Saturday, November 21, 2020

 GRAY DAYS IN CENTRAL KENTUCKY

While we know they are short lived, gray, gloomy days are a downer and even more so during these times we are experiencing.  My brother, who lived in Albuquerque, NM, also said to me that he did not understand how we could stand such gloomy days.  That's why he loved NM - he said the sun was always shining.  BUT. . .  my husband loves the four seasons that bless our lives where we live so we muddle through the few times that do not thrill us.

I am struggling with myself whether or not to get the Christmas tree up.  By the time I post this it will probably be in place - lol.  Hubby is really anxious this year so I think I will give in.  I warned him yesterday that we would start putting things away and getting ready to do the same decorations in the same place as we have done in the last 30+ years - LOL.

So, anyway, last week we posted lessons in the Online Mystery Classes. After what seemed like an eternity we were able to finally share the first lesson for our Lovable Llama from Gayla Elliott. We still have 3 people awaiting canvases but I understand that they may be in the mail so fingers crossed for those folks. 

     An aside:  people if you know for sure you want to take a class I suggest you order a

     canvas the minute you make that decision.  The ole 8-10 weeks doesn't work anymore

     during this pandemic.  Just sayin'.

We worked on the backgrounds areas (surprise huh?).  We are doing the sky, mountains and some of the terrain to get this guy setup in his environment.


The gal in Just Add Water from CBK got her swimsuit and some water in the tub.


OTHER ONLINE CLASSES (NON-MYSTERY)

In the meanwhile invoices are being processed for the exclusive and very limited class of the needle felting on needlework class of the sweet Spring Welcome from PLDesigns.  


Last time I checked I think we are down to two full kits.  We have a couple canvases. Email duodesignsinc@yahoo.com for details if you would like to join us. This is a fully kitted class - canvas, threads, beads, roving, etc .

We are in active registration for the wonderful Two by Two from Strictly Christmas


I am really enjoying stitching on this cutie.  As I work on it I am trying to decide if I want to donate it to the children's hospital, Ronald McDonald (one our my Chapter's outreach programs) or the church nursery.  Sorry I don't have the time nor energy to do one for all of them - it is such a happy piece and promises to be packed with techniques and unusual threads that the shops kitting should have for you.

How about a closer look at the giraffe couple?


Email us at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com to get on the notification list. We hope to begin mid-January 2021.

For those of us who love the red-white-and blue we are excited to work on a special train created for us by Raymond Crawford Designs.

When ordering this train be sure to tell the LNS that you want the Engine, Liberty Bell and USA created for Sandy Arthur's class.  The original car has wreaths and is still available we just won't be teaching that one. This class will start mid-March so get those canvases ordered and be sure to sign up for the notification list at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com. If you do not have a LNS and need assistance we have some great shop recommendations that will order you canvases and kit it for you.

NEEDLES 'N FINS STITCHING ADVENTURES

I am beyond excited that some movement is beginning to happen in our upcoming Stitching Cruises.  The Netherlands is well underway and we have over half the number of people we are planning to accommodate.  This will be April 2022. Be sure to speak for your cabin right away in case the riverboat is limiting the number of staterooms they are allowed to have.  Check with thtravel agent Liz at lwolak@vikingtvl.com for more information.

We learned that the International Stitching Cruise from Australia to Hawaii that was scheduled the week after our proposed trip has pulled out and cancelled.  We are also having issues and currently are in the process of rescheduling our Hawaiian Stitching Cruise to October - those of you who are booked should be hearing from the agent soon.  We should have a vaccine by then and hopefully back to a little more normalcy - whatever that is. Stay tuned.

DESIGNS INTRODUCED AT MARKET

If you are interested in our line of painted canvases that are available through the LNS, check out our website - duodesignsinc.com - and look at your leisure.  Your LNS may order them for you - many are currently in stock as we prepare for the next market. Of course, the ones that must be ordered are like all other shop issues - takes a little longer than normal so please be patient.

ETSY SHOP - DuodesignsbySandra

Be sure to check out our Etsy Shop if you are looking for stitch guides.  We update it often and add new ones as we have the opportunity.  Also listed are some surplus items from prior classes that are a one-of-a-kind type deal.

Please stay safe and healthy!  Enjoy Thanksgiving as best you can.  Like many our original plans have been put on hold and it will just be hubby and me (and those feral/sorta cats.)



2 comments:

Brenda's Needlepoint Studio said...

Hi Sandy. When I was a child, my mother always shooed us outside when the weather was sunny. However, when it was rainy, gloomy, etc., she would spend all day with her 5 children--coloring, playing dolls or army trucks, tea parties, crafts, cooking lessons, etc. To this day, I love gloomy days--they give me a warm feeling with hours filled with doing anything I want. And like your husband, I couldn't live without the four seasons and the sense of renewal each one gives.

Hope to someday take one of your stitching cruises. They always look wonderful.

Sandy Arthur said...

I'm so happy this brought wonderful memories for you! We would love to have you on our cruises - we would love to come teach for you as well.
Take care and stay safe and healthy! Thanks again for the comment.