Hey, everyone! I’m glad to finally be home after spending all last week in California attending the 2025 Road to California Quilter’s Conference and Showcase. Between teaching several classes full to the brim with truly inspiring students, non-stop networking among a plethora of my fellow fiber art enthusiasts, and of course, the mind boggling retail therapy opportunities (I may have gone a little overboard with my sessions…), I got to rub elbows with some seriously talented and amazing people! It was nothing short of a creative whirlwind that went by just a little too fast, and while I’m certainly happy to be back home, admittedly I already have next year’s show on my mind!

Whether I’m ready or not, the 2025 Road to CA Conference has officially become a thing of the past, so you would think that my suitcase should be getting a bit of a break right about now, but this year that’s not the case. Just as soon as I got home, I started to rest up, reset, repack, and get ready to head back out onto the road this coming Thursday. I’ll be traveling with my good friend Darci this time, as we head south to Florida for what I’m calling an educational rug hooking adventure! While I’m not attending any formal rug hooking classes this year, we do intend on dropping in on a few to check them out, and also plan to peruse through a couple of local rug hooking shows while we’re down there. To be honest, Darci is in charge on this one… I’m just along for the ride with my main purpose being to keep my best rug hooking buddy company along the way – which I certainly don’t mind. Truth be told, often times the title of, “co-pilot” is the best gig for the money so, I’m in!

I know I often say that one of the main reasons I took the leap of faith to open the “new” Primitive Gatherings and The Gathering location is so that instead of spending so much time on the road teaching, I’d have a proper classroom super close to home to call my own, and I wouldn’t have to travel so much anymore. That being said, just because I’ve settled down some doesn’t mean I no longer have a pulse, so every once in a while I like to spread my wings and FLY just to change the scenery up a bit. In other words, sometimes a little adventure is exactly what I need to spark new inspiration and creativity within me. That’s why, this November, 2025, I’ll be heading to Scotland for a retreat like no other, and I want YOU to join me!

Let’s head to the land of castles, whisky, and… QUILTS for an experience you’ll never forget! This retreat is more than just seeing the sights and stitching in Scotland – it’s about diving into the rich culture and history that makes this place so unforgettable. And if you happen to be a fan of Outlander, you’re in for a special treat, as many of the locations we’ll be visiting are straight out of the show’s epic storylines. Don’t worry, though. Being an Outlander fan isn’t a requirement to join the fun. The beauty, inspiration, and adventure of Scotland stand on their own, making this trip perfect for anyone ready to experience something extraordinary.

Brought to you by Craftours.com, this unique retreat combines hands-on creative workshops with some of the most breathtaking scenery on earth! Be a part of this epic adventure with me, where we stitch by day, explore centuries-old castles and cathedrals by afternoon, and sip on – whatever we want – by night! I don’t know about you, but I am more than ready to answer the call of a once in a lifetime quilting and travel experience like this!

WHERE & WHEN:

This retreat takes place November 3rd – 11th, 2025 in Edinburgh and Glasgow, Scotland.

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• Traveling with ME!
• Round-trip international airfare from New York City, U.S.A. to Edinburgh, Scotland (if you choose to arrange your own airfare, you will pay a “land only” rate and be responsible for your airfare & transfers).
• First-class hotel accommodations in Edinburgh and Glasgow – suite upgrades are available.
• Transfers to and from the airport/hotel in Scotland for full package guests.
• Welcome dinner, daily breakfast buffet, and farewell dinner.
• A professional Craftours Travel Manager throughout your entire trip.
• A private deluxe motor coach and professional driver throughout your entire trip.
• A Craftours lanyard and luggage identifier.

WHAT’S ON THE AGENDA?

• Traveling through Scotland’s picturesque countryside with plenty of photo opportunities.
• An exclusive hands-on quilting workshop with me, Lisa Bongean, inspired by the stunning Scottish landscape.
• A visit to the largest Tartan weaving mill in the world.
• A panoramic city tour of Glasgow, hosted by a local professional tour guide.
• Several historic self-guided tours of cathedrals, castles, and other historic places including on-scene filming locations of the show Outlander.
• Free time for shopping and sightseeing throughout the entire trip.

Ready to join me? It would be an absolute blast to have you along for this unforgettable creative journey! And as if you needed more convincing, retreaters who book by January 31st, 2025 will be eligible for an early signup discount! The total cost of this adventure in Scotland is ONLY $4,837.00 per guest through January, 31st, 2025! Don’t think too long or hard on this one if you have your heart set on coming along… The price will increase by $500 on February, 1st, 2025. Spots are limited… Sign up today at craftours.com by clicking HERE!

I love having The Gathering close to home, but there’s something about stepping outside my comfort zone and experiencing a new corner of the world that can completely recharge my creative spirit. I feel like with its incredible combination of stunning scenery, rich history, and plenty of charm, Scotland is the perfect place to do it! Does this sound like the trip you’ve always wanted to take? Do it – I dare you! The time is now… After all, you only live once and God knows none of us are getting any younger!

Before I head out for the evening to finish packing for FL, I’d like to remind you that due to my travels, LIVE with Lisa will be on WEDNESDAY, January 29th, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. CST this week rather than during our normal time slot on Thursday (there will be NO show on Thursday, January 30th, 2025). Tune in to hear all about Road to California, for any new updates on the Unity Quilt-Along, and everything else PG! Click the STITCH button below to tune in. See you then! ~Lisa