Hey everyone, great news! After three crazy days of non-stop ice and snow we finally made it through to bright and sunny skies, just in time for the weekend! I apologize that we had to cancel my LIVE show yesterday but with the delayed start to the day, hazardous travel, and the schools all being shut down, it was just too much chaos to get organized safely by air time. No worries though, we’ve rescheduled it for this coming Monday, February 27th, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. CST, so be sure to set a reminder so it doesn’t slip your mind! Rather than just skipping this week’s show all together I decided to do two shows next week because I have some quilts up for sale that I feel deserve their own episode. If that’s something you’re interested in, be sure to tune in during the LIVE broadcast because once I show them live, the phone lines will be open and they always go quick! In other words, you may miss out if you watch it after the fact. As always, you can tune in by hitting the STITCH button at the end of the post.
Well everyone, since it’s Friday I guess that means it’s time for another fun block release from Sewcialites 2. This week we’re showing off Block #17, “Simplicity“ by Vanessa Goertzen of Lella Boutique If you haven’t heard of Lella Boutique, it is a blog and pattern company Vanessa started from home after quitting her job to go on maternity leave. Having learned to quilt as a young girl, Vanessa has turned her natural ability and love for creativity into a career she loves that includes a variety of stunning fabric lines designed for Moda, and two best-selling quilting books. Often inspired by her childhood experiences, her patterns are known for their vibrant and playful style. As far as this block goes Vanessa admits that she’s, “a sucker for simplicity in general but I’ve come to realize that I [especially] appreciate it during a sew-along when life gets busy.” True story!
“Simplicity” is clearly the perfect name for this block since despite its intermediate rating on the skill level scale, it is fairly simple to make. It’s made up of six basic squares on the outside edges and three hour glass (or quarter-square triangle) units with one rotated for the center row – so nothing major. As far as color placement goes, “Simplicity” was designed with darker units on the outside and lighter units on the inside, but that obviously doesn’t mean you have to do yours that way. There are several color placement schemes that would work out great so really… Do whatever floats your boat! 
If hour glass blocks intimidate you, don’t fret. Kimberly Jolly of Fat Quarter Shop has an excellent tutorial posted for this block where she explains her go-to hot tips and tricks for making perfect hour glass units, which you can find by clicking the Sewcialites 2 Landing Page link below!
For my blocks I’m using my Garden Gatherings fabric line, leaving out the five tans. For this block I chose to go with a four-color scheme using yellow, green, pink, and a bit of navy blue. For the background I used a selection from the Garden Gathering Shirtings Collection, #49176 15 – a cream fabric with an adorable tiny mustard/orange floral print. What do you think of how it’s looking so far? Tell me whether or not you like my color choices in the comments! I’d also love to hear about what fabrics you’ve chosen for this QAL. Let me know!
Every week I emphasize on one of the things I love most about this quilt-along, which is that you can do it on your time, however your schedule allows. Plus, many of the blocks are fairly simple to make and can be done in an afternoon so catching up is easy. You can always find previously posted blocks on the Sewcialites 2 Landing Page. You can also visit the Sewcialites 2 Block Archive on my blog which is listed in the main menu of links at the top of the page.
Newly released blocks are posted on Kim’s blog The Jolly Jabber, along with a video tutorial on her YouTube Livestream the same day. Each designer will also post their own block to either their blog or their website on that day as well. I will also be posting each block release here on MY blog every Friday for your convenience. Fabric requirements and all block patterns are 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.
Now that you have a nice little weekend project on deck, let’s get on with it! Even though this week had kind of a weird work schedule and actually seemed shorter for some reason, it’s safe to say that I’m ready to hang it up for a couple days so I can hit the “reset” button on my brain… Before I go however, it just wouldn’t be Friday without throwing a few prizes out into the world. So with that being said, let me shout out a huge thank you and congratulations to Kim P. and Charlene M! You are my prize winners this time around for your blog comments last week! Note: I do not post last names or email addresses for your privacy, so if you think you’re one of the lucky winners this week please be sure to check your email. You can also contact Heidi at heidin@primitivegatherings.us if you have not already received a prize confirmation letter from her. If you think you are a winner but have not received a prize confirmation email, be sure to check your spam folder – it’s not often but our emails will sometimes end up there)!
As always, if you’d like to be entered in my weekly blog comment prize drawing, it’s easy to do! Simply leave me a comment in the blog comment section and you’re in (please remember that if you’re using a “handle” or screen name that is different than your real name, please leave your first name and last initial in your comment so we can include you). Let me know what you’re working on, what you plan to work on in the future, what you’ve already accomplished, projects you’d like to see more of – or whatever you want to share with me! I always love hearing about what’s going on in your life. Haven’t won yet even though you always leave a comment? Don’t give up! You just never know when it’ll be your turn for a prize. Have a great weekend and I will see you next week. Until then, stay warm, stay safe, and don’t forget to tune into STITCH with Lisa Bongean at 1:00 p.m. CST this Monday by clicking the STITCH button below. Be there or be square! ~Lisa
P.S. – As many of you know, our dear shop manager Shelley is currently battling Leukemia which she was recently diagnosed with out of the blue. We are doing everything we can to keep her spirits up with special deliveries of homemade meals, care packages, phone calls, text messages, jokes in bad taste, etc. That being said, I feel like during times like these you can’t ever have too much positivity so if you’d like to join me and my Primitive Gatherings crew in wishing her well, please feel free to send any cards or well wishes our way and we will be sure she gets them. You can send them in care of Heidi Niesl to Primitive Gatherings – 8567 South Loop Rd, Larsen, WI 54947. She would like to express to everyone that she is doing as well as she can and plans to kick this cancer in the pants. I’ve always enjoyed teasing her for not reading my blog so I think we might even be able to do this as a surprise. If she IS reading this… well shucks. Send them anyway!!! We love you Shelley, and thank you to everyone in advance!!! <3
Continued prayers for Shelley, I do miss seeing her face!
Love your wool kits starting to de raindeer but would like to see more summer ideas.
I’m working on a quilt box project. I got my first box last week and I love it!
I was working on the setting of my Blockheads 4 quilt this morning and thinking that a border of quarter square blocks could look very cute in the right quilt. As always, your color choices are spot on in this block…..so much inspiration to be had! Quilt on….Susieb
Praying for Shelley!
Lisa it is the 70s here in Georgia and a steady rain. I can see the weeds waving at me. I was sure hoping for one snow storm.
Today I got my quilt subscription box. Boy was I happy. I am very happy. The projects are of the right size to hunt down some background in my stash.
One question- could the year long project have a scrappy background as long as very similar or would it be too tacky?
As usual great to read your blog
Lisa, I feel almost guilty for our 80 degrees yesterday and 65 today here in western NC. We escaped all the icky weather that a lot of the country saw the last couple days! Paradise in the mountains! HA! Also, I received my subscription box today and 100% more excited about the yearly QAL than I was last year. Theses prints look a lot more like Primitive Gatherings! Looking forward sewing along! Thanks for all you do for us quilters!
Lisa I’m currently working on 3 Primitive Gatherings projects…Poinsettia runner, putting the tongues on my Pumpkin Carving Contest & lay but definitely not least is my Garden block. Lisa I’m in ❤️ with the bright colors that you chose. When I’m appliquéing on it makes me 😊. Just might end up being my ALL TIME FAVORITE! Thanks again for keeping me sane….🤪
Karen M
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers Shelly. Be strong
Hi Lisa ! And everyone! I received my very first Quilt Box today !!!! I’m very excited chutes . I completed my starching already . Now , hunting for just the right background . I’m going outside of my comfort zone on this one , so we’ll see !!!! Thanks again Lisa and your staff, I spoke with Roz today she was great . Please thank her and everyone else at PG, even the guys . ( let’s not forget them 🙂). With Best Regards, Carol Forestell
Planning to work on Fresh Cut Garden and get the rest of my wool cut out this weekend!
So glad you made it thru the storm. Here in N Maryland it was in the 70’s on Thursday. Tomorrow chance of snow flurries. Crazy.
I like how you did 3 colors in the Simplicity block. It’s a different look than the 2 color option.
Love your block and fabric choices!!! Stay safe and warm 😁
I have ordered both Lakeside Gatherings and Joyful Gatherings and will be working on something with them when they come in. Can’t wait! Now I am working on my Oh Say Can You Sew. Have a great weekend!
Stitching on Fresh Cut Garden!! Love this project! Hope to start working on Quilt Box projects too this weekend. Keeping Shelly in my thoughts…Thanks for all you do!
Prayers for Shelley. Kick that cancer in the pants!
We had fun shoveling out on the west side of the state too. Gotta love Wisconsin!
See you on Monday!
Interesting block. Not sure I’ve seen that one before. Best to Shelley, Beth H.
Started stitching Fresh Cut Garden – excited – I’m a first time wool boxer! After that, I’ll get back to the hst blocks in Oh Say Can You Sew, because Lisa said to us “you can do this!” I have renewed confidence. Prayers for Shelley.
So glad you have survived the several rounds of snow and ice. We on the other hand in missouri cant seem to even get a snow flake!!! So glad you keep us up to date on Shelley. I will definetely get her something in the mail to help cheer her up. Goodness knows she cheered me many a time with her funny quips on youtube. I finished a heart applique table runner for valentines day and it was so cute. Just now finishing 2 baby quilts to get out the door . Love baby quilts, you can try out a new pattern without committing to a full sized quilt. Hope to attend a summer retreat this year with you all. Keep up the great work Lisa.
Lifting Shelley up in prayer. Looks like you had a great sewing weekend. Look forward to Monday
Wishing Shelley the best. Get those kicking shoes on and kick it in the butt!
Send prayers for Shelley. Love your blocks!
Always enjoy watching the shows, although after the fact as I never seem to be able to catch a live. Keep up the great fabric, patterns and shows. You are living the life! Stay warm!
I’m working on sewing the Meet Me In The Garden Quilt. I want to make oh say can you sew. I am waiting on the Hallelujah quilt kit also and sailing around the lake. I have lots of plans, sew, sew, and sew!
Just received my Apple Jack quilt kit today in the mail here in Florida. Already have it starched and ready to cut. But then my son and his wife flew down for the week so I need to keep them occupied with adventures so I can start cutting tomorrow. Wish me luck!
looking forward to the live. I am seifishly glad it was postponed, I just had surgery, and was very sleepy at the time it normally is set for. I can sit, relax and be inspired by all of your faithful followers, and beautiful quilts.
We are getting ice here in NY too, so I am glad I have no where to go!
I’m working on a heart quilt by Chelsi Stratton. It is for my daughter. Sewing the blocks together today. I purchased your Oh Say Can You Sew Pattern. I love that quilt. I have the blocks finished, but need to do all the sashings and stars. It is up next on my ‘to do list.’ It might take me awhile. I have my two special needs four year old grandsons living with me, and actual quilting time is limited. Also, I had to condense my sewing/cutting/storage so I can’t find much of my stash, but no worries. I buy more!!!! Just sent off a note for Shelley. I’ve been keeping her in my thoughts and prayers. Your new ‘twin’ helpers are a hoot. Very knowledgeable, too.
Father I thank you for Shelley, she’s one of your daughters so that makes her the daughter of the King of Kings! Bless her and heal her with your mighty hands! In Jesus name I pray!
Humungous Hug!
Brenda H . From Millboro SD
Prayers to Shelley that you are healed and on to a full recovery. God bless. 🙏🏻💞
Shelley, wishing you all the very best. You can and You will kick this cancer!! I thoroughly enjoyed meeting you this past summer and look forward to seeing you again!!
Shelley is on our prayer list. Get well Shelley!
It was quite a snow event. We received 19” here in Minnesota.
Thanks Lisa for all you do for us!
Looking forward to seeing your video today- it’s always nice to see what is going on in your world. I’m looking forward to visiting your store this Summer. I’ve never been to a quilt shop (although to look at my stash you wouldn’t believe it!) I’m working on a Spring wool appliqué wall hanging. I remember loving it when I bought it and now here we are… Amyway, always great to hear from you- have a great week!
Love that cute block and looking forward to watching the replay of your live show!