffers and gifts as well. Let’s take a look at what she found!
The first item on Shelley’s list is our adorable, “Buster“ pillow. He is so cute, I just want to squeeze him! Buster is a dark gray bunny done in wool appliqué. Finished, this pillow is 18″ x 18″. To make him extra squeezable I used a 20″ x 20″ pillow form, which is available to order on our website. A matching thread kit is also available. 
In the same bunny pillow family we also have, “Like Mother Like Daughter“ and “Honey Bunny“. Both of these little cuties are done with wool appliqué on flannel as well. As Shelley pointed out, these patterns are meant to be a pillows but can also easily be incorporated into other projects. Wouldn’t they be cute on a lap or baby quilt? Or like Cheri suggested, they’d also be great as hanging décor on a wood stand or clipboard.
Finished, “Like Mother Like Daughter” measures 16″ x 16″ and “Honey Bunny” is 18″ x 18″. “Honey Bunny” is available in either a light or dark background.
Another idea for hanging Easter décor is my, “Easter Bunny“ banner. This is another quick, easy, and smaller project, perfect for a time crunch. It’s done with wool appliqué and measures 8 1/2″ x 11 when finished.
If this little guy looks familiar to you, it might be because he’s part of one of my on-going holiday banner series that I’ve mentioned in the past. The collection also includes a version for Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and one for the Harvest season as well. These adorable little decorations have a finished size of 8 1/4″ x 10″ each, and are easy to display as a wall-hanger, on a clipboard, or as a small table mat.
Many of you have been asking about the sweet little lap quilt, “Nibbles.” This carrot and bunny-themed quilt was one of the exclusive projects during our “Hello Spring” retreat a couple of weeks ago. It was only available to retreat guests at first but great news! “Nibbles” is now available to the public for purchase!
If you haven’t already seen this little gem, it doesn’t get much cuter than this. Measuring at 41″ x 53″, “Nibbles” is available in both a solid and homespun version. Better yet, if you order the backing at the same time you purchase the kit, you will get a 20% discount on the backing!
Looking for basket stuffers? Pincushions make perfect gifts for family and friends who are fellow stitchers. The “Bunny Pincushion“ is a pattern from my, “Summer Gatherings” book which is no longer in print. Due to popular demand, we made a pattern of it for those of you who missed out on the book. 
“Bunny Pincushion“ is done with wool appliqué and will be 4 1/4″ x 7″ when finished, making it a great little gift to make for someones Easter or May Basket.
We also carry these delightful decorative pins called, “Just Pins.“ They are super cute and easily dress up your pincushion for any occasion. We just so happen to have the Easter Bunny set, which perfectly with the “Bunny Pincushion.“
Another great idea for a unique basket stuffer is our pastel and tie-dyed wool charm packs and bundles. If you know someone who loves to work with wool, you can’t go wrong with this beautiful wool! Our wool is hand-dyed which means no two pieces are the same. They’re great for any wool appliqué project, but are especially nice if you’re doing something with Easter eggs or flowers. As Shelley put it, “these are great for doing flowers since no flower in nature is one-single color.” So true!
Speaking of Easter baskets, are you a fan of our caramels? We proudly offer local, award winning caramels made by Vande Walle’s Candies in Appleton, WI. If you consider yourself a caramel connoisseur, you’re defiantly going to want to get in on some of these sweet, buttery, old fashioned caramels. They are by FAR my favorite caramel out there!
Jess put together these cheerful 1lb bags just in time for the Easter Bunny to make an appearance. These festive 1lb bags not only make great gifts, but they’re also a perfect excuse to treat yourself to a few as well (bag designs vary). If you’ve never had Vande Walle’s Caramels before, you’re truly missing out. …and if that’s the case, I really think you need to change that. LOL!
I hope this gives you some great ideas for Easter! If you have any questions regarding any of these items, please feel free to give Shelley a call at the shop. She’ll be more than happy to help you! You can reach the shop at 920-722-7233. Alright! I’m off to go and enjoy the last couple of days of my vacation. I will see you all next week once I am home! Don’t forget, Moda Blockheads 4 – Block 2 will be out on Wednesday, so watch my blog for the details on that! Have you decided to participate in MBH4? Still thinking about it? Let me know in the comments for a chance to win a prize! And remember to watch, “Stitch with Lisa Bongean“ on Thursdays. I’ll be back on screen next week where we’ll be doing a trunk show on Corey Yoder of Coriander Quilt’s new Moda line, “Beautiful Day.“ I’m really looking forward to this one! You can tune-in by hitting the link below. See you all there! Until then, have a great weekend and remember to stitch every day! ~Lisa
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