Primitives
Selfie in-front of Primitive Gatherings in Larson, WI
Sometime during the pandemic I was watching Fat Quarter Shop live videos featured on Fridays with Kimberly Jolly. Once in a blue moon I would keep hearing her mention Lisa Bongean when ever referring to her starching method of fabric. Until one day, I did some research and found out that Lisa was from Wisconsin and had a shop here as well. Then there was mention that Lisa was moving her business (not too far away from their original location) to create a very large store/warehouse and a retreat center. All during the Pandemic…which was quite an accomplishment.
So here we are, taking a trip up to Appleton and decided to take my EV out into the boonies of the Fox Cities area and venture into Larson, WI.
It’s kind of crazy, cause I’ve heard that retreat attendees say that it’s fairly remote so you can focus on your projects and keep connected with other quilt artists. But there is a Dollar General down the street if you need a snack or a change of scenery. LOL….
What an amazing campus! I’m going to call it a campus, cause it’s an entity all on its own. They even have a Bernina dealer owned by the family right next door to the quilt shop. Her son’s run that part of the biz.
the vintage truck adds to the ambience of the scene outside the store/warehouse. I noticed some retreat attendees placing their finished quilt projects on the back on the truck and taking photos. Very cleaver branding!
This is the side view of the warehouse/store/dealer center. It’s really quite massive! It’s so creatively landscaped and it’s fun to explore around the campus.
I did go into the store, but didn’t want to take any photos out of respect of the owner. Lisa Bongean is a quilt pattern designer as well as a Moda Fabric designer. Most of the projects on the wall and through out the space is her work. Without having permission, I didn’t want to take interior photos and accidentally show one of her quilt patterns. So please visit their website to see what this amazing store looks like from within! Also, check out her patterns! They are one of kind creations.
Primitive Gatherings Retreat Center
The retreat center is just to the left of the main building. Retreats can include lodging and meals. Check out the website above to see the retreat details. I’ve had some quilt shop owner friends of mine that have attended retreats here and loved it! The fact that this building includes lodging is incredible!
Well, if you are ever in the Green Bay, Appleton, Neenah, Oshkosh area, this is a must see! It’s not my most favorite quilt shop, since it doesn’t represent my quilt design aesthetic, but I am fond of her quilt/project patterns and would absolutely love to attend a quilt retreat here someday. Thank you Lisa for making your dream a reality! It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you just believe in what you do.
What quilt shops have you been to that intrigued you? Please share in the comments below. Or just say hi!
Hugs,
Scott - The Quilting Camper