Retreat…

Name Tags and Room Key

I arrived safely at the Primitive Gatherings Retreat House Monday afternoon. Upon check-in, I was handed my name tags for the week, and my room key. I grabbed my luggage and turned down the hall to the guest rooms. 

Hallway To The Guest Rooms

Above each guest room hangs a quilt block sign. There’s also a room number, but it’s easy enough to just match your key fob to the sign above your door. (We’re the last room on the left, next to the beautiful, big dresser.)

My Bed Is Next To The Window

Once inside the room, we found comfortable beds, covered in vintage quilts (which are all for sale. Prices are on the back of each entry door.) Our room looks out over a small pond, the chicken coop, the resident sheep (Sundrop and Soda Pop), and the site of the cafeteria chef’s future garden. You can see my “swag bag” on my bed.

My Guest Gifts

Inside my bag I found a wool sheep pincushion, a pattern exclusive to Retreat House guests, a roll of wool pieces, a quilt-themed spiral notebook, a PG 2022 patch and keychain, and a ball of Valdani thread. There was also a gift certificate to spend in the shop. (I’d show it to you, but I spent it on wool already.)

Lisa Bongean During Show & Tell

Regularly scheduled Sit & Stitch was yesterday, so there were 49 people attending. We got to see what everyone was working on, and got to meet new people. I worked on the lavender corners on my Everlasting quilt. 

My Lavender Embroidery

It’s not complete yet, but taking a picture to share shows me where I need to do a little more work. I know I won’t finish the quilt top before I leave on Thursday, but I’m going to do my best. More photos tomorrow.

Sewcial Sisters Retreat...

Primitive Gatherings Retreat House

I promised to tell you about the retreat I'll be attending next week. I'll leave on Monday for Larsen, WI to join some of the Sewcial Sisters for three days.

I'll be rooming with Kathy D. at Primitive Gatherings' Retreat House. I haven't seen the guest rooms yet, but I promise I'll take photos while I'm there! The reservations include three meals a day, morning coffee (yay), a swag bag with as yet unknown goodies, and three days of fun with the Sewcial Sisters.

I'm really looking forward to it, and promise that I'll take you along on the trip. I'll share updates while I'm away so you don't miss a thing.

My "Everlasting" Quilt Top - So Far

I'm definitely packing this project, and will be working on finishing the embroideries in the outside border while I'm away. I'll likely pack a few other things in case I need a break from this. I'll share project photos while I'm there, too.

I'm going to spend this weekend choosing my attire, pulling projects and packing all my essentials for my getaway. Handsome has reluctantly agreed to make sure the Barn Girls and Leo have fresh water and food every day while I'm away, and I know Tag and the Labrador Ladies will be well-cared for, too. Handsome was completely self-sufficient before I married him, so I know he'll be happy to have a little time to himself, as well.

It snowed on and off all day yesterday, and frankly, I'm so tired of white stuff - even if it quickly melts away. I'm ready for spring and so are the tulips that have already popped out of the ground in the kitchen garden. I'm itching to get the flower beds cleaned out, but I'm waiting until the cold is gone so the little bugs and critters that might be resting under the leafy debris aren't displaced into the elements. I'm hoping that by Easter, or soon after, we'll be able to look forward to more time outdoors. In the meantime, I'm going to finish up a few projects next week, and get myself ready for gardening again.

Thanks for all your comments about seeing my progress photos and posts as I work on my embroideries or other projects. I really appreciate your kind words, and will continue to give you updates on small accomplishments as they come. For now, I'm anxious to get to Larsen and play with my friends. 

In the meantime, enjoy your weekend. I hope you have better weather where you are. If you're in the same boat as we are, you have my sympathy. Let's cross our fingers together that warm weather is just around the corner.

It Was A Very Good Day...

Working On A Heart

I drove up to Primitive Gatherings yesterday for Sit and Stitch. It was my first peek at the new Retreat Center, and I was impressed. The common areas were bright and inviting, and there was plenty of room for sewing machines, pressing stations, cutting stations, sitting, eating and (although I haven't seen them yet) sleeping quarters for overnight guests.

Not only was there a coffee and muffin to greet me when I arrived, we were also served a lunch of chili or veggie beef soup, a large and fully stocked salad bar, homemade potato chips/dips, and ice cream sundaes for dessert.

Stitching With My Girlfriends, Kathy D. and Jean

Of course, I sat with Kathy and our Sewcial Sister, Jean. I started and got this far on a new piece that will be in my booth at the Craft and Vendor Show in a short ten days, and made lots of mental notes about what I have yet to create in the upcoming days. This isn't finished yet, but I'll finish it in the evenings, as I'm choosing to sew during the day.

The next Sit & Stitch will be on November 23rd (after the show), and I'm looking forward to going again. It's well worth the $25/date. If you're in Wisconsin and would like to attend, you can contact Jenny S. at the Retreat Center - (920) 778-8031 - to reserve your spot or get more information.

I'm in the studio today. You know the drill. I thrive under pressure. (I'm going to just keep repeating that as I work toward my deadline.)