As many of you know, most weeks on Tuesday, The Gathering hosts what we like to call, “Sit & Stitch.“ It’s not a retreat, but more of a gathering – or, “get together” as one guest called it – where all types, ages, and ability levels of sewing enthusiasts can come together and stitch. It’s a great opportunity to socialize in a judgment-free zone, where participants are encouraged to share ideas and advice. Of course, there’s also plenty of good food, great conversation, camaraderie, and laughter to go around too!
I really look forward to these little get-togethers. It’s a nice change from all the hustle and bustle of the regular work week! The casual and easy-going atmosphere not only allows me to relax a little, but I can also take more time to talk one-on-one with people about anything they might need help on with their projects, or just about life in general!
Sit & Stitch sessions are also a great time to tackle those problem-child projects that you just can’t seem to figure out. Do you have a skill set that you’d like to improve on? It’s also a great time to practice techniques or skills that you’re not the best at. There’s always someone close by who can help or give advice and perspective – myself included!
If you’re feeling confident in your abilities but need some inspiration and good company, come to Sit & Stitch! Bring your stitching projects of any kind and take advantage of our huge, beautifully lit activity space. You can bring your own machine or rent one from us. Either way there’s plenty of room for everyone to spread out and get comfortable at one of the many large sewing tables – complete with power stations! Take it from me, a lot of times I’d rather work on projects at The Gathering rather than my studio at home!
One of my favorite things about Sit & Stitch sessions is the variety of projects that come through the door. I see both full-size and lap quilts, table mats, pillows, cross-stitch, pincushions, and wall-hangings… just to name a few. Each person brings something different to the table – literally! I swear I find new inspiration every single time. I love it!
It’s easy to feel like everything has already been done in the creative world, don’t you think? It’s really cool to be able to see new ideas and trends come to life first hand. It’s also neat to see different techniques being used – new and old. Check out this awesome EPP (English Paper Piecing) quilt project one of our stitchers Joann is working on…
She told me she prefers the EPP technique because sitting at her machine for long hours really hurts her back and hands. Take a look at all that delicate work (this quilt is so gorgeous… I feel like we might just be seeing it in a future summer Block of the Week….hint, hint – nudge, nudge…)!!! It’s crazy to think that she hasn’t been quilting all her life like some of her friends and family. She said, “I wasn’t into it at first like the others, it took me a while. But one day we went to a new quilting store in town called SEW WHAT. I walked in there and was just in awe. I was so intrigued by what I saw that I immediately needed to know more. The lady told me to come back that next Saturday for a class and I did. The rest is history.”
This was Joann’s second time attending Sit & Stitch. She says she and her quilting friends used to meet at each other’s homes, but just like everything else COVID has changed that. It’s much harder these days to find a place where everyone can meet up and socialize with enough space, so she really appreciates our Sit & Stitch gatherings. “My biggest joy in quilting is seeing others enjoy quilting right alongside me. We need to encourage one another! I used to think I didn’t know anything about it but 23 years later I realize I know more than I ever did! I’m thrilled to be able to share what I know with others, and these get-togethers make that possible again.”
Joann and her friends love the idea so much, she recently decided to take advantage of our book five, get one free package because they know they’ll be back every week for a while. She says, “Why not? You don’t have to clean your house to get ready for guests, you don’t have to cook or find a place to send your husband for the day. It’s great!” I think Joann’s got a point. LOL!
If you want to join us for a Sit & Stitch we would love to have you! Just call Jenny at The Gathering to sign up. The phone number at The Gathering is 920-778-8031. You can also email thegathering@primitivegatherings.us. Sessions run from 9AM until 4PM. Registration fee is $25 per person for the day and includes a salad bar and homemade soup lunch prepared by Chef Erica. Mark your calendar for the dates below…
If your schedule doesn’t allow you to attend during the day, don’t worry! I recently decided that if I’m going to hang out at The Gathering stitching all day, why not hang out there stitching all night too!? We recently had our first, “Late Night Sit & Stitch.” These sessions run from 5PM until 10PM and include dinner prepared by Chef Erica. Registration fee is also $25 per person. Heck, if you have the time you should probably sign up for both!
Alright, I better get back to work everyone. I have a lot to do as I prepare for my YouTube LIVE broadcast, “Stitch with Lisa Bongean“ tomorrow at 1PM. I’ll be discussing more Valentine’s Day and Red & White quilt ideas, along with any new announcements and some other fun things as usual. Hit the link below to join me! See you then! ~Lisa
