Hey everyone! How’s your day going? Mine has been pretty great so far. Even though it’s Wednesday and I should technically be working from home today, I needed to stop into the studio to pick up a couple of things and have yet to make it back there. I can’t say I’m surprised considering that between both our Wool and Cross Stitch Clubs, we have a full house over at The Gathering. The shop has also been super busy with all the buzz going on around here, so I’m super happy about that. You can definitely tell that the holidays are approaching as we’re starting to see more and more people working on, and shopping for future Christmas gifts. Don’t you just love this time of year? And it’s just going to keep getting better…
As usual, I’m not the only one busy as a bee here at PG. Each and every one of my staff has been hard at work helping to prepare for our upcoming annual Primitive Christmas Event, scheduled for November 17th through the 20th, 2022. If you haven’t heard of it, Primitive Christmas is an open-house event we put on every year designed to welcome the holiday season with open arms. Guests are invited to join us for fresh cookies and hot cider, Make-n’-Take projects (Thursday through Saturday), complimentary patterns (with a minimum purchase of $40.00), and more! Plus this year I’m excited to have our Red & White Challenge Quilt Show going on at the same time, so even if you’re not in the mood to shop (is there such a thing?) you’ll have plenty to look at. Not to mention, part of each $5.00 entry fee collected will go to help animals in need through the Our Pack Animal Rescue in New London, WI. It’s going to be great! We are still working out the final details, so stay tuned to the blog and my facebook pages for more information as it comes out. Also, be sure to watch upcoming episodes of both STITCH with Lisa Bongean and Shop Talk with Shelley for the latest scoop, including some sneak peeks of the projects and Make-‘n-Takes that will be there. You can tune in to STITCH with Lisa tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. CST by clicking the STITCH button below!
Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? Every year I swear I’m going to start earlier so that it’s not such a hassle at the last minute, but do you think that ever actually works out? All I can say is thank God for technology and the internet because I’m not sure how else I’d get it all done. I mean yes, I do make a considerable amount of my gifts for people by hand, but there’s no way I could make them all – I’m only one person! I guess you could say I am a tiny bit spoiled having both the shop and my boutique right here in my lap, because I certainly take advantage of them when I need to. We pretty much have everything a quilter could possibly want, but we also have a ton of unique items for the non-stitcher like home décor, jewelry, and apparel to choose from – all of which make excellent gifts. I really wish you could all visit! Obviously that’s simply not possible for everyone, so once again I’m grateful for the magic of the internet. At least you’re still able to shop with us even if you are on the other side of the country, or just stuck at home.
Speaking of shopping with PG, if you’ve made any online or in-store purchases over the last several months you hopefully noticed that we threw in an extra little bonus with your order/purchase as a way to say thanks – a custom designed Primitive Gatherings collectable sticker! Anyone who knows me at all knows I have a major sticker addiction. If you need proof just look around. I have them stuck all over everything! I have stickers on (and in) my car, covering my computer, on my bike and skis, and all over every water bottle I own – they’re everywhere! So of course, a while back I decided that we should have our own custom sticker collection here at Primitive Gatherings because, why not!? My lead graphic designer Teri and I have teamed up every month since then to come up with super cute sticker design that’s especially geared toward stitchers and other creative people. So far we have eight total designs with more where those came from. Check em’ out!
Adorable, right? And just think – they were free with a purchase of over $30.00 (limit one per order/purchase) both in-store and online! We are currently in the midst of finalizing our design for December and it’s looking super cute to say the least. I can’t wait to see it done! If what you like what you see in the collection so far and want one for yourself, all you have to do is something you were most likely going to do anyway – spend $30.00 (before tax and shipping) at Primitive Gatherings!
Are you a sticker freak like me? As you know, I love to find inspiration in other creative people so I thought it might be fun to have a little contest involving our monthly stickers. If you have any ideas you’d like to see made into a future PG sticker, I’d love to see/hear them! If your design is chosen I’ll send you a nice prize for your efforts. Plus your sticker will be printed and distributed for an entire month! You can submit your ideas to my blog manager Heidi at: heidin@primitivegatherings.us.
Alright everyone, time to sneak out of here if I can manage. I have things to do! I will see you all tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. CST LIVE during STITCH with Lisa! Remember to like and comment and you might just win a prize! Tell me how your Christmas shopping is going. Have you started yet? What’s your routine? Are you a list person or do you go all willy-nilly? I’m curious. See you tomorrow! ~Lisa
Yes, I’ve started Christmas shopping…for the grandkids 7 and 9. That is fun!!
Looking forward to seeing your Stitch with Lisa Tomorrow!!! I don’t have to work, so I can tune in!!!!
Just trying to finish O Say Can You Sew quilt while waiting on Pumpkin Carving Contest. I love that Halloween quilt. I have two daughters and they both want it when I go on my big trip. Looks like I might be making another one, can’t play favorites.
Love the stickers. You inspire me. Happ stitching. DEBBY
I actually have started my Christmas shopping! First time ever to get going before Thanksgiving, it feels pretty good! I’m also making some things for a few people…hope I finish them on time. I’m also hoping to put out my Christmas quilts, table mats, and wall hangings the weekend right after Thanksgiving. I hate it when I wait too long and there’s not enough time to enjoy them.
List and when I see something type of person.
I’m about 90% finished with my shopping and gift making, still have a pillow to finish ,stocking stuffers to do, and make sure grandkids all have the same # to open. Thank goodness for online shopping sure makes it easier. I even had to wrap a gift today too big too stuff in a closet. I love this time of year. We normally celebrate with the family and grandkids the weekend before so they don’t have to leave their cozy houses and new toys from Santa to come to Grandma’s. Less stress for all involved.
Love your stickers! I have quite a few of them….on my laptop and water bottles 🥰
I normally just give Grandbabies money ( teenagers or preteens) the youngest ones gets a gift. We pick a day and go out to eat breakfast. This way gives them time to spend time with their other grandparents. Our Christian Motorcycle Association Group buys presents and hand them out to families who’s names was put on list. Last year every family asked for winter coat. We purchased them food box and bought little kids toy along with winter coat. It was so much fun and prayed for all the families when they picked up there goodies.
Shopping has started, but much more to do. Since we fly to get together for Christmas, most of the shopping is done on line and shipped directly. But, we also arrive about 10 days before Christmas and we do local shopping. We take two grandkids shopping at a time and we have them purchase grab bag gifts for others. They really get into the spirit of giving. Just thinking about the upcoming holidays make me smile 💗
Thank goodness for online shopping. I’ve started!
I make lists and like to be organized.
I’ve started my shopping (online) from my grandkids lists. I’d rather buy what they want than guess. Of course, they’re lists are long! 🤪 I love this time of year!
Yes I’m a list person. Lots of lists. Because I can’t find my lists I make more lists! I love finding just the right gifts and putting them wherever my lists are…!
I have been listening for hints and have ordered some kits!!! Online shopping also about 50 percent done!! Coming up next week so will do some more shopping then!
I’m well along in my Christmas shopping. I pick up items throughout the year. Since I also ship gifts I try to have those ready by Thanksgiving. This year we’re going to Myrtle Beach for Thanksgiving & I’m taking my cards to write & address & the box that goes to AL. Hoping shipping from SC will be a little less expensive than sending from MD. Of course who knows what I’ll find in Myrtle Beach.
I shop all year for Christmas. My goal is to not have to go to the store during the month of December, and I’m mostly successful. I wrap gifts the day after Thanksgiving and have them in the mail the first week of December. Then I can sit back, bake and sew to my hearts content and enjoy the holiday.
I haven’t even started. It might be a year heavy on the gift cards. Im still trying to figure out where the year has gone! JMH
I would say I’m about 50% finished with my shopping but I really don’t have the amount to do that I once did. I find people are more interested in experiences lately, since finally being released from Covid Captivity. So restaurant gift certificates and quilt shop certificates, certificates to a rock climbing experience, etc, it is an easy way to go and makes people happy. Less stuff, more fun.
We have a great chocolate shop, everybody loves a certificate or a box of something yummy from there. I buy my mother an amaryllis, they are amazing to watch grow, so fun, she’s 92 and gets so excited when she sees the bud appear.
I do some online shopping but really try to go local and get unique gifts from our gorgeous boutiques in our small towns.
I’m not making many things, I can’t work under pressure with deadlines. Oh Say Can You Sew and Meet Me In The Garden are proof of that! Plugging away…
I use numerous clear plastic storage cases to organize all my projects. When I remove the store sticker on top of a new one, there is always some residue left on the plastic. Your stickers are the perfect cover up!
I love your stickers,have only purchased one Xmas gift, have a few more planned but it will happen!
Can’t wait for the Christmas event. Will be there the first day 🤗. I haven’t started shopping yet but for the last 2 years I have made multiples of the Christmas event for gifts. Hoping to do that again this year. Thanks for the great patterns & kits!
You are one busy gal! I don’t know how you get everything done and then throw in the holidays on top of that. We don’t do much in the way of shopping anymore for Christmas, but for me to get ready for the holiday events it means a list for everything!
Gifts started and shopping is going well…lots more to do though! I like getting my shopping done before the snow flies! ❄️
Really haven’t started shopping yet! 😬 Trying to cut back because my kids are older, they really like their stockings because those are more of a surprise. Usually they know everything else!
I have Not started shopping!! 😢 Life has gotten in the way but I do use lists & do some Willy Molly!! Happy Holidays!!
I would love to see what’s new.any Christmas Help would be Great! See ya soon!
Stay tuned Susan! I’ll be doing some “All Things Christmas” posts soon. Also, make sure to watch me LIVE on Thursdays at 1:00 CST and Shelley during Shop Talk on Tuesdays at 9:30. We’ll be covering a ton of Christmas stuff in the near future!
I think I need the progress sticker! Lol
Shopping? Nope, not any more. Just a few homemade gifts and $ in the ‘greats’ savings accounts.
Love Christmas tho…not always about the giving for me. More about appreciation of what I have and those around me!
Love all the things going on at PG!!! It may sound corny but it warms my heart to see your dreams coming true and all of your success! I recently was blessed to join some friends at the Gathering and only one thing would have made it better… you being there (your were cruising)! Such a fantastic facility, just wish it was closer because I’d definitely join more classes/retreats! Sending many hugs and much love from Texas!!
I have started my shopping. Quantities of items have decreased over the past couple years, so I start early to be able to get the desired items.