Author: lisabongean

I live on a lake in beautiful Butte Des Morts, WI. I have three sons: Lance (forever 29), Luke 33, Jake 32, and two grand-babies, Little Man and O-Bug. I've been married to the love of my life Nick, since 1998 when we started our crazy adventure together! I am a quilter, rugger, and gardener. I also love to cook when I get the chance. Thanks for visiting and supporting Primitive Gathering Quilt Shop where I try to bring you the best Moda fabrics and wool projects anywhere!

MBH4 – Block #16 “Indiana Puzzle”

Wow, is it really Wednesday again? I guess that means it’s time for another Moda Blockheads 4 Block release! Block #16, “Indiana Puzzle“ comes to us from Indiana native, Tammy Vonderschmitt of Moda Fabrics. Tammy is known for her love of scraps and tiny pieces, a characteristic that really shows in this energetic and thoughtful block design! I found “Indiana Puzzle” especially fun because it has a little of everything. If you’re a fan of working with half-square triangles, simple squares, or four patches – checkerboard to star-shape – this block has it going on! Don’t let its complex vibe scare you. Even though “Indiana Puzzle“ seems like a complicated block, if you break it down into nine separate blocks it’s actually fairly easy. Throw in some strip cutting for the four patches and presto! You’ll be done in what feels like no time. For the complete pattern and instructions for “Indiana Puzzle,” click the button below!

I’m happy to report that I’m still right on track with this quilt-along (…maybe even a little ahead but shhhh – we won’t talk about that!). Fabric wise, I’m sticking with the bright orange Bella solid I’ve been using, combined with grayscale prints from my Urban Farmhouse Gatherings II line. For the larger center square, I chose a black floral print on medium gray. The same was used for the smaller surrounding squares, which makes it look like they’re being spun off of their larger twin by the “pinwheel” shape surrounding it. For the triangle portions of this block, I used a lighter gray with an adorable tie-shaped tiny print in contrasting dark gray.

What do you think, do you like it? If you’re really into the way I pieced my blocks together and want to do the same, you can also usually find the orange color I’m using in the shop – a bright Bella Solid called “Ochre.” Unfortunately, we are still sold out of “Ochre” but have it on order so it should be in stock soon! As I mentioned, all of my grayscale fabric choices for these blocks came from my Urban Farmhouse Gatherings II line, which you can find by clicking the button below!

Are you just joining MBH4? All of the previously released MBH4 blocks can be accessed by visiting the Moda Blockheads 4 Archive. You can find the archive in the main list of links at the top of my blog page or on Moda’s website. In addition, bonus blocks can be found on Moda’s Inspiration+Resources Center page by clicking HERE! If you’re having trouble keeping all the details straight you can also sign-up to receive Moda’s weekly Blockheads blog posts via e-mail at the Inspiration+Resources Center as well.

Hopefully you’re managing to keep up with this quilt-along. It’s always so much more fun when you’re not rushing to get it all done at once! I do understand if you’re behind though, believe me – no matter how caught up I get, there’s always something more to do! That’s one of the reasons I appreciate everyone who takes the time to read my blog each week – I know how precious your spare time is! To show my on-going gratitude, my goal is to give away at least two prizes per week to readers who continue to comment. It’s easy to win, just ask Susan B. and Marsha B. – our lucky comment winners this week! As always, I am not posting last names or email addresses for everyone’s privacy, so if you think you’re one of these lucky winners please check your email! You can also contact Heidi at heidin@primitivegatherings.us if you have not already received a prize confirmation letter from her. She will use your email address to confirm that you are in fact the winner (in the case that there is someone with the same initials, she will determine the correct person with matching email credentials)! If you’re not a winner this week, don’t cry! I have still have lots of prizes to give away, so keep trying!

Remember, your comments and “likes” help keep us at the top of our social media game so please, keep them coming! Tell me how your Blockheads QAL project is coming along. Are you on track or playing catch-up? What type of fabric did you go with? Scrappy or controlled? I want know all about it – and hey! You might just win something for sharing! Alright friends, I’m supposed to be on stay-cation so that’s all for now. Don’t forget, due to the holiday most of us in the studio will be out of the office this week, so there will be no Stitch with Lisa Bongean tomorrow. We’ll be back with our regularly scheduled Shop Talk on Tuesday July 12th at 9:00AM CST – I’ll see you soon! ~Lisa

 

 

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O’ Say Can You Sew – Clue #4

Happy Independence Day everyone!!! What better way to celebrate America’s birthday than to release the next clue for the O’ Say Can You Sew Mystery Quilt-Along!? Clue #4 is designed to be simple and fun, so you can get back to your holiday shenanigans in a jiff! This clue might feel a bit familiar to you because it’s very similar to Clue #1. The difference only applies if you’re doing the red, white, and blue motif like I am, because you’re basically switching colors from blue to red. Those of you doing the scrappy version are free to do whatever floats your boat!

This straightforward checkerboard pattern can be done in a snap using the strip-cut and piece method, or you can cut 1 1/2″ squares – both ways work great for this clue. I know you’re anxious to get your hands on the full pattern and instructions for Clue #4, so let’s get to it! Simply hit the link below to get the full instructions and printable PDF.

Clue #4 is available as a FREE download now through Monday August 1st, 2022. After that, it will be available to purchase on our website for $5.00. If you’re just joining me on this Quilt-Along there is still plenty of time to catch up! Links to all released clues are listed in the O’ Say Can You Sew Clue Archive, which can be found in the main menu at the top of this page. New clues are posted on the first Monday of every month. Remember, once the current month’s clue is posted, the prior clue is no longer free but can be purchased for a small fee of $5.00. For more visual learners I will also be posting a video tutorial of each clue on my “Stitch with Lisa Bongean“ YouTube channel every month, so be sure to check that out as well! You can watch the Clue #4 tutorial by hitting the “STITCH” button below!

Sticking with the red, white, and blue motif but starting to run out of scraps? No problem! We still have fat quarter bundles in stock that will be perfect to supplement your stash. There are blues, whites, and creams available in bundles of 12 fat quarters for $30.00 per bundle (that’s two FREE!), and red bundles of 8 fat quarters for $24.00. They’re also great for any straggler Independence Day projects you might still be wrapping up.

Because we’re celebrating such and important holiday this week – and mostly because I’m nice – here’s a hot tip to give you a head start on the next clue. I will say that I definitely see some half-square triangles in your near future, and that 1″ half-square triangle paper is going to be your best friend for Clue #5. My best advice is to get it ordered now (two packs to be specific) so that by the time August arrives, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running! You can stock up on PG Triangle Paper of a variety of sizes on our website.

That’s all I have for you today because speaking of red, white, and blue… I have celebrating to get back to! This weekend has been nothing short of gorgeous, with perfect weather and plenty of family time, good food, and fun. It’s been so good that I plan to keep it going for a bit, and take some time away from the studio for a little stay-cation for the rest of the week.

Just a reminder we are CLOSED TODAY – Monday July 4th so everyone at PG also gets a chance to spend some time with family and friends. We’ll be back open for regular business hours on Tuesday July 5th at 10AM CST. Also, because most of us in the studio will be out of the office this week, there will be no LIVE YouTube broadcasts. That includes both Shop Talk with Shelley and Stitch with Lisa Bongean. We’ll be back with our regularly scheduled Shop Talk on Tuesday July 12th at 9:00AM CST. Set your timer now so you don’t forget! Happy 4th everyone – I’ll see you soon! ~Lisa

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Heartfelt at the Finish Line!

Heartfelt Logo HeaderIt’s nice to be able to say that out of all the quilt-alongs that I’m involved with right now, I’m actually in the process of wrapping one up! The Fat Quarter Shop’s charity Quilt-Along, “Heartfelt” is quickly coming to fruition as the sixth and final block, “Precious“ releases today. If you haven’t heard of this amazing fundraising effort, let me tell you a little bit about it. “Heartfelt” is a darling heart-themed quilt-along designed to raise funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, an awesome organization that has been making dreams come true for children with life-threatening conditions for over 40 years. I decided to participate in this fundraiser because if there’s anything I love just as much as our veterans, it’s kids. I really wanted to do something to help make a difference for children who face adversity in their lives on a daily basis. This quilt-along was the perfect way for me to combine my skills and hard work with my love for stitching, all while helping to make a difference in the life of a deserving kid… Plus if you haven’t noticed, it’s a super cute quilt. Win-win!

As I mentioned, “Heartfelt” is a heart-themed quilt made up of six stunning sampler blocks, each featuring pieced hearts. It was designed by Corey Yoder based on her new Moda fabric line, “Beautiful Day.” If you’ve been following along you know that for mine, I decided to stick with the heart theme and used all Valentine’s Day fabrics leftover from last winter.

Do you “love” this heartthrob of a quilt as much as I do? You’re in luck. You too can make my version of “Heartfelt!” The fabric you’ll need is available on our website by clicking the link below!I decided to do my blocks half the size of what’s featured on the pattern (in other words, I did 6″ blocks rather than the 12″ version that the pattern shows). If you follow the pattern, “Heartfelt” measures 76.5″ x 84.5″ when finished. It’s not a huge quilt, which makes it great to display for holiday décor. It would make a nice wall hanger or could easily drape a loveseat or couch. Adorable! Here it is just before I started its final assembly. I’ll be posting photos of the final product as soon as it’s quilted!

Being the recipient of a thoughtful valentine is one of the best feelings ever – especially one made by-hand with love! Wouldn’t this darling quilt make a perfect gift for your special someone next year? If you’re ready to get started on your own version of “Heartfelt,” hit the link below for the full pattern and instructions.

“Heartfelt“ is currently a free quilt-along and download on the Fat Quarter Shop website. Block instructions are currently posted on Fat Quarter Shop’s blog, “The Jolly Jabber” and will be through September, 2022. They do not require it, but highly encourage that a $5.00 donation be made for the pattern if you’re able to do so. Proceeds go to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America. If you’d rather make a donation directly to Make-A-Wish, follow the link below!Well everyone, the holiday weekend is officially upon us. What are you all up to? No big plans here aside from laying low at Anchor Point with Nick, my family, and friends – there’s honestly no reason to go anywhere else! I have worked hard all my life for the comforts of my home, and now it’s time to enjoy it surrounded by the people I love. I’m looking forward to cooking out, lounging on the boat, and taking my Harley out for a spin. I might even be able to convince a couple of girls from PG to take the jet skis out with me… We shall see!

No matter what’s on your agenda for this holiday weekend, I wish you all a SAFE and happy 4th of July! Just a reminder we will be CLOSED Monday July 4th so everyone here at PG gets a chance to spend time with family and friends. We’ll be back open for regular business hours on Tuesday July 5th at 10AM CST. Also, because most of us in the studio will be on vacation next week there will be no LIVE YouTube broadcasts. This includes both Shop Talk with Shelley and Stitch with Lisa Bongean. We’ll be back with our regularly scheduled Shop Talk on Tuesday July 12th at 9:00AM CST. Set your timer now so you don’t forget! You can tune in by hitting the link below. I will see you in a week. Until then, take care and happy 4th of July! ~Lisa

 

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MBH4 Block #15 – “Highland Plaid”

Hey gang! Here we are, back at it again with this week’s Moda Blockheads 4 Block #15 release! This time around, “Highland Plaid“ takes the stage with its simple and straightforward plaid motif. “Highland Plaid” was designed by Crystal Manning of crystalmanningart.com out of northern Missouri. Crystal is a graphic/fabric designer who uses her art and design skills to create unique surface and textile patterns. Her style is highly inspired by natural things like the outdoors, flowers, birds, and other animals. She combines these concepts with a bright and cheerful color palette, often resulting in a vintage feel.

I appreciated this block because it was fun yet simple and fast to do. It doesn’t get any more straightforward than working with squares, which makes “Highland Plaid“ a quick and easy block to crank out. Quick and easy is especially perfect for this week, considering I’m sure you’ll all be busy with the holiday weekend coming up. It’s also a great block to do if you’re looking to hone in on your nesting skills. For the complete pattern and instructions for “Highland Plaid” click the button below!

For my blocks I used a combination of grayscale prints and solid orange. The outer corners are done with a tiny black print on mid-gray, while the inner squares are done with a white floral print on light gray. For the center “cross” I chose another black tiny print outlined in the same dark gray. The center square is done in white with a silver and gold star motif.

All of my grayscale fabric choices for these blocks came from my Urban Farmhouse Gatherings II line, which you can find by clicking the button below! If you like the way I pieced my blocks together and want to do the same, you can also usually find the orange color I’m using (“Ochre“) in the shop – which is a bright Bella Solid. Unfortunately we are currently sold out of “Ochre.” It was ordered a while ago but as we all know, with the way shipping works these days it’s anyone’s guess as to when it will actually get here! I do know that it should be in stock soon, so don’t give up!

As always, if you’re just joining us for MBH4 and need previously released blocks, you can find them by visiting the Moda Blockheads 4 Archive. You can also locate the archive in the main menu at the top of my blog page. In addition, bonus blocks can be found on Moda’s Inspiration+Resources Center page by clicking HERE!

Did you get a chance to tune in to, “Stitch with Lisa Bongean“ on Monday? We came to you live on scene from The Gathering during our Hogs for Heroes Mystery Mission Sit & Stitch event – and man, what a turn-out! Stitchers from all over gathered together for the day to help turn all your donated flag blocks into their final masterpieces! Volunteers broke into teams, with each member tackling on an important part of the job like cutting, pressing, pinning, and of course, stitching!

I was in absolute awe when I saw how many fellow stitchers showed up to lend a hand in this important mission. We had people from near and far, both from in-state and out helping to put our Hogs for Heroes quilts together!

Once quilts are fully assembled, an embroidered label that includes all the names of the people who helped to create it will be applied to the back. After that, off to the quilter it goes! Finished quilts will then be donated to recovering injured veterans through the Hogs for Heroes Organization.

I have always said that if I need something done that’s too big to handle on my own, all I have to do is ask my fellow stitchers and I know the job will get done. Yesterday was even more proof that I’m 100% right about that! And it didn’t matter if you came with a group or alone, we all left as friends!

To every single person who either donated a block (or 30!), volunteered to assemble the final quilts, or both – I cannot thank you enough. I want to give a special shout out to our top four flag block contributors. Everyone did an amazing job! Congratulations to Carrie DeCoster, Elizabeth Schraeder, Lisa Bierman, and Ginny Radloff! All I can say is WOW! Excellent work ladies! If Jess has not already contacted you regarding your prize, you will be hearing from her soon!

I am so proud to be part of such a loving and hardworking community of people…words alone aren’t enough to express my gratitude. I am truly humbled! That’s why I will continue to do as much as I can for the men and women who sacrifice so much to protect our freedom. If you’d like more information about this great cause or would like to contribute to Hogs for Heroes directly, you can do so by clicking the link below. If you love swag, we have some really cool t-shirts that feature an American flag quilt block on the back with the slogan, “I Stitched for a Hero.” We also have Hogs for Heroes patches available. All sales from either item go directly to support Hogs for Heroes!

Since we’re in the spirit of giving, let’s give a way some prizes for comments on my blog! Delores R. and Julia D. – Congratulations, it’s your lucky day! As always, I am not posting last names or email addresses for everyone’s privacy, so if you think you’re one of these lucky winners please check your email! You can also contact Heidi at heidin@primitivegatherings.us if you have not already received a prize confirmation letter from her. She will use your email address to confirm that you are in fact the winner (in the case that there is someone with the same initials, she will determine the correct person with matching email credentials)! If you’re not a winner this week, keep trying – your turn is coming!

Alright gang, time to get back over to The Gathering. Bernina Embroidery Manager, Connie Fanders was gracious enough to make an appearance here today as the guest instructor for our, “Perfectly Quilted” educational event. Participants are learning all about how to quilt using a domestic machine, without the use of a longarm. Fascinating! I’ll fill you in more later. I will see you all tomorrow LIVE on YouTube at 1:00PM for “Stitch with Lisa Bongean!“ You can watch by hitting the link below. Don’t miss it – see you there! ~Lisa

 

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Meet Me in the Garden Stitch-Along Intro & Supply List

Can you believe it? After what feels like an eternity of waiting, the “Meet Me in the Garden“ Stitch-Along is finally ready to begin! This is a summer stitch-along that will feature a custom quilt project designed by my good friend, Val Krueger. Val based this intricate pattern on my new Garden Gatherings line, which after much anticipation arrived here earlier this month. Check out this beauty of a design. I can’t tell you how gorgeous it is in person – absolutely stunning!

Completed "Meet Me in the Garden" Quilt

Planning to join us for “Meet Me in the Garden?” This post will take you through all the fabric and tools that you will need to participate in this stitch-along. This is the beginning of a six month long project, so having everything you need prior to starting is a great idea. It’s never a good thing to get half way through a quilt project, only to realize you’re out of something you can’t get anymore. We’re talking serious bummer there…so let’s try to avoid that by setting up for success! Fabric requirements for “Meet Me in the Garden“ are as follows:

There are also several required rulers and tools that you will need. Ruler and tool requirements for “Meet Me in the Garden“ are as follows:

Excited to get started yet? Video tutorials featuring explanations on the different rounds that make up this quilt will be released each month. Below you will find a list of rounds along with their video release dates, so you have an idea on how to plan for this stitch-along.

Alright! You only have a couple of short weeks to get your ducks in a row for “Meet Me in the Garden.” Remember, you can find the video tutorials posted to my YouTube channel, “Stitch with Lisa Bongean” each month on the listed release dates. You can watch the intro to Meet Me in the Garden now by clicking the STITCH button below! If you have any questions feel free to email the shop at store@primitivegatherings.us and we’ll be happy to help!

I hope you have a great week everyone! I’ll be back here on the blog on Wednesday for Moda Blockheads 4 Block #15 release, plus this week’s blog comment prize winners. Until then I know you have plenty to do so be sure to make time to stitch every day! Bye for now! ~Lisa

 

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Covering the World: One Quilt at a Time

Beginning in January 2022, AccuQuilt partnered up with Moda Fabrics and Baby Lock in a year-long, pay-it-forward charity campaign called, Covering the World: One Quilt at a Time. Entrants in the campaign include all levels of skill, from top designers at AccuQuilt and Moda, to beginner quilters who are just starting out. No matter the experience level, participating quilters all share a common goal – to contribute their time, skill, and hard work by making and donating finished quilts to well-deserving charities in need.

I knew I wanted to participate in this generous quilting event as soon as I heard about it. Since I obviously love to quilt, I thought this would be another great way to help support my favorite veteran’s charity! I’m sure most of you know that we are partnered with the organization, Hogs for Heroes as a fun and creative way to give back to our WI veterans. I am so proud of the fact that currently we have raised over $43,000 between our 2021 “American Quilter’s Stitch-Along“ fundraiser, private donations, and our most recent online auction event this last spring! That’s over $43K that will go toward healing the mental and physical wounds suffered by Wisconsin Veterans through the therapeutic benefits of owning and riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. All funds raised goes toward the purchase of a motorcycle which will then be gifted to a Wisconsin Veteran Hero. If you would like to know more about Hogs for Heroes and what they’re all about, click the button below for more information!

The amount we’ve already raised in honor of Hogs for Heroes is truly amazing. Your generous donations and hard work continues to inspire me every day. I am constantly brainstorming about new ways to support our veterans, so I was excited to learn about the Covering the World: One Quilt at a Time campaign. Let me tell you how it works! Participants select or design a quilt pattern to make, and then donate it to a charity they choose. Once the quilt is completed, it is photographed and then presented to their chosen recipient. After submitted quilts are photographed, they are posted to social media outlets with the hashtag #QuiltTheWorld2022. For donating their quilts, participants are eligible to win some cool prizes. Pretty simple!

I chose to donate my “American Quilter’s Quilt“ to Hogs for Heroes because it’s a perfect representation of my patriotism and love for our great country. It features 20 unique red, white, and blue flag blocks, proudly showing off my quilter’s spin on our nation’s flag and colors. Nick and I were absolutely thrilled to be able to present this glorious quilt to Hogs for Heroes, along with a check for $43,462.31 a few weeks ago. Needless to say there wasn’t a dry eye in the house!

#QuiltTheWorld2022

This all just goes to show you how easy it is to make a positive impact on someone’s life. Would you like to join us in the #QuiltTheWorld2022 challenge? It’s easy to participate! You can find more information on #QuiltTheWorld2022 by clicking the link below!

As I mentioned, after experiencing such great success resulting from our previous efforts I just want to do more! That’s why I also came up with what I’ve been calling my, “Mystery Mission.” My goal was to produce and collect as many red, white, and blue Flag Blocks as possible, which are now (thanks to all of you) currently being used to create quilts of valor for injured and recovering veterans around WI.

We are well on our way to the finish line for this mission but still have a ways to go. Just like with the flag blocks, this next goal of mine is a big one and I’m going to need your help! If you are local and have some time to spare please join us this Monday, June 27th, 2022 from 9:00AM until 4:00PM at The Gathering for a special stitching event. We need volunteers to help turn over 600 donated flag blocks into finished projects. Bring your machine, we’ll provide the rest – even lunch! No machine? No problem. We need help with pressing and cutting too!

Thanks again to all of you who have already contributed to the “Mystery Mission” both near and far. This is proof yet again that when we work together, we can really make things happen! I mentioned in an earlier post that I was excited to see who would make the most blocks, and that I would reward with them with a prize. We’re in the process of notifying our top three entrants and will announce the official winners soon!

Jess and I are packing up and getting ready to leave Chicago after being at the h+h Americas event for the last couple of days. I do have to say, I apologize for our technical difficulties on Thursday –  I know many of you were excited to see us LIVE on location with “Stitch with Lisa Bongean“ but the wifi gods were just not having it due to the building we were in. It happens! No worries, we’ll be back LIVE from home ground next week starting on Tuesday at 9:00AM CST for “Shop Talk with Shelley“ where she’ll be talking about her favorite must-have’s from around the shop, along with some specially selected sale items we think you should know about. Then catch me on “Stitch with Lisa Bongean“ Thursday at 1:00PM CST. Don’t miss us – and don’t be shy! Give us a shout out here on the blog or during our LIVE shows for a chance to win a nice little prize. I love sending them out, just give me a reason to! Have a great weekend! ~Lisa

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