Thursday, January 17, 2013

A Primitive Gathering

I spent a very fun day in a neighboring valley being instructed in all things wool by none other than Lisa Bongean, of Primitive Gatherings. Some of you are smirking now, I'm sure, because I've often  said I would never do wool. What can I say--Lisa designs the most gorgeous and whimsical wool applique patterns, like the one below. I'm hooked (okay, Julie, you can say, "I told you so!", and Karen, I know you are probably smiling to yourself).

This is the fun snowman we stitched today.
It isn't really this dark. I took the photo without a flash because it washed out the details. And we started on this block of stitched words. My goodness, I haven't done embroidery stitches in decades!











The snowman quilt hanging here behind Lisa is the pattern we were using. It also comes in a smaller version, which is one of the kits I have on order. I don't have a wall big enough to hang the larger version.
 The class was a beehive of activity all day.
I didn't get a photo of the mini flower quilt that I also ordered. How did I miss that? Well, Friday night is a dinner and trunk show, so hopefully I will get a photo of it then. It is incredible and I don't know what makes me think I can do it. : )
I did bring home these, because I don't have enough projects and I have all the time in the world.
I attended with a sweet new friend and you can see the two of us here with Lisa at the end of the day.
Lisa is so real and down to earth. What a delight! I enjoyed her no-nonsense approach, her sense of humor, and her teaching methods. The speed with which this woman can do the blanket stitch boggles my mind.
We had the pleasure of her company at our lunch table and enjoyed getting to know her a little bit more.

You can see Lisa's post about the day here. You may recognize a face or two. : )

More to come after the trunk show!
Janet O.





30 comments:

  1. Sounds like you had a great time. Have fun

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  2. No wonder you have been busy. Where was the class?

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  3. Welcome to the "woolie" club, Janet! Isn't it so much fun?

    Can't wait to see our finished project!

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  4. I love wool too! So glad you got to go!

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  5. That looks like so much fun! I love wool appliqué but haven't done too much of it. I do have a collection of wool, however, with plans and patterns - I wish I had as much time as you seem to have! Hee Hee! The snowman is so cute. I don't know if I should even look at the trunk show...

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  6. Looks as if you had a great time at a fun workshop! If you're not overrun by quilt fabric, the wool will fill in any gaps!

    :)

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  7. I knew you would love it! Glad you had a great time and have a new addiction!! Good job shopping, too - you picked some good ones. I have that little pin cushion kit laying here - you would think I could take the time to at least make that!

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  8. cute snowman! what a sweet design. looks like a fun day!

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  9. What a wonderful day! I always look forward to her booth at the Road to Calif. show.

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  10. Lucky you! I saw Lisa's post before coming here. Looking forward to seeing your wooly creations.

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  11. Another wool convert!!! I imagine that class was fantastic!!

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  12. What fun for you - I worked at our new LQS yesterday & those lsnowman kits are ready to go -all tied up with a ribbon (the shop is opening in about a week) agree Lisa does a super job from instructing to preparing kits. She did a workshop at our guild a few years ago & it was the best! And her fabulous shop is only 2 hours away from here.....

    Enjoy your project - it will be a treasure for you filled with good memories!

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  13. Wow Mom! I had no idea you were going to take that class. I am quite surprised that you are getting into wool...but excited for you too. I can't wait to see the projects you churn out!

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  14. What a wonderful experience. In the quilting world, we can never say never! Glad you had a great time. I'm envious of your class.

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  15. As someone else stated - never say never! Your chain stitch embroidery is wonderful! Get buys too!

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  16. Her designs are wonderful and whimsical, I agree! I have bought several of the smaller kits and have a table mat in progress (nearly done!). What a great day you had. You probably know that Lisa's booth at any quilt show is jam packed with shoppers all day long.

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  17. I'm still resisting, but when I see posts like this.....it's Oh so tempting. Looks like you had a great day.

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  18. Those little snowmen are so darned cute!!! Earmuffs!!!! Sweeet!!!

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  19. It's so amusing when we venture into quilting areas that we were once positive would never happen. I've had to eat my words a time or two through the years too, but it's been an enjoyable bite.:)

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  20. Oh you lucky girl! I would love to take a class with her! I've been drooling over that snowman wallhanging for a few months now! I need to just order it!

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  21. Yay! It sounds like you're hooked on wool Janet~! Welcome to the club.... Was your class held at the fire station like usual? I know you'll enjoy the trunk show tonight and I'm looking forward to seeing your pictures!

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  22. Sounds like a really fun day. I bought some wool scraps and a little wool kit to make a pin cushion last year, but haven't touched either. I hope you do better than me - hopefully getting a start in class will help. Lisa does have beautiful designs. Snowmen are so cute!

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  23. How lucky you are. I just love Lisa's patterns. Hugs

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  24. I thought I recognized you on Lisa's blog. And then she talked about the wonderful soaps and I knew it must be you. Have fun with the wool, I haven't taken the plunge yet.

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  25. Janet, I think starting a new project is a great idea!! I have enjoyed using wool and it's nice that you'll be doing it too! Thanks for sharing. Sounds like it was a great day!

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  26. Wool envy here! I'd love to have been in your shoes!

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  27. Oh what fun!!! That wool quilt is amazing - will you have it done by next week LOL!!!

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  28. What a great weekend you've had, a once in a lifetime opportunity! Cute projects you have chosen. Didn't we all start sewing with an embroidery hoop in hand?

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  29. What fun this looked like!! I love playing in wool -- your needle just goes through it so smoothly. Your sweet little patterns are such fun!! Can't wait to see 'em finished up. You're such a pretty lady, Janet! It's a nice shot of the three of you!! :)

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