Hey, everyone!

How early is too early to start thinking about next year’s quilt retreats? Apparently, for a lot of you, there’s no such thing as too early! Don’t get me wrong — I totally get it. When it comes to planning a getaway to your favorite “quilt resort,” you can never give yourself too much time to iron out every wrinkle that could possibly pop up. That’s why I figured it was high time to get the first version of our 2027 retreat schedule out there, so you can look ahead and start making plans to come and see me!

It’s exciting how so many of you are already thinking about next year’s shenanigans at The Gathering, and I’m super pumped to finally put these dates into your hands! There’s a great mix of retreats and classes on the 2027 schedule, with plenty of chances to spend some time in good ol’ Wisconsin with your favorite quilting crew. Whether you’re already planning your 2027 agenda or still toying with a pipe dream, take a look at the list below, explore what we have planned, and see if maybe, just maybe, there’s a date that might turn that pipe dream into a plane ticket!

Because everyone’s lodging and accommodation needs are different, we don’t offer online registration for retreats or classes. The only exceptions are our Sit & Stitch sessions and monthly clubs, which can be registered for online using our interactive event calendar by clicking HERE. If you’d like to sign up for a retreat or class, you’ll need to contact The Gathering at 920-778-8031. You can also email thegathering@primitivegatherings.us if you have questions or would like more information!

Coming to us from out of town? Getting to The Gathering is easier than you might think! We have an international airport just about 15 minutes away, making it super convenient for those of you flying in from farther afield. Stitchers traveling by RV are also welcome — depending on how busy we are, there’s usually plenty of parking, including larger spots for bigger vehicles. Whether you’re arriving by plane, train, or broomstick, we’ll do our best to help you get here safe and sound!

I suppose if I’m going to make good on one promise today, I might as well make good on another! I’ve been bragging about my recipe for Chewy Pumpkin Spice Cookies, and I know a bunch of you have been waiting patiently for me to share it. Let me just say, I’ve learned that the quickest way to turn a perfectly innocent batch of cookies into a controversial topic is to talk cookie smack and then not hand over the recipe. While that’s been a small form of “fun and games” for me, it also seems a bit cruel, so I’m done — I’ll be nice now. You can print your copy by clicking the button below!

For those of you who are local — has it not been the most gorgeous week ever? After the back-to-back heat waves we experienced last month, even I was ready for a break from the hot temps and heavy humidity. For the last several days, weather-wise, we could not have asked for anything better. The skies have been a gorgeous mix of sunny bluebird and silver fall clouds with a familiar chill in the air… not to sound so Hallmark, but I don’t know how else to describe it! We don’t have any fall colors on the trees quite yet, but they are all definitely in full bloom, lush, and ready to start their autumn cycle anytime now. It’s truly glorious, and I have been taking it all in as much as I can. Life is good!

Alright stitchers — time to get back to The Gathering, where my “All Things Fall Autumn Retreat” is in full swing. I can only imagine what they’re up to over there without me… we’ve had our dinner, so now the late-night stitching mischief begins! I think I will probably be hanging out here for the next couple of days, to be honest. Why go home when I have one of the most comfortable beds on the planet right here, mere feet from my sewing machine? Sometimes these kinds of decisions make themselves — what can I say? Time to party. Have a great weekend, everyone! ~Lisa