Hey, everyone!

When a class sells out, you know you’re onto something good… and that’s exactly what happened when I offered my Rug Punching and Punch Needle classes for the first time earlier this month. The response was so overwhelming that I’ve decided to bring both back for a second round this fall!

Whether you’re a complete beginner or just looking to add a new technique to your creative arsenal, both classes are designed for all skill levels and are a whole lot of fun. In case you’re not familiar with either technique, here’s a quick rundown — Punch Needle is a traditional fiber art technique where a hollow needle is used to push loops of thread through a woven fabric, creating beautiful looped texture on the reverse side. Rug Punching is a similar concept but on a larger scale. It uses loops of wool pulled through a linen foundation to create stunning pieces that work beautifully as wall hangings, pillow covers, or actual rugs. Two different techniques, two very different results… and both equally addictive once you get started!

Sound like something you’d like to try? Both classes take place on Wednesday, September 30th, 2026 at The Gathering. Punch Needle class runs from 9:00 a.m. to noon, and Rug Punching follows from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., making this the perfect opportunity to make a full day of it! The class fee is $35 per student, per class, plus the cost of supplies including the pattern you’d like to work on. Think you’ll be hungry between sessions? We’ve got you — lunch is available at The Gathering at noon for an additional $15.00 per student (please sign up for lunch when you register for class).

I hope these classes have you as excited as I am — there is nothing quite like learning something new, so if you’ve been thinking about trying Punch Needle or Rug Punching, this is the perfect opportunity! As usual seats are limited, so if these classes are calling your name, don’t wait too long to claim your spot! Give the gals at The Gathering a call at 920-778-8031 to register — they will be happy to help you get signed up and answer any questions you might have.

It’s a gorgeous day here in Wisconsin — the sun is shining and the temps are warm, so I’m hanging it up for the day to get outside and enjoy it before nut bag Mother Nature decides to make it snow again. Before I do though, I want to take a moment to acknowledge what has been happening in our area along the Wolf River. While Primitive Gatherings was not in the path of the recent flooding, many of our neighboring communities have not been so lucky. Our own Heidi calls Fremont, WI home, and while she is safe, her town along with others close by, are still under water.

Needless to say, many people and local businesses are facing a long, difficult road of cleanup and rebuilding ahead. The outpouring of community support has been nothing short of remarkable from the beginning — from sandbagging and evacuations to food donations and volunteers from near and far showing up in droves. Honestly, it’s enough to make me cry every time I see the footage. If you’d like to help, monetary donations are being accepted through the United Way Fox Cities by clicking the link below. If you have already stepped up to help — whether it be physically or financially, or even just prayers and positive vibes — I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. It’s amazing what we can do when we come together as a community!

Alright, gang — enough of the sad stuff! I’ll be back again tomorrow when I go LIVE at 1:00 p.m. CST on my YouTube channel, STITCH with Lisa Bongean! I’ll be introducing a brand new mini quilt plus showing off some recent work posted in the STITCH with Lisa Bongean Facebook group. Could it be yours? Tune in to find out by clicking the STITCH icon below. See you there! ~Lisa