Hey there! How was your weekend? I’m happy to report that things are finally starting to feel more “normal” for me after the holidays, even though I’m definitely not all the way there yet. I don’t know about you, but last week everything felt totally off. I kept thinking it was Friday… up until it actually was. It didn’t help that Heidi and I took off early Friday afternoon so I could finally make the trip up to the shop in Wausau to get my ski equipment squared away. Nick was sweet enough to think of making the arrangements to buy me a whole new set of skis for Christmas, but I had to go make the final selections of boots, a new helmet, mitts, and goggles for myself. Let’s just say it wasn’t the cheapest afternoon, but it sure was fun! Plus, I should be all set on new equipment for the next several years now, so it was worth it.
Skipping out of work early is always fun in the moment, but also almost always proves stressful at the same time. In order to make it happen I either have to work a couple of days ahead, or scramble later to make up for it. I’m not sure which is better. Either way, I am glad to have that part of the process out of the way. Now I just have to wait for it all to be mounted and fitted to my new boots. We should be skiing by next week – I’ll keep you posted! After the ski shop we went to dinner at a cozy little 50’s style diner called, “The Mint“ that has been on North 3rd street in Wausau for as long as I can remember. It’s super cute and hasn’t changed a bit in many years. It’s definitely the place I’d send anyone looking for a good breakfast, lunch, or dinner – and homemade pie for dessert, of course. They have a full menu with a variety of choices. We kept it light and each had the Pesto Portabella sandwich. Devine! I highly recommend. We will definitely have to go there again soon.
Is it just me, or does it actually feel like we didn’t even have a weekend? That seems to happen to me a lot these days. People will ask me how my weekend was and I usually have to stop and think back like… wait – what DID I do??? – because it’s already a thing of the past. As you know, the answer is often times work, or stitch – or work and stitch – and this weekend proved to be no different. I spend a considerable amount of time locked away in my sewing room working on some things I’ve told you about, and some things that are yet to come. In fact, I had some fun goals set for myself like – I wasn’t allowed to take down Christmas decorations, do laundry, or pack for my Utah trip until I finished at least 24 blocks… You know, to make absolutely sure that I made some actual progress. Speaking of progress, this is what mine looked like half-way through that 24 block goal on Sunday… Not too shabby!
Not only did I have a lot of stitching to get done over the weekend, I also had – and still have – a lot of brainstorming to do. I have so many great ideas for upcoming projects, retreats, quilt-alongs – you name it! My brain never seems to want to shut off… which really isn’t the issue. It’s keeping everything organized and in order so that I don’t lose any of the details along the way that tends to be the challenge. But that’s ok! I love a good challenge, and you should too! After all, along with practice, challenging ourselves is what makes us better quilters in the long run.
If you can believe it, part of my prepping and brainstorming this weekend had a lot to do with next Christmas already. I know that seems crazy but it’s really not considering I’m anticipating not one, but two new fabric lines to come out this summer, both heavily geared toward the winter and Christmas seasons. The first line release that I anticipate seeing will be, “Joyful Gatherings,” scheduled to come out in June, 2023 – and man, I cannot wait! Not only is this line 1,000% yummy, I also have a quilt-along planned to go with it, so that’s always a bit of extra added excitement. After that I hope to see my latest flannel collection, “Lakeside Gatherings“ hit the warehouse shelves sometime in August. This line is soft flannels in an assemblage of blues and creams that are sure to be just the fabric you need for winter projects. If you don’t have any in mind quite yet, hang tight. I have several in the works and plan to release a book in the future as well, all designed with “Lakeside Gatherings“ in mind.
Have I piqued your interest yet? Whether you’ve already decided to join the upcoming “Joyful Gatherings” Quilt-Along or “Lakeside Gatherings” is more your style, now is the time to stock up on these hot new fabrics! Though neither line is available in stores at this time, they are now both available to PRE-ORDER by clicking the links below!
If you watched me LIVE last Thursday you got to see a bit of a sneak peek of the “Lakeside Gatherings“ collection. While I was showing it, I mentioned another idea I have that I really hope to do a lot with this year. It has to do with our environment, planet awareness, and reducing our carbon footprint where we can. For instance, I think there are plenty of disposable products that could easily be made as reusable products. Things like makeup removal pads, paper towels, reusable dryer sheets, etc., could all easily be made from your scrap stash. I have a whole bunch of these types of projects in mind, so if that sounds like something you’d like to try I highly recommend stocking up on this light and airy flannel line while it’s still on sale.
Don’t you just love new releases? I do… I love it once they’re actually here even more. But you know as well as I do that patience is a virtue – especially when waiting for fabric to arrive. You know what they say… Absence makes the heart grow fonder! Indeed. Indeed. Aright everyone, time for dinner! Have a great night and I will see you back here on the blog soon. Oh! And just a friendly reminder that due to scheduling conflicts and just a heck-of-a lot going on, we’ve decided to discontinue Shop Talk until further notice. You can still catch me LIVE every Thursday at 1:00 p.m. CST on my YouTube channel, STITCH with Lisa Bongean. Tune in by clicking the link below. See you there! ~Lisa
Thank you so much Lisa and gang for all your hard work!!! I love all your projects and inspiration!!! Happy 2023 to you all!!!
Been taking down and storing away all my Christmas decorations the past 2 days. Always takes me a few days to get over feeling like it looks so barren without all those fun things!
I am excited for the Lakeside Gatherings, I really love how soft it looks.
Hope to have plenty done by the time another great line comes out.
Have a great vacation, and cannot wait for SNEEK PEAK of wool gatherings box ideas, as I am on the fence about joining. I had to pull back for a bit, but now am trying not to bite the bullet again, decisions, decisions, decisions!!!!
Carrie D.
So busy! But I stay tuned so I don’t miss anything! Have preordered both new fabrics. Hard part is to remember what I’ve ordered so I don’t reorder! My stash is growing faster than I can keep up!
New year and new plans! Can’t wait! Enjoy your trip and safe travels.
The Lakeside flannels are beautiful!!!
We should meet up at granite peak to ski!
YES! We definitely need to do this. Heidi works for Ski Patrol on Saturday nights at GP so I’m thinking that will be our usual time slot if I got up there. Otherwise, we try and get to Nordic once a week after work. Let us know what works for you and we’d be happy to meet up!
Can you sneak away during the week? My ski pass is for no weekends. I’ll see you at Cabin fever and we can chat. Have a great vacation.
I’m sure we can find the time to plan an afternoon or evening! Yes, let’s chat during Cabin Fever.
Lisa you put into words so well what it’s felt like this year! Not sure if it how the calendar landed or what but I feel off! I love that u had to do so many blocks before u did certain things its a great tactic! Thanks love reading your bog and the YouTube channel!
I don’t know how you keep coming up with such great ideas! Looking forward to the next sew along. ( I should have Oh Say can you Sew finished by then😊)
I always look forward to your blog posts and live on Thur. I’m excited to hear about your ideas and happenings this year. I’m trying to finish ufo’s this year so my weekend was busy sewing!
I hate that Shop Talk is put on hold but understandable. Can’t wait to see see all the projects that you have in store. Such talent and creativity.
We hate it too Linda! At the same time, I’ll be trying to do a short segment during my LIVES that will take its place. Not that Shelley can be replaced… She rocks at Shop Talk!
I can’t wait for Lakeside Gatherings! The colors are just so yummy!
Lakeside gathering looks beautiful and I cannot wait to see the new Christmas line! Plus all the ideas to use the fabrics!
I love the new Christmas line!!! Love the traditional colors !!! Already placed my order!!!!
Thank you Cindy!
Sounds like your busy as usual. Could you give us a little sneak peak of the sew along 😎. Happy Sewing 🧵
Don’t know how you can ever fall asleep with all that is running through your head! It’s so hard to turn off the brain sometimes.
Oh Lisa!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you for all those gorgeous greens coming our way. Can’t wait😍
God made an angel when he made you. He blessed you with creativity to share with us. Someday I hope to meet u Lisa, you inspire me every week. I set my alarm so I dont miss your live. Thank you for your generosity, kindness, and love of a craft that u want to share with others.
Your new fabric lines are so pretty! Will be ordering for sure! Have a fun trip to Utah!
I’m really loving Lakeside Gatherings. I promised myself I wouldn’t buy anything new until I used some of this stash. What to do, what to do??? Yes I know a FQT is going in my cart.
Love the blues in Lake Side Gatherings! Can’t wait,
What will happen to your books when Martingale shuts down, will you be able to publish your books?
I purchased a couple yesterday!😊
Hi Trudie! I publish most of my books in-house, so I will still be doing a lot of that. Stay tuned!
I’m looking forward to Lakeside Gatherings. The colors are perfect for a winter quilt. Thanks for the diner recommendation I’ll have to give it a try next time I’m in the area.
Love the Lakeside Gatherings!
Are the new Christmas fabrics flannels? (Sorry if you already said this and I missed this!). They look beautiful!!!
Hi Laurie! Joyful Gatherings is cotton and Lakeside Gatherings is flannel. Enjoy!
The Mint is a favorite for sure! Did you have your picture taken to put on the wall with all the other celebs? 😂
Ha! No – we keep it pretty low-key.
As a lake loving girl I will totally be ordering Lakeside Gathering!
That’s awesome Ann! I know you won’t be disappointed. Happy stitching!
To get more sewing time in, I taught my husband to vacuum.
Thank you for all the fun sew alongs! Always so fun! I’m looking forward to Joyful Gatherings! It will be my Christmas Quilt for 2023! Already preordered my bundle from your site!
Do you know which Grunges would match with this line?
Love both of your new lines of fabric especially the Lakeside Gatherings!
Always beautiful collections! I can’t wait for Christmas and love Joyful Gatherings.
I already ordered the beautiful Joyful Gatherings and background fabric. Can’t wait for the SOL.
Looking forward to Lakeside Gatherings projects and kits. I have been wanting to make a throw for myself (and the dogs of course) for when I am watching TV. I was hoping for a new flannel line. The Christmas SAL looks like a must have as well!
Ok so I have been banned from purchasing anymore fabric until I finish at least 5 projects ( meaning quilts). But if I should get something as a gift, which one should I choose? I really like the idea of reusable items. Can you suggest how much the person purchasing this fabric should buy, yardage or precuts? That way I know exactly what to ask for. Someday when I retire I will probably still not have enough time for all the projects I have. Lol but I’m going to try.
Those blues and creams in Lakeside are so comfie! This first few weeks I am trying to take stock of the ufos…send some out if they need quilting, status what’s next on the ones I want to finish and then find a good spot of those I am ready to let go. Happy New Year to you and yours!
So excited! Ordered my Joyful Gatherings precut. Have a pattern in mind and will be ready for the 2023 quilt display come December!
Looking forward to hearing about all of the new ideas, designs, and of course fun!
I just wanted to tell you and your staff that I did the pillow with the big ornament on last year, but put it away and forgot to finish it. Well I finished it yesterday and used your tutorial to put in a zipper on the back. How easy and I love the way it looks! Thanks for that! Beth Robinette
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