Hey, everyone! I’m in Madison, WI this week, where opening day of The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show 2025 is just wrapping up. If you’ve never been to this show, let me just say — the energy in this place is unreal! Everywhere you look, there are things to explore, including dazzling quilt displays, a BERNINA classroom buzzing with creativity, and a sea of more than 160 vendors calling my name… it’s sensory overload in the best possible way! The best part? Proceeds from The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show help support PBS Wisconsin programming and community outreach projects throughout the state, which literally gives me the perfect excuse to do some serious shopping — everybody wins!

If you happen to be in the area and have the chance to stop by the show, I highly recommend taking it! Simply put, The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show is a fun and engaging three-day event that celebrates the art of all things quilting. As I mentioned, the show features some really impressive quilt exhibits, multiple opportunities to learn from leading quilt educators, a 100,000-square-foot vendor mall showcasing the latest notions and fabrics for sale (our booth is: BERNINA/Primitive Gatherings 1135-38, 1201-04 – find us right next to the event classroom), raffles, evening events, and a 10-category juried and judged quilt contest exhibit featuring hundreds of quilts to keep you entertained. Sounds awesome, doesn’t it? Just look at this layout…

Speaking of the juried quilt contest, I’m happy to share some exciting news from the show — I entered my quilt, Fresh Cut Garden, in Category 7: Wall Quilts – Machine Quilted, and it won a second-place ribbon! It’s been a while since I’ve entered a quilt in a show, so seeing it recognized at The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show feels pretty good. Shout-out to Linda Hrcka of The Quilted Pineapple for her contribution of the beautiful custom quilting on this quilt. I always love her work! Congratulations are in order for Lorraine Stenoish of Green Bay, WI, who took first place with her beautiful Echinacea Quilt, and to the quilter Wendy Fuller of Dynamic Stitches by Wendy.

Here it is — second place never looked so good! Fresh Cut Garden is brimming with floral wool appliqués, cheerful birds, busy bees, a sneaky little caterpillar, and more — I can’t stop looking at it! Want to make this proven prize winner for yourself? Grab the full pattern or kit, or join our new Block-of-the-Month program (BOM starts September 13, 2025, and runs through July 2026) by clicking the button below!

Have you ever seen our booth at this show? Jess describes it as our traveling “pop-up store!” Come visit us and stock up on fabrics, patterns, pre-cuts, kits, notions, seasonal items, and all the quilty things you can carry! Grab this opportunity to see everything we have to offer and meet some of my crew in person as an added bonus!

Of course, our BERNINA Department also made the journey to Madison, which means that if you’ve been waiting to get your hands on any one of the new coveted BERNINA machines, this is your chance to try one before you buy! We have several new machines on display ready try so potential owners can really get a feel for what these rock-star machines have to offer. I invite you to make the most of this opportunity and stop by our booth to give these exciting, state-of-the-art machines a spin! Of course not everyone has the means – or the space for that matter – to own their own longarm. That’s why in addition to machine sales we also offer longarm services for your convenience! If you are interested in getting on the schedule for longarm services at Primitive Gatherings, we will have forms at the booth for you to fill out. You can also call Luke at 920.778.8037 or email bernina@primitivegatherings.us for more information!

Alright everyone, time to hang it up for the night and go get something to eat! It’s been a great day full of beautiful quilts, retail therapy, a bit of healthy competition, and best of all, talking with quilters from all over the country. I love reconnecting with familiar faces, catching up with fans, and meeting brand-new friends who share the same passion. That’s why I also love The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show! Want to learn more? Click the button below for more information See you soon! ~ Lisa