Over the last few weeks I’ve been noticing little things that are definitely early signs of autumn approaching. It’s getting dark a little earlier at night and the crickets are singing especially loud lately. Plus, we haven’t had a really hot day in a couple of weeks. I know, I know – you hate to hear these things, but I promise I have a good reason for bringing up the inevitable. As we all know, some of the best holidays come along with the cold seasons, which also means it’s about time to get started on some of the best fall-time holiday projects as well! I don’t know about you but I absolutely LOVE decorating my home for the autumn and winter seasons which is why I’m excited for the next bunch of classes and retreats that we have coming up on the calendar!

It’s hard to fathom that September is right around the corner but according to the calendar, my annual “Witches Retreat” is only a couple of short weeks away! If you’re looking for the perfect place to gather in peace with your fellow witches, this quilter’s coven was designed especially for you!

Enjoy this spooky four-day retreat just in time for Halloween, as we work on one quilt and two wool projects that are sure to give you the goosies! Join us September 12th through the 16th, 2022 at The Gathering as a daily student, or stay for the week in our state of the art quilter’s retreat house. Classes run from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM daily with lunch provided. Dinner is also included for lodging guests. I’d love to be able to give you a sneak peak on what the projects will be at this retreat, but I’m not quite done finalizing all the details yet. I will tell you that if you’re a fan of my, “Just One of These Things…” series, you’re going to really like the quilt project. I know you’re dying to know more but you simply must trust me – mwa, ha, ha (enter mischievous witch’s cackle HERE)!!! Space is limited, so if this enchanting gathering of quilters sounds like something you’d like to dance around the fire to, don’t wait! Sign up today by calling Judy at 920.778.8031.

Once all the witches have cleared out of the retreat house and the cauldrons are all put away, I’ll definitely be in the mood to welcome the official start to the autumn season with open arms. Pumpkin fanatics, take note! On Saturday September 17th, 2022 or October 17th, 2022, we will be hosting “All Things Pumpkin” – a pumpkin-infused, one day retreat that’s just what the doctor ordered to get you ready for fall!

As if your love for working with wool isn’t enough to make this one-day retreat a must-do, just add a heavy dose of pumpkin spice to the mix! We’ll start things off in the morning with pumpkin lattes and made-from-scratch pumpkin scones to get your creativity flowing. Once settled in, we’ll spend the day focusing on pumpkin-themed wool projects, complete with one-on-one instruction from yours truly. Class fee includes project kits and lunch! Class will be held from 9:00 AM until 4:30 PM. Students will also receive exclusive “All Things Pumpkin” event favors for participating. To nail down your spot for this super popular workshop call Judy at 920.778.8031!

As long as we’re talking about things to come in the near future, I suppose we can’t really avoid the big “S” word… I know you think I mean snow, but I’m actually talking about SHOPPING! Every year I swear I’m going to get ahead of the game and start my Christmas shopping a bit earlier, but do you think that ever actually happens? Albert Einstein once said that the true definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results – LOL! Ok, so I might be slightly guilty in this department but I feel like that’s probably most of us. Not to worry though, our “Sip, Sew, SHOP, & Stay” event is here to give your holiday shopping a jump start!

Prepare to put a dent in your holiday gift shopping at The Gathering on December 2nd and 3rd, 2022 for a seasonal Sip, Sew, & Stay experience! Bring your hand or machine projects and take advantage of all-day open sew on both days. Check in as early as 9:00 AM on Friday and enjoy shopping in our exclusive boutique until 8:00 PM. As an added bonus, late night chocolate fondue will be provided on Friday night and snacks will be available throughout the entire duration of the retreat. Lunch and dinner is also included on Friday, along with brunch on Saturday morning. Who says the holidays have to be for everyone else? Treat yourself and join us for “Sip, Sew, SHOP, & Stay!” All you have to do to sign up is call Judy at The Gathering at 920.778.8031 and she’ll be happy to help you get registered!

Santa has a way of always knowing who’s been naughty or nice – where do you fall on his list in this year? Whether you wear a halo or…not so much… everyone is welcome at my “Naughty or Nice Christmas Retreat!” Take the week to get yourself into the Christmas spirit, December 5th through 11th, 2022 at The Gathering! This festive multi-day event will focus on one quilt, and two wool projects designed to fill your heart and soul with holiday cheer!Aside from hands-on instruction on some great holiday projects, you’ll also enjoy an exclusive behind the scenes tour of Primitive Gatherings and an off-site, local field trip (weather permitting)! This retreat is a couple months away and we’re still working out the final details so I can’t tell you everything yet. What I do know is that this popular event will fill up fast, so if you can see yourself stitching the week away with me, call Judy at 920.778.8031 for more details and to get registered today! I really can’t wait to see you here.

I know the thought of frigid temps and winter driving is nowhere near appealing at this point, but I will admit that a little part of me – somewhere deep down – is secretly excited for “the most wonderful time of the year” to be upon us. I also know that a lot of moms out there are also secretly anticipating the return of colder weather considering it’s just about time for the kiddos to be going back to school – a huge relief for a lot of busy parents to say the least. That being said, I want to give you a quick reminder about our after school Kid’s Sewing Camp being offered at The Gathering once a month. Starting Wednesday September 21st, boys and girls ages seven and up are invited to come learn the basics of hand sewing and how to complete projects from start to finish!

Class runs after school from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at The Gathering and is instructed by the wonderful Ms. Adrian – a former elementary school teacher and current fellow stitching fanatic. The class fee is only $20.00 for one session, or $70.00 for four! I don’t know about you, but I would have LOVED to have an opportunity to do something like this as a kid. Heck – I still want to stitch all day – everyday as an adult, so what does that tell you??? Don’t let your kids miss out on all the fun. Sign them up today to let them stitch off some of their school day steam later!

Have you gotten the retreat itch yet??? I can’t stress enough that if you have your heart set on participating any of these upcoming events at The Gathering book today! I can’t tell you how many times people have come to me with regret in their hearts because they didn’t act fast enough when the gettin’ was good. If you have any questions at all about a retreat or workshop at The Gathering please don’t hesitate to call 920.778.8031 for more information!

Before I go I just want to let you know that due to scheduling conflicts, tomorrow’s “Shop Talk with Shelley“ will be airing a little bit later at 1:00 PM CST, so catch us if you can! If not, you can always watch the replay on my STITCH with Lisa Bongean YouTube channel! Either way, follow the link below to watch – and whatever you do, don’t forget to leave me a comment, both here on the blog and LIVE during the show! Let me know what you like about “Shop Talk” and what you’d like to see more of in the future. After all, your opinion matters to me! Ta ta for now, and I will see you soon. Take care! ~Lisa