OOPS! Missed my Saturday post!  Too much going on.

Okay here are a few highlights  -

ANG National Seminar - August - Kansas City, MO

Yep it happened!  The f2f seminar has been canceled!  So so many were looking forward to this event.  It was going to be my first f2f in quite some time.  Oh well!  It is what it is.  What that does mean, however, it that they will do the Seminar virtually as they did last year.  This affords the opportunity to those who could not travel to be able to sight up for and participate in classes.  So go have a look and get those registrations in place,  We would love to have you n our classes.  In addition to the online setup of our classes we personally plan to do one zoom type class at the beginning to introduce ourselves and get a general feel of how things will go.  Then we plan to have another at the end so final questions may be asked and instructions clarified.

Online Mystery Classes

This weekend we posted the second session for the Engine of Raymond Crawford's American Train.

So next on the agenda will be the first session of the middle car known as the Liberty Bell.

Needles 'n Fins Stitching Adventures

Little by little travel restrictions are easing and some are being lifted.  Interest is building in oiur upcoming Hawaiian Island Hopping Stitching Cruise as well as the Tulip Time on the Rhine for 2022.  We'll keep a close watch and fingers crossed!

For those who celebrate Happy Easter!  Please stay safe!

 AND THE FORECAST IS . . . . 

What a week!  One night so cold need a fire in fireplace.  One day raining just enough to keep outside work at bay. Another day so balmy and beautiful you think it is summer instead of spring.  Then another day comes along with thunder, lightning, torrential rains, etc., etc.  You get the picture.

During all these ups and downs with weather we managed to be very productive however. We are using our pandemic isolation and not-so-good weather as a time to polish off some of the Pocketbook Series work-in-progress books that have been in the making for quite some time.  I am so glad to be able to take these books to their final steps after they have been sitting and waiting for my final push. This week we have sent off another one of the Series to our printer.  I can't wait for you to see it.  Shops are placing their pre-orders as I sit and write this.  Be sure to check with your LNS and get your name on the list to receive one of the first.  

But, you say, what is the next Pocketbook Series about?  Are you ready?  Let me introduce you to Beards Mustaches and Such.

This 50+ page Pocketbook will entertain you for a bit.  It introduces new approaches to many traditional standards and suggests testing some of the new threads that are continually being added. All stitches are diagrammed and most, if not all, stitches have a stitched sample provided alongside the description. Some favorite tools are also showcased.  So don't miss the boat!  Contact your LNS now!  Many are taking pre-orders.  Delivery is expected between 4-8 weeks.

ANG Seminar 2021 - St Louis - in person

Plans are moving forward for in person classes and events at the annual ANG Seminar for this year at Kansas City, MO.  Registration is open!  Check out all the wonderful classes being offered.  As stated before I am fortunate to be offering 3 classes for your pleasure.

Heloise Hooty: One of Heloise's attractions is the needle felting technique and the plethora of stitches used throughout this 2-day class.

Vessels: This is one of my favorites because it provides lots of room to use a particular stitch; helps analyze shading and play with different threads in the 2-days of class.

Conventional Techniques: Then we have a little fun class that is a bit out of the box that is called Conventional Techniques using Unconventional Resources.  This is a 1-day bit of fun for all levels.

We hope to see you in one or all of our classes!

NEEDLES 'N FINS STITCHING ADVENTURES

This week we learned that our Hawaiian Island Hopping Stitching Cruise is still on forward mode!  NCL (the cruise line) has posted that they plan to begin sailing in June.  Isn't that wonderful?  We don't sail until late September-early October so lots of times to work out any bugs if they have any.  We're sharing brochures with those who ask so just email us at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com if you'd like to us email one to you.

OK I am in the throes of a mountain of stitch guides so I best get back at it.  Please stay safe - - -

 JUST A FEW DAYS

And we start a new project!  American Train by Raymond Crawford.  Everyone who has paid their invoice has been sent an invitation to join the secret group.  If you did not get yours please contact me via email right away - duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.

Our next f2f class will be in Cape Cod - I know, pitiful that I must suffer through such torture!  NOT!  The class was filled within a couple of hours of her announcement.

NEW F2F Adventure:

We will be returning to Osterville Needlepoint on Cape Cod this June!  I am so excited to be able to do an in-person class again!  Look at all these designs - what a plethora  of projects.

NEEDLES 'N FINS STITCHING ADVENTURES  - join group now!

It is so nice to see numbers going down around the country and the world.  This decrease is resulting in an increase of interest in upcoming cruises.  Brochures are being shared as people ask for them.  We are optimistically looking forward to our upcoming Hawaiian Island Hoping Stitching Cruise - September 30 through October 9, 2021.  

What a fun way to remember our adventure - the signs document our stops during our stitching breaks.

This is a little clip from the exclusive add-on optional class  with full kit.  

Until next time . . . stay safe.

 Beautiful Day but Cold

If you haven't deduced by now that I do not like cold weather then what can I say? The good thing is that the sun is shining and it is truly a lovely day in Central Kentucky!  Can't complain for that. I had hoped to work in the barn some but decided it is too cold for me so will have to wait until later in the week I guess.

POCKETBOOKS

I am so thrilled with the acceptance that we are experiencing for our new Pocketbooks.  Leaping Thru Leaves and Stitching With Stars have fit in well with their predecessor Can Do Hairdos.  Some shops are offering packet discounts if you buy all 3 at one time.  Something to consider.

This shutdown has really pushed me to get these down off the shelf and into the shops.  I have had these books for ages and just need to tweek here and there.  I can't wait to share the next one with you!  I think you will really like it.  In fact there are two that just need some sprucing here and there.  Unfortunately I must take care of other business and can't work on them as much as I would like.  But it gives us something to look forward to.

Online Mystery Classes

Work continues on the upcoming lessons and classes.  Students have been sharing pics of their borders for Two by Two from Strictly Christmas so progress is being achieved there.  We start sharing animals next lesson.

Registration is still open for the American Train series from Raymond Crawford.

Email us at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com for details if you would like to join us! 

ETSY SHOP - duodesignsbySandra

We added a couple of surplus canvases to our items in the shop.  Stop by - might see something you'd like to have.  The shop is primarily stitch guides but occasionally we have some extra items left from class kits - I get over zealous sometimes!

Don't have too much going on right now except - - - working on taxes!  Always a chore!  Until next time stay safe!

 CANVASES ARE IN - YAY!

If you are waiting for the canvas for Two by Two from Strictly Christmas, I understand that have been received from the painters!  Shops that have ordered will be sent theirs right away.  If you have not yet ordered your canvas be sure to check with your LNS to get yours.

Here's some of the cuteness to be had in the class.

If you would like to join us just email us at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com. We've on worked some of the background so far - no animals.

Next: Our first lesson will be posted mid-March for the Raymond Crawford American Train Series.

Still time to join that one.  Just email us at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com for more information. Canvases are available and threads kits have been ordered for those who need assistance.  

POCKETBOOK SERIES

Books were put in the mail to those shops who preordered the latest POCKETBOOK Series edition Stitching with Stars.

This book is a real beauty!  I love her cover!  Check with your LNS to get your copy before they are gone!

While you are at it - do you have your Pocketbook Packet?  You don't want to miss out.

Have you registered for your ANG Seminar classes ?  Seminar is in Kansas City, MO August 6-13, 2021.  Come join the fun! A wide diversity of classes for you to choose from.  Go to needlepoint.org and get all the details including registration forms.  Hope to see you there -  btw I'm teaching 3 classes!

Stay safe!

 

COVID VACCINATIONS

I'm getting closer!  Next week I get my second Covid vaccine!  I'm very excited to get this done!  Hubby has both his.  Our son received his first one this past week.,

ONLINE MYSTERY CLASSES, ETC.

We posted our mid-month classes this past week.  Always so fun and they come around much too quickly.

We finally got to start the Two by Two canvas from Strictly Christmas.

The first session involved the border, the sky and the rainbow!.  Next up we will start playing with the characters - over 15!

In Spring Welcome from PLDesigns, we finished the needle felting technique to cover our bunny.

Everyone seems to be really enjoying the felting process.  I tried something new for me. I offered a Zoom meeting providing the opportunity for participants to discuss any issues they might have.  Good idea.  Problem was I'm not too good at Zoom.  I pretested and everything was great.  The minute the meeting went live, however, I could not get the mic to work, etc,.  Eventually we were able to communicate - but not before I became totally frustrated with my inefficiency with techy stuff! I have very little patience with stuff like this.

Next up we will add the finishing touches to the bunny and other stumpwork areas.  Stay tuned.

Lovable Llama 'grew' fur this lesson.

I was having so much fun on this guy that I had to make myself quit adding more and more fur.  Isn't it wonderful? ! ?

We are preparing our upcoming new class - American Train by Raymond Crawford.  This 6 session project begins mid-March.  The 6-lesson packet is $175.

The first two sessions will cover the Engine.  Each canvas will be covered in 2 sessions.  Sessions are planned to be shared every couple weeks - basically 2 a month.

To join the class just email us at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.  Canvases are in stock and ready to be sent out right away.   

BOOKS

We introduced our new book Stitching with Stars to shop owners last week for preordering.

Diagrams and many photos are packed into this little guy.  We have a guest star provided by the one and only Amy Bunger too!  Love it!

The preorders are going great and well above expectations. Contact your Local Needlepoint Shop and get your name on the list to receive one of the first books distributed! 

The two other 'siblings' of the Pocketbook Series are also joining the shipping with this new introduction.  Many want to make sure they have all three. They are great to have and not too burdensome to carry around.  

ANG SEMINAR - KANSAS CITY

If you have not already done so be sure to check out the classes being hosted by ANG for the upcoming Seminar in Kansas City, MO.  Go have a look at needlepoint.org - there you will find the forms needed to sign up, individual descriptions of all the classes being offered, and lodging information.  We would be delighted to have you in one of our three classes!

Space is limited so be sure to sign up early.

The Vessels from The Art Needlepoint

I love the design space that allows students the room to become comfortable with the technique being shared.

HANDPAINTED CANVASES

Many of you may not be aware that Duo Designs, Inc. introduced a line of hand painted canvases at a recent Trade Show.  You may see what we have to offer at our website duodesignsinc.com.  Have a look and if you find something you would like contact your local needlepoint shop or pick one from the list of retail shops provided on our website.  They will be happy to assist you with your next project selection.

ETSY SHOP - DuoDesignsbySandra

Check out our Etsy Shop for stitch guides and surplus class items,  A few canvases left over from classes are listed in the shop. I seem to manage to always over stock.  I don't like to disappoint my students if possible.

Please stay safe and warm.  Wishing we return to some normalcy before too much longer.

 WINTER TIME IN CENTRAL KENTUCKY

We are having a frigid wave!  Mercy!  And I do NOT like cold.  Our wonderful fireplace has been placed in turbo mode.  We've had a fire almost every day for the past week! Love them. Ice is extremely dangerous and we cannot walk outside - even with the area salted.  We have large broken tree branches blocking our driveway but fortunately we do not need to get out.  This is supposed to remain for several more days - tomorrow prediction shows 9 degrees!  WOW!  But the cold weather will soon pass and spring is just around the corner.

POCKETBOOK SERIES 

We are thrilled to release a third book in our Pocketbook Series.  Stitching With Stars will hit the shop shelves mid-March.  

Here's a sneak peek of one of the pages in the book.  

Shops have been preordering. Check with your LNS and make sure you have your name on the upcoming shipments.

ONLINE CLASSES

Speaking of Spring, Spring Welcome has been so much fun.  This coming week we will be working more on the needle felting portion of the design.  Students are enjoying their first try at needle felting.

In Lovable Llama we'll be giving him lots of fur.  This is such fun!

Can a Llama have too much fun hair?

We are all geared up to begin our new classes soon.

Our class beginning Monday is the first of 8 sessions on the wonderful Two By Two from Strictly Christmas.

I have really enjoyed stitching on this piece.  So many interesting threads are suggested for you to play with.  I can't wait to share.  Look at this cute pair of birdies - just 2 among the 15 characters in this fabulous piece!

The American Train by Raymond Crawford is going to be another great stitch.  I have added a little optional challenge for those who want to give it a try.  Registration is open.

Still plenty of time to register for both these classes.  Just email us at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.

Needles 'N Fins Stitching Adventures

We all are getting the cabin fever pretty bad.  However, things are looking up.  Reservations for our Hawaiian Island Hopping Stitching Cruise appears promising on the horizon.

We have lots to take in on this adventure and it is in one of our very own states!  See all those dots on the islands?

How about the optional class kit?  If you notice all those dots are represented in some way on the souvenir design.

Check in with our agent Russ Dunlap at russ@platinumtvl.com for travel details.  You may request your own personal brochure if you wish.  We'd love to have you join us.  September 30 thru October 9, 2021!

On another front . . . 

Hubby has had his second Covid vaccine and I am scheduled to have my second one next week!  Woo Hoo.  The numbers in Kentucky are going down so that is very encouraging.

Enjoy the weekend and please stay safe and warm (if applicable).