Hey everyone! Holy cow… How is it already Friday again so soon? Trust me, I’m not complaining, but it feels like this week went by at the speed of lighting! I guess that’s what happens when things are as busy as they have been around here. Time just keeps on flying by! We’ve had a full house at The Gathering all week, with retreaters visiting from all over the country. It’s been wonderful! The creativity is flowing along with laughter, friendship, camaraderie, and of course, great food! It’s been a blast! Even the weather has managed to behave itself – for the most part anyway. It’s not been the warmest out there, but the sky is clear and the sun is out. Considering what Mother Nature has been dishing out over the last week, we’ll take it!

It might not feel like it, but we’re also only a couple short months away from the summer season being upon us. That’s also kind of hard to believe, especially since I was literally just watching flurries fall the other day! Even so, it will be here before we know it, which means now’s the time to start working on projects you want to finish in time to be part of your summer décor. That being said, it’s also the time to start planning for the awesome retreats, clubs, classes, sales, and online events  happening at The Gathering this spring and summer! I’m sure you’ve been over the 2023 Event Schedule with a fine tooth comb a thousand times by now, so obviously you’re aware of all the fun things we have planned. Hopefully you’ve found a bunch to attend already but if not, don’t panic! There’s still time to get signed up. Now, if you haven’t taken a look at the Event Schedule yet, I want you to know I am shaking my finger at you and saying, “tisk-tisk!” LOL, just kidding! I know you’re busy… If you would like to take a look at it now or print out a copy to keep for yourself, you can do so by clicking the link below! You can also always find it located in the main menu of links here on the blog.

Need help deciding on which event to attend? I mean, personally I think you should come to all of them, but obviously it’s not quite that perfect of a world. One of the next retreats on the docket that I’m super excited about is the Red, White, & Blue Retreat, happening June 19th – June 25th, 2023. During this multi-day retreat we will be working on one quilt project and one wool project – both designed specially for this event. The quilt project is a darling sailboat-themed piece that would look exceptionally clever in your boat or lake house. I’m calling it, “Regatta.”Sweet, right? “Regatta” is simple to make, yet fun to look at. It measures 67″ x 74″ when finished, and can easily be done in a weekend. In fact, I think the most difficult thing about this quilt is the fact that there are a handful of giant half-square triangles involved… Which by now, I know you can all handle since, we ain’t afraid of no triangles!!!

If boats aren’t your thing, don’t worry. I have an alternative planned! As you know, I have over 800 antique quilts that I pull inspiration from all the time. I found one last year that I really love and think about often. I’ve wanted to reproduce since I got it and feel like now is finally the perfect time, so let’s do it! This beauty is from the early 1900’s and done in alternating 4″ red, white, and blue broken dish style blocks. Check it out!

I know this looks like a lot of work but with my custom designed Primitive Gatherings Triangle Paper it’s actually super easy (Need some? Click HERE to shop!). In fact, this is the perfect summer quilt to use outdoors for your table or grass picnic because it’s NOT a lot of work and you won’t be mad if you get a little dirt or catsup on it. As far as the wool project goes, that one is not totally finished yet so it’s not quite ready to be shown. I’ll let you know the details on it as soon as I have it ready to go, so stay tuned!

The Red, White, & Blue Retreat fee for non-lodging, daily students is $550 per student for the week and will include materials for both projects, an exclusive behind the scenes tour lead by yours truly, and a field trip to somewhere fun like our local cheese shop or my favorite antique stores for example. We also throw in dinner on Monday, daily lunch, and Sunday brunch for all participants. The rate for lodging students is $325 + lodging (please call The Gathering for room rates and availability) and includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day, the tour and field trip, plus a PG swag bag full of goodies, and a gift card for the shop (swag bag and gift card are exclusive to lodging students only)! Ready to sign up? All you have to do is call the girls over at The Gathering and they’ll be happy to help you get it all figured out! Their number is 920.778.8031. You can also email thegathering@primitivegatherings.us.

Ok gang, that’s it for today! I need to get back over to the retreat house to take some of my guests out shopping for antiques. We’re going to my one of my favorite local places that I love to peruse as often as I can called Ye Old Goat. Then it’s back to The Gathering for five star dinner and a long night of stitching shenanigans to follow! Jealous? Change it! Sign up for retreat so you can join me! As always, before I go we’re going to celebrate the end of the work week by giving away some prizes. This week we can all give a pat on the back to Robyn M. and Bea Ann H. for their comment contributions to my blog last week! Thanks ladies, you made my day and I appreciate it. Please let us know where to send your prize (note: I do not post last names or email addresses for your privacy, so if you think you’re one of our lucky winners 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)!!!

Have a wonderful, safe, and restful weekend everyone! ~Lisa