August 2025
I had a wonderful trip to Primitive Gatherings in Larsen, Wisconsin for a class with Jen Kingwell in August.
Primitive Gatherings is a destination in itself worthy of a trip. The Gathering Retreat Center is open, airy and spacious. The rooms include quilts on all the beds and inspiration hangs on every wall. The Primitive Gathering retail store is full of inspiration, kits and treasures located right across the parking lot.
Jen Kingwell is a wonderful instructor who is happy to share all she knows about hand piecing, needle turn appliqué and hand quilting and binding with a facing. We spent a full day on the each section of the class. The four day class focused entirely on hand quilting. There wasn’t a machine in sight. All of the techniques were entirely new to me and were challenging.
Day 1 focused on hand piecing. Learning a quilters knot and taylor’s knot were just the beginning. Jen demonstrated how to piece leaving the seams floating. She doesn’t press anything until the project is complete.
Day 2 turned to appliqué. I was really excited to learn the skills and tips to successfully needle turn appliqué. I have always admired hand appliqué and will be continuing to practice my skills going forward on so many planned projects ahead.
Day 3 moved the class on to hand quilting. New sizes of threads and needles are needed for this experience.
Day 4 was all about finishing and binding. I had thought that the only choice for finishing a quilt was tradition binding. Jen taught a facing technique that is going to change my world and I cannot wait to try on the projects coming back from the long arm.
What a great class! It was so much fun to meet Jen Kingwell and learn so many new techniques while also visiting Primitive Gatherings.
