Whew – what a day! I can’t even say T.G.I.F. this week because our annual Primitive Christmas event isn’t over until Sunday night! As you can imagine it’s been a total zoo around here today with all the buzz being generated by this annual Primitive Gatherings holiday tradition. The day totally whizzed by and I can’t believe it’s almost 6:00 p.m. already. I’m actually glad for once that it’s getting darker so much earlier… The blue light of evening starting to glow through the windows was the only thing that alerted me to the fact that it’s getting to be so late in the day. Time really does fly when you’re having fun!

If you’re not quite sure what Primitive Christmas is all about, let me give you a quick rundown. 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 here at Primitive Gatherings and The Gathering now through Sunday November 20th, 2022 for fresh cookies and hot cider, the 2022 Red & White Quilt Challenge Show, exclusive FREE newly released holiday patterns (with a minimum purchase of $40.00 – sorry, offer does not include pre-ordered items), and more! Yes, you read that right. Primitive Christmas is your chance to get four of my most recent holiday pattern releases FREE (including one kit!) along with our annual calendar of events just by doing something you were most likely going to do anyway – spending $40.00 at Primitive Gatherings (purchase must total $40.00 before tax and shipping – offer available both online or in-store)! Check these out!

Aren’t they adorable? And none of these projects are excessively difficult. With a little determination you could easily get at least one or two done by the time the 25th of December rolls around – just in time to hand them out as gifts to a lucky family member or friend. I love them all! And there’s no better time to grab them up considering you can get them FREE with your $40.00 minimum purchase! Remember, you can participate in this event – including purchase the make-n’-take projects – all from the comfort of you own home by shopping on our website! Ready to shop? Hit the button below to see what all the fuss is about!

Have you heard about our event make-n’-take projects? In addition to the holiday must-haves you’ll be getting with your minimum $40.00 purchase, we also have four quick, easy, and ADORable make-‘n’-take projects available to make on-site now through 17th through Saturday November 19th, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. CST (all make-n’-takes will be at The Gathering). Projects available will include a 2022 cross stitch ornament, painted Santa rocks, a fleece wine bottle hat and scarf set, and our brand new fresh-cut wool and homespun Christmas tree pillows (the make-n’-take project is the small size tree = appx 8″). Can’t make it here in person? No problem! You can also purchase our make-n’-take projects online!

There are so many awesome things going on here and so many great people to talk to, it’s hard to say what my favorite thing about all of this is. On that same hand, I can tell you for sure what the best part of TODAY was – that’s a no-brainer. Puppies! As you all know, each Primitive Christmas we choose a charity to benefit from your generosity combined with a portion of the profits generated by this great event. This year I’m absolutely thrilled to announce that our charity of choice is Our Pack Animal Rescue – a WI based, non-profit organization looking to improve the lives of animals, share education, and give back to the community. Though they are located in New London, WI they service pets and shelters in need all over the Fox Valley in WI. Their mission is simple: Rescue. Rehab. Re-home. Repeat. The kind folks at the rescue were nice enough to bring over some VERY cute and adoptable special guests to visit us at The Gathering this afternoon!

I promised cuteness overload, and we certainly delivered – all thanks to the wonderful volunteers at Our Pack Animal Rescue. I can’t wait to present them with your generous donations! They certainly deserve it. They’re doing God’s work after all! And want to know the best part of the best part? Several, if not all the pups who visited us today were placed in forever homes! If that’s not reward enough, I don’t know what is. I’m absolutely over the moon for these sweet pups and their new families. We really couldn’t have hoped for a better outcome. Happy “gotcha day” to them all!!!

Alright, alright… I suppose I should quit gushing about Primitive Christmas, and puppies, and cider, and cookies, and all the things, and talk about this week’s Sewcialites 2 block release. That’s actually why I came up here to write – because it is Friday after all – but I couldn’t help myself from talking at least a little about such a phenomenal day! This week’s block is the fifth in the series for this QAL. Block #5, “Empower“ was designed by Carrie Nelson of Miss Rosie’s Quilt Company. Be warned, “Empower“ is the most difficult block in the entire QAL. The concept of this block is easy enough since it is basically a small basket made four times, but don’t let that fool you – it will definitely test your skills. Aesthetics wise, Kim Jolly from Fat Quarter Shop recommends choosing four different colored fabrics and four different prints, along with a background that isn’t busy to help your baskets to pop.

Kim also emphasizes the importance of pressing, and not stretching your fabric while making this block. “Empower“ is tricky and is going to take some time to do it correctly. Have patience and give yourself enough time to go slow – don’t rush! If you’re doing the 3″ version it is going to be way more difficult that if you’re doing the 9″, but either way this block is a challenge. Don’t be scared, I have faith in you! If you’re feeling nervous remember you can always watch Kim’s video tutorial for step-by-step guidance. I know you’re ready to grab this bull of a block by the horns, so wait no longer! You can find the pattern and full instructions by clicking the link below! As I’ve mentioned in past posts, for my blocks I’ve decided to use my Garden Gatherings fabric line, leaving out the five tans. For the background I am using a selection from the Garden Gatherings Shirtings Collection, #49176 15 – a cream fabric with an adorable tiny mustard/orange floral print. With every week that passes by I’m more and more sure that I made the right decision for my fabric. It’s eye candy by definition! I love the fact that this quilt has three size options including 3”, 6”, and 9” – I am doing the 6″ version. I really can’t wait to see this beauty all finished… I think it’s really going to be something to look at – especially since Garden Gatherings is one of my favorite collections of all time! If you are head over heels for this fabric line like I am and want to use it for your Sewcialites 2 quilt, simply follow the link below to shop Garden Gatherings for all the fabric you need!

I know a lot of you are still trying to decide whether or not to participate in the Sewcialites 2 Quilt Along. Let me just say that one of the best things about Sewcialites 2 is that it’s never too late to start – you can join us at any time! Previously released blocks will always be posted on the Sewcialites 2 Landing Page. To make it even easier you can also find them here on my blog in the Sewcialites 2 Block Archive, which is listed in the main menu of links at the top of the page.

I will be posting each new block release here on my blog every Friday for your convenience. Fabric requirements and all block patterns are posted on the Sewcialites 2 Landing Page, which you can access by clicking the link below. If you’d like to get automatic updates on Sewcialites 2 you can subscribe to the blog by signing up in the Email subscription box by visiting the Landing Page, or by subscribing to the YouTube channel by clicking HERE.

Alright gang, I am officially exhausted! I still need to get home and figure out what’s on the menu for supper tonight, plus do some laundry and other organizing all before I come back tomorrow to do it all over again! I hope you’re having fun during our little Christmas shindig – it really is the best time of the year! I will see you all on Monday here on the blog, and again on Tuesday for Shop Talk with Shelley at 9:30 a.m. LIVE on YouTube. Tune in to watch by hitting the Shop Talk button below. See you there! Take care and have a GREAT weekend! ~Lisa