Hey everyone, happy Wednesday! It seems a bit strange for me to be saying that without having a Blockheads block to share, doesn’t it? Funny how these QALs become part of our weekly ritual over time, so much so that we don’t realize how much we’ll miss them until they’re done and over with! Hopefully you were able to keep up with the schedule throughout the quilt-along and that you’re in the process finishing your quilt – or at least not too far from it. I still have a bit of work to do on mine before I can show it off, but I can say it’s coming along beautifully so far! I will be sure to post photos as soon as I’m finished so you can critique my work!

So – now that we don’t have Blockheads to look forward to for another few months, what’s next? Obviously there are a ton of options out there for those of you who are anxious to move on to your next big thing, but if you’re having trouble deciding on what exactly that should be, I have a couple of options for you. Fans of quilt-alongs are invited to join me in my latest and greatest quilt-along journey, which will be The Scandinavian Christmas Quilt-Along, starting August 15th, 2024.

We’ll be making a red and white, row-by-row quilt using my new “Dear Santa” fabric line that will measure approximately 72″ x 84 ” when complete (multiple variations in size are possible depending on the sashing and borders you use). You will have two layout options to choose from; one being a simple row-by-row quilt, while the other incorporates the “Santa Panel” from my “Dear Santa” fabric line as the middle. The choice is yours!!!

I should also mention that Scandinavian Christmas is what I call a, “Mystery Quilt” quilt-along. What that means is exactly what it sounds like – the final quilt design and appearance of the quilt are a secret and will be kept under lock and key until the very end! Now, I realize that some of you have will trouble committing to making a quilt you’ve never seen before, but really – no worries. Stitchers who have participated in my mystery quilt-alongs before will attest to the fact that I would never steer you wrong… Not to mention, the price is right. Each block pattern download is only five bucks, and will remain $5.00 each throughout the QAL! The Scandinavian Christmas Quilt-Along will run from Thursday, August, 15th through Thursday, November 14th, 2024, ending just in time for Christmas! Blocks will be released every other week by 5:00 p.m. CST on the dates listed below.

For the full details on the Scandinavian Christmas Quilt-Along please visit the official Primitive Gatherings Scandinavian Christmas Quilt-Along Information Page by clicking HERE! There you will find everything you need to participate in this seasonal quilt-along, including links to quilt kit options, the required triangle paper, and to each block download as they are released.

Looking for something on the smaller side? My co-designer, Alysha and I are working together to bring you a new monthly “Weekend Edition” quilt project. The idea behind these super simple projects is to provide you with quilt pattern options that you should be able to knock out in just a couple of days. They will will feature simple elements with limited piecing, which makes the projects quick, easy, and something you will certainly not need a huge time commitment for. They’re the perfect solution if you need a quick gift in a pinch, or to change up your holiday décor on the fly!

Patterns for the Weekend Quilt Series will be released on the first Friday of each month by 5:00 p.m. CST, starting July 5th, 2024 (due to scheduling conflicts, the August release will be posted this Friday, August 9th, 2024 – the regular schedule will resume September 6th, 2024). If the first Friday of the month falls on a holiday, the pattern will then release on the next business day or on the alternative date announced. Patterns will vary in size, but will all be quilt projects that – with some simple prep-work in advance – you should be able to finish over a weekend (meaning the quilt top only). Full details and links to all pattern releases and their correlating videos can be found on the “Weekend Quilt Series Information Page” by clicking HERE!

Last but not least on my list of “what to do next” suggestions goes out those of you who enjoy using your serger but who would also like to learn more about it. BERNINA Barb and I invite you to join our very own Primitive Gatherings serging expert, Denise Kellett for a hands-on learning opportunity at The Gathering on Thursday, August 29th, 2024!

Denise will walk you through how to master a variety of popular stitches with your serger, including the Chain Stitch, Overlock Stitches, and Flatlock Stitches. The class will also cover how to gather fabric, how to use decorative threads, and a bunch of other fun stuff. Denise will also break the class project down into manageable steps, while the ease of the BERNINA L890 will help you step through all of the lovely stitches you will need to complete this stylish and useful bag. Not to mention, the zipper is already sewn in for you! If you’d like to sign up for the class you can do so via our Interactive Events Calendar by clicking HERE! You can also call 920-778-8031 or email bernina@primitivegatherings.us for more information.

Need more ideas? I highly recommend you take some time to poke around our new Interactive Events Calendar. There you’ll find our upcoming scheduled club meetings, classes, workshops, retreats, and other events through the end of the year, all in one place! It’s super slick, if I do say so myself… Check it out by clicking HERE! I wish you all a wonderful evening and I hope to see you all again tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. CST for my STITCH with Lisa on YouTube. Join us by clicking the button below! Have a wonderful night and happy stitching, everyone! ~Lisa