Hey, everyone! Though it might not exactly look like it at the moment, tomorrow marks the official first day of spring, 2025… on the calendar, anyway! It’s been a long, wet, and dreary day so far, with nasty wind and a whole lot of rain flying around. In the next half hour or so, the wind is supposed to pick up even more, and the arrival of colder air will turn all that rain over to snow – just in time for spring! My drive home should be fun…

Despite the fact that I love winter and all the outdoor activities that come with it, once fluctuating temps start melting and refreezing the snow over and over again, there comes a point where it’s just not fun anymore. Take skiing for example. Spring skiing can be some of the best all year, but it’s short lived. It doesn’t take long for the snow to turn to “corn” with bare spots and mud showing through. After that happens there’s not usually any way to “get it back.” It’s time to let go. If you know, you know…

Something tells me that after this crazy storm gets done manhandling us, I’m pretty sure winter will have lost its grip on us anyway, so I say bring on spring – and the RAIN. In fact, a gloomy day like this one is the perfect opportunity to bring out some bright and cheerful décor to get the ball rolling toward warmer, sunnier days.

Speaking of crazy and seasonal décor, if you’re looking for a project to keep you busy while spring takes its sweet time rolling in, I’m willing to bet that my Spring Crazy Table Mat will fit the bill! This wool appliqué table mat is packed with all the best bits of the season – wildflowers, potted plants, buzzing bees, a breezy kite, garden tools, and even a little nod to those much needed spring showers. It’s a fun and creative way to welcome the season into your home while you wait for the real thing to show up. At approximately 22” x 15” finished, Spring Crazy Table Mat is the perfect project to put your fancy handiwork to work and shake off some of that pesky cabin fever.

If Spring Crazy Table Mat seems like a bit much and you’d rather take on something a little less… “crazy,” check out Garden Walk. This 14 1/2″ round floral mat is simple yet stunning. It features 16 individual wool appliquéd wildflowers that can be done in either a light or dark colorway. Maybe do one of each? A combination? Make as many versions as your stash can handle! The possibilites are endless.

Have you seen your first Robin yet this spring? I did a couple of weeks ago! This elegant mat is the perfect décor to celebrate spring’s arrival as each day brings us closer to warmer weather and sunshine. Measuring at 16″ x 16″, Birds of a Feather features colorful wool appliquéd tulips (my favorite!) and busy brown birdies on a cream colored background. It reminds me that it’s almost tulip time here in WI… I can’t wait for the bulbs to start pushing through! Let’s keep our fingers crossed that they made it through the winter and survived the hungry deer!

Do you love penny mats? You know I do! Scrappy Flower Basket is done with colorful wool pennies and fancy stitches to create simple, folk-art style flowers. That’s how you master fancy stitches by the way – by doing more fancy stitches! Need to improve on your fancy stitching game? Not too big and not too small, at 8 1/2″ x 26″, this springy little runner would make a great practice piece!

Did someone say scrappy? That reminds me to remind YOU that the 2025 Primitive Gatherings Scrappy Quilt Show registration is now open (click HERE for more information)! Have you picked out your quilt entry yet? If you’re on the hunt for just the right quilt but haven’t quite found “the one,” take a look at this bad boy. Check Me Out is a 79″ x 89″ quilt that literally demands to be looked at! Originally designed in blues, grays, and creams, this fun quilt would also make an excellent scrap buster. Each block features a unique center, which creates a cool checkerboard effect when finished. Can you see yourself winning a blue ribbon with a quilt like this? I can!

Well, would you look at that. All this talk of spring and all of a sudden it’s back to being a winter wonderland out there! I guess that’s my cue to get going toward home! Join me back in the studio tomorrow afternoon for a fun hour of LIVE with me and the girls. We’ll be talking about the usual jazz including PG announcements, upcoming projects, the Unity QAL, and more! Look for us on my YouTube channel STITCH with Lisa Bongean by clicking the STITCH button below. Until then, have a great night and happy stitching! ~Lisa