Tag: #GardenGatherings

Sewcialites 2 – Block #15 “Brighten”

Not sure how it happened so fast but here we are again on yet another glorious Friday evening, just about ready to start the weekend. The sun was shining all day, the birds were singing, and the temps were pleasant, hanging out right around 30º with even warmer air in the forecast for tomorrow. As usual, I’m celebrating the arrival of the end of the week with the latest Sewcialites 2 block release. This week block #15, “Brighten“ by Minki Kim of Riley Blake Designs is taking its turn as the center of Sewcialites attention. Minki is a formally trained artist originally from Korea who specialized in making intricate creations out of simple materials. She was not always into the fiber arts, but once she discovered she could “draw” with her sewing machine the rest was history. Minki finds inspiration for her work in her children and their creative play, and has a natural ability to make common, everyday objects aesthetically pleasing. She is best known for her beautifully detailed “thread drawings” – or sewing illustrations – which combine machine stitching, embroidery, and appliqué. She also has written several books and is an accomplished fabric designer for Riley Blake Designs.

Minki’s block “Brighten” is considered to be a very straightforward design that is made up of simple squares and rectangles. This beginner block is not only fun and easy to do, but it will also  highlight your fabric selections beautifully. Though the requirements to complete “Brighten“ are fairly simple, make sure to read all the instructions from start to finish before beginning any project so you know what to expect. Whether you’re new to quilting or consider yourself an expert, this is a good habit to get into to prevent a boo-boo that could have easily been avoided.

I also recommend using a design board like Bitty Boards by Lori Holt to lay your units out before sewing them together to ensure that your fabric is placed in the proper direction. This is especially important to help keep things organized if you are using stripes or other directional prints. If you don’t have one of these boards, I highly recommend. They come in several styles and colors to suit your needs. Check them out!

Laying your entire block out before sewing it together is super helpful in avoiding unnecessary mistakes ahead of time that nobody has time for. It also gives you the opportunity to play around with different layout options until you figure out what you like best without making anything permanent. Remember – we want to work smarter, not harder… The seam ripper is certainly your friend, but not having to use it at all is better.

“Brighten” is yet another block in the series that makes for a great scrap buster, but would also look pleasing with a bit of control. As you know, for my blocks I’ve decided to use my Garden Gatherings fabric line, leaving out the five tans. For the background I’m using a selection from the Garden Gathering Shirtings Collection, #49176 15 – a cream fabric with an adorable tiny mustard/orange floral print. Like what you see? Click the button below to grab some for yourself!I’ve been getting lots of comments and messages from people saying they haven’t started this QAL yet but they’re still thinking about it. First off, I want to say thanks for so many great comments! I love reading them and hearing about all the cool projects everyone is working on. Keep it up! You might even win a prize for it. Secondly, I say go for it! You really don’t need to worry about being behind on this one. One of the best parts of this quilt-along is that you can do it on your time, however your schedule allows – you can join us at any time! Plus, most the blocks are fairly easy to make and can be done in an afternoon. You can always find previously posted blocks on the Sewcialites 2 Landing Page. You can also visit the Sewcialites 2 Block Archive on my blog which is listed in the main menu of links at the top of the page.

Newly released blocks are posted on Kim’s blog The Jolly Jabber, along with a video tutorial on her YouTube Livestream the same day. Each designer will also post their own block to either their blog or their website on that day as well. I will also be posting each block release here on MY blog every Friday for your convenience. Fabric requirements and all block patterns are on the  Sewcialites 2 Landing Page, which you can access by clicking the link below. If you’d like to get automatic updates on Sewcialites 2 you can subscribe to the blog by signing up in the Email subscription box by visiting the Landing Page, or by subscribing to the YouTube channel by clicking HERE.

If Sewcialites 2 doesn’t trip your trigger, that’s ok too. I have plenty to keep you busy if you need something to do! You can always check out my latest pattern releases by clicking HERE, or if you’d like to watch me explain them on my LIVE show, click HERE! I hope you have a restful weekend and that you have a chance to get outside for some fresh air. It seems nice out now, but something tells me Old Man Winter isn’t quite done yet. In other words, enjoy it while it lasts! I’ll take the 30’s and 40’s this time of year with a smile on my face because as anyone from WI will tell you, temperatures in February can go either way. Some years it’s 30º above, some year’s it’s 20º below (ba-zero)! I wouldn’t bet money on either, because you just never know.

Time to wrap up this wonderful week by giving away a couple of prizes to Stephanie R. and Jennifer N. Check your email ladies! We put together a little something nice for each of you as a way to say thanks for your comments on the blog last week! Your comments are important to us and I honestly do love reading them. Plus, it’s just about the easiest way to enter yourself in a drawing for a great prize (remember that if you’re using a “handle” or screen name that is different than your actual name, please leave your first name and last initial in your comment so we can include you. Note: I do not post last names or email addresses for your privacy, so if you think you’re one of the lucky winners this week please be sure to check your email. You can also contact Heidi at heidin@primitivegatherings.us if you have not already received a prize confirmation letter from her. If you think you are a winner but have not received a prize confirmation email, be sure to check your spam folder – it’s not often but our emails will sometimes end up there)! Have a great night everyone. I’ll see you next week! ~Lisa

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Sewcialites 2 – Block #14 “Enchant”

Are you ready for another exciting block release of the Sewcialites 2 Quilt-Along? This week we have April Rosenthal of Prairie Grass Patterns to thank for her block contribution to our QAL journey. April started her sewing obsession as a young girl and it hasn’t stopped since. What started out as a childhood hobby has now evolved from Barbie clothes and pencil pouches to creating original quilts and designs for her own pattern company, Prairie Grass Patterns. On top of that, she has also written and co-written several quilting books, and is a fellow fabric designer for Moda Fabrics.

April loves to learn new things, teach, and inspire others to improve their skills. She believes in the power of strong design concepts and beautiful color palettes, and is majorly obsessed with the color orange. In her work, she strives to create each quilt pattern with clear and easy instructions so that anyone can pick it up and be successful in making the project – no matter their skill level. Her block, “Enchant“ fits that idea perfectly with its simple and straightforward layout. Compared to the last few blocks in this series “Enchant“ is super easy going, earning itself the title of easiest block in the quilt-along. It consists of four half-square triangles, four two-patches, and a center square. That’s it! Pretty simple, right?

To make things even easier for yourself, as always I recommend using triangle paper for the half-square triangles. Depending on which size blocks you’re making, there are a couple of sizes you may need. If you don’t have any on hand, I highly recommend my custom designed Primitive Gatherings Triangle Paper, which you can find in most sizes on our website by clicking HERE! You can find the full pattern and instructions for “Enchant“ by clicking the button below!

Another hot tip for this block is, rather than cutting individual rectangles for the two-patch units start by cutting longer strips first, then cut your squares to size. Simply add a square for the center to complete the block and voila – you’re done! It doesn’t get much easier than that.

This block is a great scrap buster but also could be an excellent use of that certain fabric you’ve been hoarding for just the right block. For my blocks I decided to use my Garden Gatherings fabric line, leaving out the five tans. For the background I’m using a selection from the Garden Gathering Shirtings Collection, #49176 15 – a cream fabric with an adorable tiny mustard/orange floral print. Like what you see? Click the button below to grab some for yourself!

If you still haven’t started Sewcialites 2 yet don’t worry about being behind. One of the best parts of this quilt-along is that you can do it on your time, however your schedule allows – you can join us at any time! Previously released blocks are posted on the Sewcialites 2 Landing Page along with my blog in the Sewcialites 2 Block Archive, which is listed in the main menu of links at the top of the page.

Newly released blocks can always be found on Kim’s blog The Jolly Jabber, along with a video tutorial on her YouTube Livestream the same day. Each designer will also post their own block to either their blog or their website on that day as well. I will also be posting each block release here on MY blog every Friday for your convenience. Fabric requirements and all block patterns will be posted on the Sewcialites 2 Landing Page, which you can access by clicking the link below. If you’d like to get automatic updates on Sewcialites 2 you can subscribe to the blog by signing up in the Email subscription box by visiting the Landing Page, or by subscribing to the YouTube channel by clicking HERE.

Whew! And just like that it’s Friday evening all over again. If I’ve said it once, I’ll say it a thousand times – time sure does fly! With that being said, another week gone by also means it’s blog prize time again – woo hoo! I do love this part of the week because I think it’s important to let you all know how much your support means not only to me here on the blog, but also on my YouTube channel, Instagram, and facebook pages as well. Without you, I’d be just some lady from WI who’s pretty good at quilting. 😉

This time around I’d like to give a huge thanks to Mary H. and Karen S. – please check your email ladies! I’ll be sending you a little something to show my appreciation (please remember that I do not post last names or email addresses for your privacy, so if you think you’re one of the lucky winners this week please be sure to 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. If you think you are a winner but have not received a prize confirmation email, please be sure to check your spam folder – it’s not often but our emails will sometimes end up there)!

Want to win a prize too? I’d love to send you one… All you have to do to be eligible to win is leave me a comment here on the blog, and bam! You’re in the fishbowl of entries (please remember that if you’re using a “handle” or screen name that is different than your real name, please leave your first name and last initial in your comment so we can include you). Alright stitchers, that’s all I have for you this week. I hope Mother Nature stops being a whack job and starts being nice like the forecast is promising, so maybe we could get outside for some fresh air one of these days. That’s not happening today apparently, since right now we’re sitting at one whole fat degree. Sheesh, grab the sunscreen! Here’s what my weather app is saying…

As you can see, it’s not exactly what I would call beach weather at the moment. Hopefully, if things stay as they are, that will be changing for the better by tomorrow. C’mon weather man – don’t lie to me…

Hang in there everyone! We’re gonna make it. Even if it doesn’t quite feel like it yet, spring is one the way. It will go fast – it always does… Before you know it we’ll all be complaining about the heat! Take care and see you next week! ~Lisa

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Sewcialites 2 – Block #13

Hey gang! How’s it going today? I don’t know what it’s like where you live but I’m looking at a blustery winter wonderland outside my studio window right now. I had originally planned to get some skiing in with Heidi tonight, but after checking the weather forecast for the weekend we made the executive decision to go last night instead. Our little impromptu change of plans caused a bit of scrambling at the end of the day, but it also gained us about ten degrees of air temperature and a lot less wind. In other words – I’m confident that it was the right decision to make. Not only was it my first time on the hill this season but it was also my maiden voyage on the new set of skis Nick got me for Christmas. We took it pretty easy and got eight runs in before calling it quits due to my cold thumbs. Not a crazy amount of runs, but still pretty good considering I haven’t been feeling the greatest. The snow was decent and the lift lines weren’t terrible, which are two key factors that can definitely make or break a ski day. Oh! And the verdict on my new skis is… I LOVE THEM!!! Thanks hubby – you’re a keeper (but we already knew that). 🙂 All in all, it was a good time and Heidi and I were both happy to be outside. Now comes some Arctic air to deal with for the next several days but we’ll be back out there as soon as it warms up a little.

After getting a few hours of fresh air and exercise last night I won’t feel so bad staying cooped up this weekend while Mother Nature gets the next round of sub-zero temps out of her system. I plan on laying low and staying in as much as I can for the next couple of days, and will most likely spend the majority of my time resting and getting caught up on a few things around the house. Honestly… as I type that idea, it sounds really nice and I can’t wait to make it my reality. LOL! Sometimes weekends are for work, sometimes weekends are for play, and sometimes they need to be for rest. This is one of those weekends. We all need to do that once in a while!

What are your plans for the weekend? If undesirable weather is also in your forecast and you’re wondering how to pass the time, I have the perfect solution! I’m happy to remind you that along with the weekend, Friday also brings a new Sewcialites 2 block release! This week Doug Leko is the star of the show with his block, “Innovate.” Thanks to his mother, Doug has been a quilter since he was just six years old. He began his quilting career by working in her quilt shop. Over the years he fine-tuned and perfected his skills with gained experience. After spending some time pattern testing for various designers, he began developing his own quilt patterns and eventually started Antler Quilt Design while he was still in high school.

Doug’s distinctive approach to quilt design often combines secondary design elements and color. His patterns are known for being very pretty but also intricate, and often times more on the difficult side. Sticking with his signature style, “Innovate“ is one of the harder blocks in the Sewcialites 2 series. It features a pinwheel center constructed of half-square triangles and flying geese. The outer elements are done with half-square triangles and corner squares, along with units that are like flying geese but with corner squares added. Now I know it seems like a complicated pattern but Doug’s advice for this block is simple – don’t be afraid! He says, “follow the pressing arrows on the pattern so that all your seams will nest and your points will come out great. You can also press your seams open so you don’t have to worry about bulk. Change the placement of all three prints and your block will look completely different.” Another little hack to make this block a bit easier for you is triangle paper. Depending on which size blocks you’re making, there are a couple of sizes you may need. If you don’t have any on hand, I highly recommend my custom designed Primitive Gatherings Triangle Paper, which you can find in most sizes on our website by clicking HERE! You can find the full pattern and instructions for “Innovate“ by clicking the link below! As you know, I’ve decided to use my Garden Gatherings fabric line for this quilt-along, leaving out the five tans. For the background I’m using a selection from the Garden Gathering Shirtings Collection, #49176 15 – a cream fabric with an adorable tiny mustard/orange floral print. Want to do yours just like mine? Click the button below to shop Garden Gatherings fabric while it’s still in stock!For those of you still trying to decide whether or not to participate in Sewcialites 2, don’t worry about being behind. One of the best parts of this quilt-along is that you can do it on your time, however your schedule allows – you can join us at any time! Previously released blocks are posted on the Sewcialites 2 Landing Page along with my blog in the Sewcialites 2 Block Archive, which is listed in the main menu of links at the top of the page.

Newly released blocks can always be found on Kim’s blog The Jolly Jabber, along with a video tutorial on her YouTube Livestream the same day. Each designer will also post their own block to either their blog or their website on that day as well. I will also be posting each block release here on MY blog every Friday for your convenience. Fabric requirements and all block patterns will be posted on the Sewcialites 2 Landing Page, which you can access by clicking the link below. If you’d like to get automatic updates on Sewcialites 2 you can subscribe to the blog by signing up in the Email subscription box by visiting the Landing Page, or by subscribing to the YouTube channel by clicking HERE.

Nothing like a weekend challenge to keep yourself busy. These little weekly assignments are just the ticket to making sure you get a little stitch time in – every day! And the best part is, the price is right – LOL! If you need even more to keep you busy and you missed STITCH with Lisa Bongean earlier this week, you can always catch the replay by hitting the link below. I showed some Valentine’s day ideas – both old and new projects – perfect to express your love this Valentine’s Day. You don’t want to miss it!

Well everyone, I hope you have a wonderful weekend and manage to keep yourselves out of trouble. On my way out I’d like to give a huge thanks and congratulations to Yvonne S. and Judy Z. for their comments here on the blog last week. Thank you ladies – check your email! You made my day with your lovely comments and I’d love to send you a little something to show my appreciation (please remember that I do not post last names or email addresses for your privacy, so if you think you’re one of the lucky winners this week please be sure to 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. If you think you are a winner but have not received a prize confirmation email, please be sure to check your spam folder – it’s not often but our emails will sometimes end up there)!

If you’d like to be considered for a prize, I’d love it if you won! All you have to do to be eligible is leave me a comment here on the blog and voila! You’re in like Flynn. I would like to remind everyone that if you’re using a “handle” or screen name that is different than your real name, please leave your first name and last initial in your comment so we can include you. That’s all for now folks, I will see you next week. Until then, stay warm and take care stitchers!

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Sewcialites 2 – Block 10 “Flourish”

Good morning, and welcome back to another exciting episode of “Sewcialites 2 Friday!” Today we celebrate Block #10 – “Fourish” by Lori Holt of Bee in My Bonnet Company. Lori grew up as a farm girl in a small town and remembers her childhood as being, “happily immersed in all things domestic” – including stitching! As a child, she spent many hours designing clothes for her dolls, sewing them together, crocheting, and doing embroidery. These days, you’ll find Lori putting her creative foundation to work as a fabric and quilting notions designer for Riley Blake Designs. She also teaches, is the author/designer of several successful quilting books and patterns, and has developed her own yarn collection. Cool!

Lori’s style is inspired by the beauty of the earth, family memories, and the love of God. She finds joy in things like stacks of colorful fabrics, pretty papers, aprons, buttons, embroidery, old dishes, gingham and calico, sprinkles, glitter, and all things vintage (can you relate? I know I sure can). If I had to describe her block “Flourish“ I would say it’s an excellent representation of all of those things because when you look at it, it seems like it has a lot going on! This block is a combination of eight half-square triangles, eight flying geese, and one square in a square. Even though it’s rated as “experienced” on the skills requirement scale, Kim Jolly deemed it, “totally doable.” In other words, don’t panic. It’s not as complicated as it looks, it just has a lot of units. Nothing a little triangle paper won’t fix! Oh, and remember if you need to stock up on triangle paper I have a full selection available in the shop! Click HERE to shop my exclusive Primitive Gatherings Triangle Papers!Busy yet beautiful, “Flourish” leaves the door open for an infinite number of design, color, and fabric combinations. How are you going to handle this one? I’m anxious to see what you come up with for your version of this energetic design, so let’s get at it! You can find everything you need to get started on “Flourish” including the pattern, project instructions, sewing techniques, tips, and advice from Lori Holt on her blog by clicking the button below! 

How are your blocks coming so far? Are you on track or have you fallen behind a little after the holidays? Maybe you haven’t even started at all… Let me know how you’re doing in the comments! If you’ve been following along with my progress so far, you know that I’ve decided to use my Garden Gatherings fabric line for this quilt-along, leaving out the five tans. What do you think so far? Personally, I’m loving it.

For the background I’m using a selection from the Garden Gathering Shirtings Collection, #49176 15 – a cream fabric with an adorable tiny mustard/orange floral print. If you like what you see and need it in your life A.S.A.P. click the button avove to order!

I know some of you are still trying to decide whether or not to participate in Sewcialites 2, and I really think you should. Don’t worry about being behind. One of the best parts of this quilt-along is that you can do it on your time, however your schedule allows – you can join us at any time! Previously released blocks are posted on the Sewcialites 2 Landing Page along with my blog in the Sewcialites 2 Block Archive, which is listed in the main menu of links at the top of the page.

Newly released blocks can always be found on Kim’s blog The Jolly Jabber, along with a video tutorial on her YouTube Livestream the same day. Each designer will also post their own block to either their blog or their website on that day as well. I will also be posting each block release here on MY blog every Friday for your convenience. Fabric requirements and all block patterns will be posted on the Sewcialites 2 Landing Page, which you can access by clicking the link below. If you’d like to get automatic updates on Sewcialites 2 you can subscribe to the blog by signing up in the Email subscription box by visiting the Landing Page, or by subscribing to the YouTube channel by clicking HERE.

I hope you all enjoy keeping up with these quilt-alongs as much as I do. If you haven’t noticed, I don’t like to sit still very often. I love quilt-alongs because they’re fun, supportive, and tend to keep me on track – even if I’m in the middle of 15 other projects! It’s way too easy to start a project with good intentions only to set it aside for another one shortly after. At least with a quilt-along you have your very cheer team encouraging you make progress each week. I love it!

Alright everyone, that’s it for now! I may pop on again later today to talk about a few items we’ve recently added to the website that I’m really excited about – especially since I know a lot of you have been waiting ever so patiently for them. If you’re super curious and haven’t yet seen STITCH with Lisa Bongean this week, you can always catch the replay by hitting the link below. Have a great day and do your best to get some stitching therapy in. Catch you later! ~Lisa

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Are you Crazy for Garden Gatherings? Today is your day!

Happy Tuesday to you! We started out with more snow early this morning but the sun is shining now – even if only for a minute. Apparently, our pal Mother Nature isn’t done yet, since we are supposed to see up to another 15″ of the white stuff in the next couple of days. Plus, it’s COLD! We’re sitting at about 15º right now with windchills at -2º. Tonight we’ll see actual temps dip below zero for the second time already this year, with blizzard conditions heading our way for the rest of the week. I’m not worried though, as I keep saying – bring on the snow! My new skis are officially on order and will take at least a week to be ready to go. It’s actually perfect timing. By next week, temps are supposed to be back in the upper 20s, which is perfect weather for winter sports. I’m really looking forward to getting out there!

December is really whizzing by, isn’t it? I’ve been having a lot of fun with our daily FLASH Sales and really hope you have been able to take advantage. If you missed out on a the awesome deal we had a couple weeks back on my Garden Gatherings fabric line and have been kicking yourself ever since, it’s your lucky day! Due to popular demand I decide to put it on SALE again! Today only take 30% OFF Garden Gatherings pre-cuts and select quilt kits! Quantities of Garden Gatherings Kits are extremely low at this time, so if you see one you really like don’t wait! It’s probably not going to be there for long. Click the button above to see what’s available! You’ll also find the complete selection of available Garden Gatherings pre-cuts along with a few other random specials we decided to throw in as a little bonus for shopping with us. Remember – FLASH Sale details are also posted daily by 6:30 a.m. on both the PG Facebook page and my STITCH Facebook group. You can also find them by visiting our website. Click “NEW ITEMS” and then “FLASH Sale“ to see the daily deal!!!

Well everyone, they’re telling me it’s lunch time so I better go eat before I miss the boat. Have a great day and I will see you LIVE Thursday at 1:00 p.m. CST on my STITCH with Lisa Bongean YouTube channel. I’ll be talking about some end of the year details you don’t want to miss. Click the STITCH button below to watch, and I will see you there! ~Lisa

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