Avoid Winter Blues with RETREAT and New Patterns!

Good evening stitchers! It was a beautiful day out there, but it sure has been cold so far this week. This time of year it’s not uncommon for a sunny, bluebird day to be a sign that it’s also colder than a witch’s… er… kneecap (yeah, that’s the part I was thinking of) outside. The good news is that by next early week we should be back in the lower 30s for a while, which is about the best we can ask for at the beginning of February in WI. Hey, that reminds me! Don’t forget, tomorrow is Groundhog Day. A day where, thanks to Pennsylvania Dutch superstition, human beings with advanced science and technology rely on a sleepy groundhog to prematurely emerge from its winter burrow to predict the weather for the next month and a half. Kind of silly yes, but I’m beginning to think that this may not be a bad method of forecasting the weather considering the track record of some of the meteorologists out there these days. LOL!

Over the years I’ve come to realize that no matter which way it goes for the groundhog tomorrow morning, we will most likely be seeing at least six more weeks of winter – if not more – before we can officially start calling it spring (unless you go by the calendar, then it’s March 20th this year). Winters here are always long but some years it seems to go on forever… Like four years ago when we got two plus feet of snow halfway through April – woo hoo! As much as I love my winter sports, by March enough is enough. To break up these cold and dreary days I thought it would be a great idea to host an event designed to brighten your spirits while we gather together and sew/stitch. That’s why the gals at The Gathering and I created the “Winter Escape” open sew event happening Friday, February 17th and Saturday, February 18th, 2023 at The Gathering!Bring whatever projects you’re working on (or any you’d like to start) to this over night, open sew session where the plan is to hang out, laugh, eat, sew, eat, stitch, SHOP, eat… and laugh some more! Enjoy excellent lighting with multiple cutting tables, steam stations, and large spacious sewing tables equipped with power strips. On top of that, there will be door prizes, delicious food prepared by Erica and crew, shopping, and an exclusive embroidery project designed just for us by my colleague and friend, Gloria Parsons. Bring a friend or come alone and make new ones! We would love to have you. If this sounds like something you need in your life, don’t wait! Spots are limited. Give Gloria a call at 920.778.8031 to register. It’s going to be great!

Well everyone, it’s time to hang it up for another day. I’ll be back tomorrow LIVE on YouTube at 1:00 p.m. CST. I’ll be talking about pattern releases for a few of my ongoing projects like the O’ Say Can You Sew QAL, the Revel Quilt, Dragonfly Dreams, Pumpkin Carving Contest and Garden Stars to name a few. PG Encyclopedia Jess will be on deck answering questions, Heidi is on Prize-Patrol (get those comments in!!!), and of course our fearless camera woman Kali will be at the wheel. Hope to see you there! You can tune in by clicking the STITCH button below. Have a great night everyone! ~Lisa


19 responses to “Avoid Winter Blues with RETREAT and New Patterns!”

  1. Renee Brooks Avatar
    Renee Brooks

    Lisa and crew-even tho we are across the country in western New York you all always make me feel like you’re right around the corner. Wishful thinking, right? Thank you for making our Buffalo winters a bit warmer with your beautiful and fun projects.

  2. Bonnie Larson Avatar
    Bonnie Larson

    Winter seems so long up here on the Canadian prairies as well, Lisa. But, as long as we have something to stitch, it will go pass. Thank you for everything you do.!

  3. gijane279-Liz Avatar
    gijane279-Liz

    I always consider March 20th the first day of spring… it’s my birthday! We’re getting a taste of winter for sure here in Godley TX… everything has been closed since Tuesday morning due to ice and snow. Sure wish I was closer to join in the fun at the gathering

    1. lisabongean Avatar

      Happy birthday!

  4. JoAnn West Avatar
    JoAnn West

    I received my first ever wool box this week and am thrilled with the projects. So worth it. If only I didn’t have to wait until March for the next one…..

  5. Pam Avatar
    Pam

    Love those projects. How do I get them done sew quicky

  6. Lisa Marie Avatar
    Lisa Marie

    Someday I hope to make it to The Gathering. For now I will settle for YouTube. “See” you tomorrow. 😊

  7. An Cooper Avatar
    An Cooper

    Looking forward to a little bit warmer weather this weekend in Utah. Walking the dogs in 2° weather is not my idea of a good time, especially when the wind is blowing.
    Would you consider making a red, white and black line of fabrics. I can see such beautiful quilts coming out of that combination. Looking forward to the video tomorrow

  8. jmstavran55 Avatar

    This cold weather makes it easy to decide to just stay home and sew!

  9. Jeanne Fuelling Brown Avatar
    Jeanne Fuelling Brown

    Sure wish I lived closer to attend retreats!

  10. Cindy Jopling Avatar
    Cindy Jopling

    Thank you for keeping our outlook positive and our energy flowing in the studio and beyond. Winter does seem to offer extra sew time both hand and machine. Happy stitching!

  11. Mary H Avatar
    Mary H

    That sounds so fun. Wish you were closer!

  12. Ronalda Jeanne Pettrey Avatar
    Ronalda Jeanne Pettrey

    I can hardly wait. I’m starting row 3 on pumpkin carving contest and working my way through oh say can you sew. I love seeing everyone projects.

  13. Alice Avatar
    Alice

    I look forward to your blog posts and videos! They are such a bright spot in my week – I so appreciate everyone on your team!!! Stay warm! 😁

  14. Beth Esser Avatar
    Beth Esser

    Your winter retreat sounds lovely. Wish I could come. If just for the food alone 😂

  15. Barb Schneider Avatar
    Barb Schneider

    I so much enjoyed the Red and White Quilt Challenge video posted this week. The video was excellent. All the work that went into this event was tops. My exhibited quilts were returned to me along with a nice surprise. Thank you to all your staff and your generosity. I look forward to visiting Primitive Gatherings when we return to WI for the summer. It’s always a treat!

  16. Judy Vaughn Avatar
    Judy Vaughn

    I just got my wool box and no recipes or stitch cards. Are they gone forever?

  17. usairdoll Avatar
    usairdoll

    Coming to one of your retreats is on my bucket list !

  18. Stephanie R. Avatar
    Stephanie R.

    I must say I am loving Flower Heart Pillow! I cannot wait to get my hands on that pattern. I love the stark contrast between the bright white and intense red. This week I finished up my Follow Your Soul Table Mat – which I will make into a pillow just as soon as I purchase one! I have already started and finished half of White Peony Stitching kit. I really enjoy the combination of wool appliqué and flannel. I am looking forward to my wool box to arrive! It should be here next week! <3

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