Nashville Needleworks Adventure.

Another wonderful class has come and gone.  What lovely hosts Lisa and Emily are!  I could not have asked to be treated any better!  Now I ask you, what better way to arrive at class than this?

Lisa Rusche, owner of Nashville Needleworks, buzzed by my hotel to pick me up and whisk me off to breakfast.  Afterwards she popped down that top of the fabulous blue T-bird, put on the Beach Boys, cranked them up (my request) and off we go singing "Daddy Took the T-Bird Away".  Well, Lisa sang, I probably grunted but it was fun anyway.  Breakfast wasn't hardly a block away from the shop and I wouldn't let her stop and so she graciously buzzed it around the block once more for me.  She is such a great hostess!

The girls at the shop, however, were most anxious to get started on their Wizard of Paws canvas.  No, they were actually chomping at the bit!  It is such a delight to work with eager students and people that enjoy what they are working on and happy to be where they are.  Needless to say, felting was a huge hit!  I don't think Lisa had any idea what she was in for!  I know she must have been happy with the orders for felting tools and supplies when all was said and done.

Those interested in taking this class can still participate by attending the upcoming seminar hosted by Blue Bonnet Studios.  Check out the details at their website https://www.bluebonnetstudio.com/store/skuBB401-15.

The gals had a surprise visitor on Saturday.  Juli Poitras of JP Needlepoint had warned me that she was in town and that she'd like to come over to my class and visit while there, which she did.  It was a fun visit, with her and hubby, although far too brief for me because I had to work - - - - She shared her owl designs for everyone to see and they fell in love with 'queen.'

I am currently writing the stitch guide for her on the great Black Beak Hooter!

Even Black Beak has some needle felting!

On the second day some students brought in other canvases to get suggestions for utilizing their new needle felting on needlepoint canvas skills.  Such really cute things - we talked about bunnies,  lions and tigers,  oh my.

On the last day we worked on different beading techniques - when we could keep the beads off the floor that is.  Some discovered how great the Bead Master bead mats truly are! We started to get a little bunch drunk in the afternoon and the giddies started in.  Too much fun!  With 13 pumpkins to deal with we had several stitches to cover.  Some were familiar and some not so familiar.  The familiar stitches were pushed to the edge by inserting them into difficult situations for compensating stitches. But we got through them all and lost 'narry' (that means none in WV lingo) a student. Physically that is - I can't say about mentally!

We had such a grand time at Lisa's and those who had to miss and partake through ghosting missed a lot of fun.  I had a blast and I surely hope all had a wonderful experience! Thank you all - Vicki, Deby, Connie, Linda, Mary Fran, Amy and Denise (phew I think I got it).

And a special thanks again to Lisa and Emily for their hospitality!  Great memories!

Until next time - remember to stitch with a smile!

Sandy

NASHVILLE NEEDLEWORKS ON THE HORIZON WITH WIZARD OF PAWS!

Gosh, it can't be end of September already!  The good thing about that is that it is time for me to head for Nashville to teach (play) with Brenda Stofft's wonderful canvas of Black Cat with Heirloom Pumpkins, which I have dubbed the Wizard of Paws!

I don't normally drive further than three hours but my husband expressed an interest in maybe going with me so the decision to drive.  However, as time has gotten closer, like this week! he decided that he would really prefer to stay home, but he would drive me if I really wanted him to, etc., etc., etc., - in other words - he didn't want to go but would not say it.

Friends to the rescue.  I messaged a friend and asked her what she was doing and was she up to running away to Nashville with me to be totally abandoned while I teach.  She was up for it and said she needed to get away from the house for a few days - providing hubby would puppy sit - which he jumped on immediately.  Other than my prior pets, these are some of the sweetest babies you would ever want to be around and they will keep him company.

So my to do list before I leave in the morning:

*Kit two classes for Houston and get them shipped! (still waiting for a thread that I pray is in the morning mail): includes bagging beads, beads, and more beads.
*Print and package 70 stitch guides for shipping to class.
*Ship off EGA National Seminar class pieces.
*Finishing touches on a commissioned model and stitch guide (which might have to happen in the auto)
*Dr. appt concerning possible upcoming hip replacement (now when am I going to have time for that???)
*Hair cut
*Pack for Nashville
*Review slides and class notes

Oh, did I mention that I would like to stitch on commissioned other models and work on stitch guides?

I love it!  It is such a joy to be able to work at something you have a passion for.  That doesn't mean it is not work and that doesn't mean that it doesn't get frustrating and stressful at times, it just means that at least you love what you are doing and don't dread going to work each morning.

Okay, enough of this - I could have bagged 20 sets of beads in this time.

Stay tuned for Mod Ornaments update.  It is such an exciting Mystery Class!

Till next time, stitch with a smile!

Sandy

LAST DAY TO REGISTER FOR MOD ORNAMENTS MYSTERY online class! WOOO!  HOOO!

That time really did fly.  The response to this class is absolutely mind blowing!  I am so thrilled to have so many joining me for this adventure.  You can still join us by contacting me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com and let me know you want to participate.

If you think you are registered and if you have not received an invitation to join the Yahoo Discussion Group for the Mod Ornaments Mystery, please contact me.  It might mean that you are not registered for the class either!  I am so afraid some might have slipped through the cracks with all this activity.  Also, many of you said I want take, or I am taking, etc., etc., and I cannot use that as a commitment.  You must actually email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com and tell me you want to participate.

This may well be the last time you see my canvas without any stitching on it! And, I can hardly wait!

While the canvas is a scrumptious hot pink, lime green, orange, light blue, etc., and the threads are going to be so fun to embellish and bring this design to life, I will also be providing a more traditional color way for those who wish to use reds and greens instead.  But never fear, these colors will also have lots of bling and fun too.

So, registration will CLOSE AT MIDNIGHT EST TONIGHT, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15!

                                                           H     U     R     R     Y      !


Sandy

ONLY 7 DAYS LEFT TO REGISTER!  

Registration for the online MOD ORNAMENTS MYSTERY CLASS will be closing in just 7 days.  Be sure to get registered so that you will have time to get your painted canvas before the class starts.

Once registration closes things will really start hoping!  The materials list will be released shortly after closing registration.  Shortly after that I will be able to provide contacts for where complete thread kits may be ordered is you so desire.

The Yahoo Discussion Group continues to grow.  It is not mandatory to belong to the Discussion Group in order to participate in the class.  Invoices and lessons are all exchanged outside Yahoo.  The Group is fun, however, as we learn a little about each other and see all the areas of interest that are expressed. We share different approaches to the lesson and provide support to each other through the process.

Please don't let this opportunity to enjoy a fun project in the comfort of your own home pass you by!  Join today while it is fresh on your mind.

Remember to stitch with a smile!

Sandy

COUNTDOWN - 12 days left for Registration

Mercy!  Can it already be mid-September (I actually typed August and had to backtrack - lol).  So it is, so it is.

Okay so we have 12 days left to accept Registration for the fantastic Mod Ornaments Mystery class.  Get on board while you can and get that canvas ordered.

Just look at this!  My goodness there are all kinds of possibilities lurking on this piece of canvas!  And...you can bet there will be lots of bling.

For those of you not into the  hot pinks and lime greens, I will be offering an alternate color way for the traditional holiday colors of greens, reds, purples, blues, golds, etc.

So, just send me an email telling me you'd like to participate and we'll get you registered right away.  Scroll on down and read earlier posts about the class.  It is made up of 6 monthly lessons posted at $25 each.  There is a Yahoo discussion group if you would like to participate as a member.  Individual invoices will be emailed monthly. Lessons will be emailed to you individually.

Would love to have you join us!

Sandy