Hey stitchers! I hope you’re having a great day. It’s a busy one here at Primitive Gatherings, as everyone is getting ready for the weekend to begin. It was another awesome week here, full of creativity, stitching, and great company. Between classes and clubs, and the retreat house being fully booked with lodging guests all week, both the shop and The Gathering have been buzzing with activity. I love it! It’s truly wonderful to see my dream alive and in action. I always wanted to have a place where like-minded creatives like myself could gather together to share knowledge, skills, and friendship. I’m super proud to say that’s exactly what we’ve accomplished!

One of the best things about the retreat house is all the space! If you haven’t had a chance to see it for yourself, imagine multiple cutting tables, steam stations, and large spacious sewing tables equipped with power strips to accommodate everyone. You really can spread out and be comfortable – just like at home but with more perks! Whether you’re coming to retreat for the week or just a day, it’s really nice to be able to focus on your projects without all the fuss of having to cook or deal with a pesky “better half” vying for your attention while you’re trying to stitch. The only people around you are others who only want the same… Sounds great doesn’t it?

Now I realize attending a full retreat isn’t always possible because of schedule, budget, location, etc., but if you’re close enough to make it here for a day, there are other great reasons to come! Have you heard of Sit & Stitch? Sit & Stitch is basically an open sew where stitchers are encouraged to bring their hand or machine projects – both in progress or yet to be started – for guidance and instruction from both other stitchers and me! Set up your machine in our large activity area for the day and put a dent in those UFO’s. Not only will you make new friends and laugh a lot, you might even learn something! Sessions run from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM. Cost per person, per session is only $25.00 and includes lunch!

We also have several clubs going right now that are sure to help bring you out of your creative shell. As you know, Jess and I are both huge fans of working with wool and wool appliqué. We’re constantly getting requests for more information on how to delve further into it, so starting a wool club seemed like a no-brainer! Bring your wool box or personal wool projects and get one-on-one help and advice on anything you might be having trouble with. If none of your projects are giving you any guff at the moment, that’s ok too! You can always come share your expertise with others! Wool Club is held once monthly from 9:00AM util 4:00 PM. The cost is just $25.00 per person and includes lunch.

For those of you who love paper piecing, Hexi Club might be just what you’re looking for. We all know paper piecing can be a real bear if you’re new to it and your skills aren’t necessarily up to par. That’s ok! We’ve all been there at some point in our paper piecing careers. Hexi Club is the perfect opportunity to learn from those who’ve gone through the gauntlet before you. Or, if you’re a seasoned pro, this is your chance to share what you know with a quilter new to the craft. Come make a difference in someone’s stitching life! After all, the newbies have to learn from someone… Why not you? Hexi Club is held monthly from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM with a club cost of $25.00 per person – includes lunch!

Have you heard? Cross stitch is making a come back! They say history repeats itself… I guess this is a real-life example! I’ll admit, it’s been a hot minute since I was a regular at cross stitching, but lately I’ve been feeling inspired by some of the awesome designs done by my colleagues Katie Nolan and Kathy Decker. Thanks to their extreme talent, all the sudden I have the itch to pick it back up again! Amazing how that works, isn’t it? Apparently I’m not the only one. I’ve had many customer requests for cross stitch supplies both in-store and online, and we are currently working on finalizing our inventory as we speak. Exciting right? I think so, which is why we figured we might as well get a cross stitch club going as well! That being said I’d like to introduce the Primitive Gatherings Cross Stitch Club, hosted by Kathy Decker!

Starting in October, Cross Stitch Club will be offered one Wednesday a month from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM. Club cost is $25.00 per person, per session and of course includes lunch! Come get your (cross) stitch on with instructor Kathy Decker! Get information on recommended threads and materials, different techniques, and more!

Hey! Let’s not forget the littles in the midst of all our adult fun and games… School is starting soon but that doesn’t mean all the fun has to end. Kiddos can keep the shenanigans going during our after school Kid’s Camp sessions! Starting on September 21st we will be offering an after school Kid’s Sewing Camp one Wednesday evening a month from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM. Kids can learn the basics of hand sewing and how to successfully take projects from point A all the way through to point Z! Classes offer hands-on learning and will have an exciting new take-home project to work on each week. All boys and girls ages 7 and up are welcome to sign up!

All clubs and open sews have limited space so if you’re interested in participating in one or all of them, please call Judy or Gloria at The Gathering at 920.778.8031 to reserve your seat! You can also email them at thegathering@primitivegatherings.us. If there is anything for certain around here it’s that activities fill up fast, so don’t delay if you have your heart set on getting in on any of these awesome events. You’ll regret it if you do!

Well everyone, it’s getting to be about that time. I want to wish everyone a safe, fun, and productive weekend! I will be focusing on wrapping up loose ends and nailing down final projects for the next few weeks ahead. I want to be sure all my ducks are in a row so I can leave for Hawaii worry free. I feel like I’ve been waiting an eternity for this trip and I want to do whatever I can to make sure it goes off without a hitch! Think I can pull it off??? Only time will tell! I will see you all Monday! Take care and behave (but only just a little). See you soon! ~Lisa