HAPPY NEW YEAR - 2020!

We have been blessed with another promising New Year.  May your year be filled with good health and lots of love!  Don't sweat the small stuff!  Life is too short.

During this brief posting we are going to share with you some of our various ways of communicating with fellow stitchers.

Etsy Shop:  duodesignsbySandra     
                   https://www.etsy.com/shop/DuoDesignsBySANDRA?ref=search_shop_redirect

One thing that most of you may not know about is our Etsy Shop.  duodesignsbySandra.  In this shop you will find our Stitch Guides that are to be instantly downloaded by the buyer.  Little by little we are getting them added.  Most stitch guides are needlepoint but we are starting to include some of the cross-stitch charts.

The other thing found in our Etsy Shop is the surplus items from various hosted classes.  These can be extra kits from f2f classes or online classes, canvases and embellishments.  If listed as a kit they are generally a full kit.  If a thread or two is missing from the kit the description will state so.

Finally we tend to post some items that are our preference in various stitch guides but most needlepoint shops do not carry as the demand may be low and the minimum requirement for stocking is high.  A good example of this is the wonderful roving by Clover - much better quality than the local hobby shops tend to carry.

Needles 'n Fins Stitching Adventures

This is a secret Facebook page that you request to join.  It is secret because we do not force ourselves into your computer without your wanting us to be there.  This group is a catch all of persons who share our interest for stitching and cruising at the same time. We discuss upcoming trips and get feedback from participants who share some of their experiences along the way.  We are always open to suggestions for trips that would interest the group.  We generally strive to keep our groups relatively small - 50 or less.  We enjoy the intimacy of the lower number and smaller vessels.  Some areas - those that move beyond our normal river cruises - require a slightly larger ship.  We no longer teach on the larger ocean going vessels however.  First we're not crazy about the possibility of rough waters and second we like being able to walk down the hall and see a familiar face. The Mediterranean cruise required a slightly larger ship and the Hawaiian adventure will require a larger ship - still much smaller than the ocean mega ships.

Simply send us an email at duodesignsinc@yahoo and request to join this group if you would like to follow along

Blog:  sandyarthur.blogspot.com

Of course you know about the blog if you are reading this.  It is suggested that you follow or join or whatever it is that FB requires you to do to see what we are up to.  Here I just chat a bit with you.  I try to keep you posted of all our stitching shenanigans.  Mostly cover the Online Mystery Classes and lessons and talk about the stitching travels. I also make an effort to share with you various deadlines and registrations of places where we will be teaching face-to-face classes (f2f for short version).

We do not try to represent ourselves as being the all knowing source of information.  While I am a certified Senior Master Teacher of Needlepoint through American Needlepoint Guild all I want to do is share with you how I interpret doing things or my view and sometimes opinion of some technique, practice, etc.  We break some rules sometimes but I try to make sure you know the rules you are breaking.  That way if anyone ever calls your hand on the way you do something you can always say 'yes, I know that blah blah is the proper way to do blah blah but I chose to do it this way.'

PAY IT FORWARD - Freebie stitches

Next week we begin our first installment of the weekly post of a stitch that can be incorporated into the hearts sampler.  Hearts from A to Z is set up as a sampler and has been taught at various venues.  After the initial first week of getting the canvas ready and gathering supplies we will begin posting a new stitch each week for 26 weeks - plus an extra at the end.  There is no charge for this adventure.  Just visit the blog and download the chart.  Remember this is copyrighted material and we ask that you respect the rules of copyright.  Enjoy for your own personal benefit.  Tell friends to come follow the blog and they too can have their very own copies.

Thank you all for sharing my journey through my stitching adventures and I cherish you all!  Never hesitate to ask questions.  That is how we all learn.

HAPPY NEW YEAR to you and yours.

CHRISTMAS TIME'S A'COMIN'!

Oh my!  Only 4 more days until Christmas. Time - I'm always amazed!

ONLINE MYSTERY CLASSES

This is the last of the classes for 2019.  Unbelievable.  I try to slow things down in November and December and I did a pretty good job this year.  I only had one session to post for this month.

Just a Sip got the chandelier embellished this session.  Ooo those tiny hex beads!

Such a shame that I cannot manipulate the camera properly to show off the bling in this piece.  There is sparkly Kreinik braid, Petite Facets, hex beads and crystals!  Oh my!

Next month will be the final lesson for this design.  We'll do the wine table and bottle of wine, the rub and house slippers.

Also next month we will be introducing the first class for 2020 - At The Seashore a Sandra Gilmore design.

Registration is active for Fall Welcome Wreath with Scarecros and the Kissmas Eve classes. Just email us at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.

PAY IT FORWARD!  Hearts A to Z Sampler

And, of course, we begin discussing the Pay it Forward project - Hearts A to Z - a sampler of stitches.

NEEDLES 'N FINS STITCHING ADVENTURES  - private Facebook Page 

We encourage you to follow our private Facebook Page Needles 'N Fins Stitching Adventures if you have travel interest.  Several things make these wonderful adventures rather unique to our company.  First we seek out needleworkers - Needlepointers, cross-stitchers, quilters, leaders, knitters, crocheters, macramé's, sewers, anything involving creativity that we can carry with us..  Those who share a passion of needlework are instant friends. Second while our main emphasis is riverboat cruising we sometimes must venture outside the box to get to our destinations.  The riverboats are small and intimate and very friendly to those with motion issues.  The Mediterranean required a larger ship but not too large.  If I recall it was around 620 people.  Riverboats are less than 200 for the most part.  When we do Hawaii we will need to a larger ship even still.  This one is around 2200 or somewhere around there.  And I think Alaska may be larger yet.  But those are unique trips and while not our focus occasionally appeal to us.  Another strong appeal to this type adventure is we are able to keep the number of participants to a manageable size.  We can all become friends if we desire and we can all share our stitching time together while not exploring the new areas we are visiting.  So join up and keep up with what we are up too.  You may want to come along.  Our next adventure Tulip Time Along the Rhine is sold out so you'll need to watch for the next one - Hopping the Hawaiian Islands April 2021.

Registration for the Optional Class and Kit - Windmill and Tulips is in process.  Email us at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com if you would like to reserve your kit.  You must be registered as a stitcher to  be eligible to participate. Email us at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com for details or scroll older posts.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

We celebrate Christmas in our home.  We wish to all of you many blessings, good health, lots of love and a wonderful holiday no matter what way you choose to celebrate.  May you be surrounded by family and friends creating memories to cherish.  We pray for those less fortunate and ask that our wonderful troops be watched over and protected as they sacrifice on our behalf.  

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

MUCH, MUCH GOING ON!

Isn't it amazing how busy the holiday seasons become!  No matter how much ahead you plan or how prepared you think you are, boom!  It is upon you before you know it! Next thing you know we'll be preparing our taxes.  UGH!  I did not just say that.

I just found a surprise.  Someone posted about where they were on the Top 50 Blogs so I went to look.  Didn't even know there was such a thing. Hey!  Look what I found! This was a fun, unexpected and exciting find!  We made the list!

34. Sandy Arthur | Needlepoint blog

About Blog A blog about needlepoint for a wealth of free needlepoint patterns. Advice, tips and tutorials, for beginners to experienced needlepoint fans.
Frequency 1 post / week
Blog sandyarthur.blogspot.com
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Great surprise.  I have no idea how this is determined but I'll take it! So if you are in position where you can do so be sure to subscribe to the newsletter  - I take it that's the way they determine where you rank unless you see some place that asks for input.   Thanks to everyone for your support!

NEEDLES 'N FINS STITCHING ADVENTURES

This private Facebook page is used to discuss and share ideas for upcoming stitching cruises hosted by Duo Designs.  We primarily go on riverboats as that is our favorite laid back way of traveling.  Occasionally we must move up to a bit of a larger boat depending on our destination.  Hawaii Cruise will be one of those destination.  There is only one cruise line that does the Hawaiian Island Hopping cruise that we desire to host.  We are in the planning stages for our trip and currently negotiating  with agents to secure a contract.  Our target date is mid-April 2021.  Block that on your calendar! You don't want to miss out on the fun.

Our last few cruises have sold out - for which we are grateful.  We deliberately try to keep our numbers around 50 or less.  We like the intimacy and we like the freedom to be able to give stitching time with each of you as you need and ask for it.  If you are seriously considering playing with us please try to make plans and reservations early.  I am always saddened when someone cannot join us because they waited too long and there was no room at the inn.  

We are heavily into preparations for our upcoming Tulip Time on the Rhine stitching cruise that will take place in April 2020. We have so much fun on these adventures.

                  NOTICE:  We only have 1 spot left on this cruise.  If you want to join us
                                    and need a roommate, Dec. 19 is the deadline.  We have the roommate.
                                    Contact us right away or we will have to sail without you!  Oh No.  Liz
                                    is lwolak@vikingtvl.com and we are duodesignsinc@yahoo.com

I so love our exclusive design for this trip.  What more could you expect other than windmills and tulips when beginning a cruise in The Netherlands.  Only those cruisers registered as stitchers may sign up for and purchase this optional class. There will be structured class times to work on this design.  There are also other times set aside to work with those who bring items from their stash and want assistance with those.  We are there to assist you.  We work with questions such as what thread is suggested, how about a color, is there a stitch that might work better in an area than another one, etc. With our class sizes everyone is able to benefit from the instructions being given to whomever.  We always suggest that people bring a doodle cloth in case there is a stitch being discussed with someone else that they would like to try out. Some even email us a picture of a design and point out a problem area that they might like for us to assist.  So this is the exclusive design for our cruise participants.  It will not be available commercially until several months after the cruise.

Windmill and Tulips

FREE ONLINE CLASS FOR BLOG FOLLOWERS

Yes, you are reading that correctly. Last week we announced that we would be sharing an online project with our followers.  This is our version of Pay it Forward. The class will involve weekly postings of a stitch that is created in the shape of a heart.  These stitches are contained in our stitch guide entitled Hearts A to Z.  The name was derived from taking letters of the alphabet and applying a stitch to that letter and then stitch in the shape of a heart.  The end result is a sampler of 26+ stitches.

My sampler decided to live in a tray.  

The first posting in January 2020 will give you information of the canvas used, the various threads and some hints.  The only requirement is that you check in to the blog each weekend to get that week's stitch  The postings may be downloaded and printed.  They are, of course, copyrighted and are meant for my supporters who visit the blog on a regular basis. Anyone may use them - just don't abuse them please.

ONLINE MYSTERY CLASSES

Tomorrow is mid-month and when we share our monthly lessons for the various Mystery Classes.  Next week we will share some photos of the results for this month's sessions.

In the meanwhile we are accepting reservations for our next classes.  Still time to register for At the Seashore by Sandra Gilmore. Sit and stitch in the comfort of your own surroundings and at your own pace!

The first session is scheduled for mid-January.  The 6-lesson packet is $150 and is invoiced through PayPal. We have a shop that is preparing kits for those needing assistance so if you want to participate in the class just email us at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com. I love, love, love how the rug turned out.

The next class is the Fall Wreath with Scarecrow from PLD.  Can't wait to get into this one too! Of course most of you who have followed me for some time know that I won't stitch something I don't like.

This guy has so much going on that it is an 8-lesson project.  The 8-lesson packet is $175.00. First session mid-February.  Email to join:  duodesignsinc@yahoo.com

The next is Kissmas Eve from PLD.  Isn't this just the sweetest design! A perfect name too!

This class will be shared in 6-sessions.  First session scheduled for mid-May.

For more details on any of these classes just scroll down through older posts.  If you do not find what you need just send us an email at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com and we'll try to answer your questions.

Let's see, we have summer, fall and winter - we need something spring don't we? Open for suggestions and requests.

Have a great week! Stay warm (in our case here in Central KY - although yesterday was lovely) and safe.

SURPRISE GIFT TO MY FOLLOWERS!

Several years ago I had a sampler-type class that I named Hearts A to Z.  This class involved teaching  26 +stitches - one for each letter of the alphabet and background, etc.  Additionally, the stitches taught begin with a letter of the alphabet. For instance, Algerian Eyelet for the A and so on.

We at Duo Designs, Inc. have decided to share these techniques with you my followers.  Beginning the first posting in 2020 we will share a technique on our blog.  Our first few postings will provide information for materials needed to participate, an aid in setting up a canvas and general guidelines that could be helpful. There will be a template, detailed instructions on how to compensate, etc.   I'll try to get a better picture for you next time.

I believe you will have fun with this project and use up some of those red 'stash' threads.  Stay tuned.

NEEDLES 'N FINS STITCHING RIVERBOAT CRUISES

Gosh it is unbelievable that it is almost time for our Tulip Time Along the Rhine Riverboat Cruise!  My agent tells us that we only have 1 room left.  We are in search of a single looking for a roommate!  Don't miss your chance to come play with us.  Email us at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com or Liz our agent at lwolak@vikingtvl.com for details.  We would love to have you come play with us.   This would make a great Christmas present to you don't you think?

I am very excited about the exclusive optional class that we offer and hope to share with you next week.  Fingers crossed.  Waiting for one more ribbon from River Silks to add the finishing touch!  So excited!

Registration is in full swing for the January 2020 class - At The Seashore!  Still time to enroll if you would like to join us.  $150 for the 6-lesson sessions.  You get your own canvas and threads from your LNS or stash.  We have a shop we have been working with as well if you need assistance.  Email us at Duo Designs letting us know you want the shop to contact you with the details of pricing options.  Just email us at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com and we'll get you in the class!

Also taking registration for the two PLD classes - Fall Wreath with Scarecrow - he's sooooo cute!

He will encompass 8 sessions at $175 - hop onboard!

And this cutie Kissmas Eve.

If you have a special design you would like to see us offer just send an email and we will be happy to investigate to see if there is enough interest to move forward.  Email duodesignsinc@yahoo.com

Also, remember that registration is no open for the NAN Seminar and ANG Seminar in Tucson.  My classes are great fun and I love sharing with you.  Scroll down to the past couple of postings for full details and links for registration.

Have a great weekend and as in our case here in Central Kentucky - try to stay warm!

DECEMBER!

        PAYPAL INVOICES  HAVE BEEN MAILED FOR THE ONLINE MYSTERY CLASS AT     THE SEASHORE BY Sandra Gilmore!  If you have signed up and did not get an invoice email m right away at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.  You may still sign up for the class if desired.

Oh my!  Another year almost gone!  It just doesn't seem possible that 2019 is almost one for the history books.

With Thanksgiving behind us now we have Christmas looming before those of us who celebrate.  Just a few short weeks and that too will be gone.

White these are exciting times of the year I have been preoccupied with cruise preparations and designing.  I am so pleased with how the exclusive design for the Tulip Time Along the Rhine optional class kit is shaping up.  I am most anxious to share it with you!  Hopefully a picture will be forthcoming before Christmas.

Speaking of which - did you know that you can still ask Santa for the wonderful Tulip Time Along the Rhine riverboat stitching cruise!  Not a lot of space left so don't drag back if you want to come.  Last count we had 38 I believe and of those approximately 20 are returning stitcher/cruisers!  Isn't that exciting! Many have come on as many as 4 with us!  This makes me very proud and humble at the same time. Photos of some areas on the SS Antionette.

We will have many opportunities to stitch along the Rhine.  We will begin with a class night when we arrive for  our journey and before we embark on the beautiful ship.  Then once onboard ship we will have a minimum of two structured classes onboard.  Structured classes are formal classes. There will be many open stitching get togethers as well.  Open stitching is where you stitch whatever you want pretty much wherever you want and seek assistance from me or Teresa if you choose to do so.These gatherings will be announced to you in your nightly bulletins so you won't need to miss anything unless you choose to do so.  Of course our top priority is to see the beautiful countryside and experience the foods, arts, crafts, music, just the cultural in general while we are there and have the opportunity to do so.

I personally am looking forward to taking a canal boat ride on the canals while in The Netherlands!  Never been on one.  This photo is from Strasburg - an area we will be touring.

Be sure to follow along on Needles 'N Fins Stitching Adventures FB page.  We have so much fun! We'd love to have you.

Also be sure to check last week's blog and get info about additional mystery classes coming up!

Have a great weekend!

REJUVENATED - SORTA!

Finally I feel I have been able to sluff off the doldrums from our recent wonderful Mediterranean Memories Stitching Adventures.  We received a little set back with both hubby and I suffering something - it wasn't really a cold because there was no fever - it wasn't really jet lag because the sluggishness was greater than just being tired - I don't know what it was other than it totally disrupted our schedules.  Last night I was able to really stitch and feel like my old self again.  So what did I stitch?  Well. . .

I have put needle and thread to what I have created for our optional class piece for Tulip Time Along the Rhine.  This next trip really excites me too (as they all do) and I look forward to it with much anticipation.  Each trip has its own excitement for various reasons - history, architecture, icons, weather, etc.  For me this trip promises much beauty - not just beauty but anticipated colorful beauty.  The promise of the height of the flowering season of tulips and other signature flowers in The Netherlands is very much looked forward to.  After all we will be arriving from our gray and dull winter here in Kentucky so it will be a welcome brightness and rejuvenation.

We have over 35 people coming with us so far.  There is still some room if you would like to join us.  Remember this will be a riverboat adventure so the average number of persons is around 150.  I love the intimacy from the smaller vessels.  It also seems to exude a calmness not surrounding us on the much larger vessels.

Having been on several previous UniWorld riverboat cruises I can almost feel our ship gliding across the calm river as we take in all that the area has to offer.

Where to?  The first part of this trip will visit an area we have never visited before. The Netherlands.

           Come join our FB page Needles 'N Fins Stitching Adventures to follow along

We will enjoy traveling on the canals of Amsterdam - sounds like fun to me.  Additionally we will visit areas in France and Germany I have never experienced before.  If you would like to join us email us at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com for a brochure.  We would love for you to come along.  It will almost be like a reunion because we have so many repeat travelers that I feel I am with family.  You'll love them all too!  Over 20 are repeat travelers to date - few more working on clearing their calendar so they can join us again too.

I have been reading some folklore about the Rhine and it becomes very absorbing.  Yesterday I entertained myself reading about Lorelei (spelled different way).  What a lovely piece of music as well.  Enjoy this clip of gliding down the river - we will approach the mermaid's statute when the music changes - enjoy. There are a zillion castles on the Rhine apparently as well! I have tried to download a YouTube Video but I am not having much luck.  Go to YouTube and search Loreleilied - that clip plays the beautiful song and shows part of the Rhine where the Mermaid Statute is located.

We will end our journey in Bazel, Switzerland were we may choose to extent our venture a few days and visit Lucerne.  Oh Lucerne, one of my favorite places.  We were fortunate enough to visit a few years before the fire damaged the bridge's art work.  Thankfully that has been restored and I would love to see it again.  My most emotional visit in Lucerne, however, was the Dying Lion of Lucerne.  This part is very special to me and I have no idea why.  It really moved me. It is one of the few souvenirs that I have purchased in my travels.

Dying Lion of Lucerne, Lucerne (must see) The Lion Monument is a sculpture designed by Bertel Thorvaldsen and hewn in 1820–21 by Lukas Ahorn. It commemorates the Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution when revolutionaries stormed the Tuileries Palace in Paris. The American writer Mark Twain (1835–1910) praised the sculpture of a mortally-wounded lion as "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world."  The monument is carved into the cliff face, it measures a staggering ten meters in length and six meters in height. The Lion Monument is dedicated Helvetiorum Fidei ac Virtuti ("To the loyalty and bravery of the Swiss"). The dying lion is portrayed impaled by a spear, covering a shield bearing the fleur-de-lis of the French monarchy; beside him is another shield bearing the coat of arms of Switzerland. The inscription below the sculpture lists the names of the officers, and approximate numbers of the soldiers who died (760), and survived (350). Tip: Go early or come late as there are plenty of tour groups that visit this beautiful monument.  Very modern "self-cleaning" public restrooms can be found on the hill to the right.

ONLINE MYSTERY CLASSES

Just a reminder that we will be invoicing the next class At The Seashore by Sandra Gilmore. The 6 lesson packet is $150.  We will provide pricing for the full kit for those needing assistance once the shop finished pulling the threads and pricing.  That information will be included in the notification memo that the invoices have gone out.

Registration is going well for two other new projects we have for 2020.  Fall Scarecrow Wreath from PLD

This is an 8-lesson package class and

Kissmas Eve also by PLD. This will be a 6-lesson package.

Just email us to be included in the class notifications:  duodesignsinc@yahoo.com

PLAYING CATCH UP!

Just been home a week from our fantastic Mediterranean Cruise and still not unpacked.  Clothes have been unpacked and laundry done bu the stitching 'stuff' is spread spread all over the place.

Hubby and I had the misfortune of picking up a little bug - I guess on the plane - and we have not been feeling 100%. However we are making progress and hope that is behind us now.

Had no time to slow down however as it is time for Online Mystery Class postings. This month we said goodbye to two of our current classes.

Gossips from Strictly Christmas  managed to get the last little Gossip dressed.

Santa Tag from Strictly Christmas was a lot of fun.  While this design had a plethora of techniques, fun threads and finished, and gobs of stitches, it turned out beautifully and did not look tacky or overcrowded!

This Session introduced the addition of leather to needlepoint designs.  Looking good and something different.

Next up is Just a Sip!

Ha! Ha!  Her hair was so much fun!

NEW ADDITIONS FOR THE UPCOMING YEAR

At the Seashore from Sandra Gilmore is scheduled to begin classes mid-January.

Invoicing will begin this coming week.  The host shop is pricing an optional kit for those who need assistance.  Information will be provided to those that have signed up and paid for the class.

It is still time to join us if you like.  Just email us at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com

The second new class will be the Fall Scarecrow Wreath from PLD.  

This will be an 8-session class with a cost of $175.00. Many techniques present themselves in this beautiful autumnal design. The class is expected to begin mid-February2020.  Email to enroll at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.

Another new class is Kissmas Eve also from PLD.

This design will be covered in the traditional 6-session lessons package for $150.00. The first lesson is scheduled to begin mid-May 2020.  Email to enroll at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.

HEADS UP!    NAN - is accepting registration for the 2020 Assembly.  Go have a look at all the wonderful class opportunities that are presented.
I would love to have you enroll in my classes and come play with me.

https://needleart.org/assembly/?fbclid=IwAR0HVStgVuVSfoN1265ev1_-GhC2BFEBGUwC_1Ot2oH9A7ksEXdTXMwvg7M

A 2-day class Conventional Techniques using Unconventional Resources

And a 2-day class Winter Cardinal design by Maggie.

Hotel reservation information for the upcoming ANG national seminar to be held in Tucson, AZ for 2020 has also been posted.

I am fortunate to be teaching classes there.  

Crazy Needles Journey

Ribbons, Beads, a kazillion techniques, oh my!  This piece got its name because stitches used have a 'traveling' feel to them - Hungarian, Parisian, Dutch, French, etc., get it?

Flags of Glory

A fun piece to work!  Playing with different shading, stitch manipulation, ribbons, beads, sequins.  Love this piece.

KEEP UP WITH OUR STITCHING CRUISES BY JOINING NEEDLES 'N FINS STITCHING ADVENTURES ON FACEBOOK!

Stay tuned . . . 

Wow!  WOW!  WOW!
Mediterranean Memories Stitching Cruise 2019 is a Memory.  Boy what a memory!  Who would have ever thought there was as much to see and do as there was available.  Even though our days were full there was so much more we could have experienced as well.

Generous participants shared a plethora of photographs from all our stops.  Many went separate ways which gave us the gift of the experience of almost being down those different streets.  Such wonders. Please visit the Needles 'N Fins Stitching Adventures FB page for some of the photographs taken and shared.  The majority were posted in the exclusive Mediterranean Group but you'll get the feel I'm sure.

For this blog I am going to concentrate mostly on the stitching part of the cruise. I have shamelessly lifted pictures from the various posts on Facebook - heavily from Bruce Hart, Maggie Kuhn and Teresa Kinberger just to name a few!

We began our adventure in Rome on a Friday (some of us came in a couple days early to run around little spots like the Vatican, Trevi Fountain, Coliseum, etc)!  We have been in Rome before but each time is different.  The Starhotel Michelangelo was wonderful!  Our first night as a group provided us with a fantastic dinner and our first reception/class time together.

We had a great room for our class.  Everyone had plenty of elbow room to stitch as we discussed the optional exclusive design for the cruise.

Just like any other classroom right?  Except we are in ROME!

Next day - Saturday - we headed to our ship by bus - the fabulous Azamara Pursuit.

There she is - Azamara Pursuit! Just waiting to spoil us!

First deck visits!

They quickly got out luggage to our rooms and helped us settle in.  In the meanwhile, there was plenty of food and drink to keep us occupied if we chose to partake - and partake we did!

On Sunday we docked in Sorrento and were tendered.
Look at this Coastline!

So much beauty!  Many went too Capri.  Some of us returned to the ship and stitched. Some went shopping.  This day we had open stitching on the Aqualina Deck 10.  

We had several stitching setups.  Several days we had planned or structured stitching in a designated room where I taught class.  We had a projector, plenty of stitching room, lots of drinks and of course cookies.

Some times we had open stitching where we could just gather wherever and stitch.  We did this mostly in a large open room that was completely surrounded by glass.  Also lots of drink, finger foods and cookies!

 An example of such an area with a stitcher enjoying the beautiful sea, the fantastic light and just chillin'.

The Amalfi Coast was breathtaking!  Wonderful day on shore as well as stitching time fit in.

One of the first surprises presented to those participants that attended the structured class was a hand-painted set of coasters representing their Mediterranean Sea adventures.  This was shared in a scheduled class in Siracusa, Sicily, Italy. We had the Coliseum from Rome, a matador from Spain area, the Maltese cross from Malta and the Sagrada Familia of Barcelona.  They received a full kit, printed instructions and classroom instructions as well.  These were designed to fit the leather square coasters distributed by Tilli Tomas/Planet Earth Fibers.  The coasters were available to purchase separately and are available through your LNS.

This class was held in the Aqualina Room.  Wonderful space, light and of course goodies.

When we did not have structured classes scheduled, I held court wherever.  We would meet in the Aqualina (as above) or in the Living Room.

No need for lights here!

 

October 31 gave us another structured class and yet another surprise.  The beautiful Mediterranean Treasures Cuff Bracelet! This exclusive design included a full kit, instructions, cuff bracelet and classroom instructions.  The design incorporated the blue water of the Sea represented in the Sardinian Knot variation as interpreted by me, the Silver Maltese cross representing Malta, and the Triskelion in metallic gold on each side of the Maltese cross representing Sicily.We offered options for those who did not want to invest the time and energy to grasp the Sardinian Knot technique.

On November 1, we had the unbelievable opportunity to have a class in Sardinia, Italy taught by a Sardinian teacher teaching us the Sardinian Filet variation.  We made a pendant.

Sandy Arthur-Mariangela Porcu-Teresa Kinberger

Concentrating

Teacher being taught - gotta get those CEUs in!

Pendant Class Project

Several brought projects from home and we worked through their individual issues as they brought them to me.

 Such a grand time I had!  I am all geared up to begin more serious concentration on the Tulip Time on the Rhine Stitching Cruise for April 2020.  Hope you can join us. Email at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com for brochure.

Just email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com for details.  Also be sure to join our FB group Needles 'N Fins Stitching Adventures to follow our upcoming journeys too!

Closing banquet.  A few are missing but a great turn ou for our last group celebration!

Other Matters:
Tink Boord-Dill has several of her alphabet books available now through Amazon.  She is adding more at a steady pace.  Go have a look through this link:
https://smile.amazon.com/Alphabets-Fabulous-Anniversary-Boord-Dills-Monograms/dp/1704117984

ONLINE MYSTERY CLASSES:

Remember online registration is now open for our new upcoming Online Mystery Classes.  These are going to be chocked full of interesting threads, stitches and techniques.  Don't miss out!

At the Seashore is a Sandra Gilmore design.  Invoicing will begin this weekend/week.  To join the class email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.  Get your canvas from your LNS.  If you need assistance I have been working with a shop that can get all the materials for you as well.  Just let us know.

We have two  new designs from PLD Designs added to the agenda.  Email us at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com for details.

The Fall Scarecrow Welcome Wreath will consist of 8 lessons (1 per month) at a cost of $175 for the 8-lesson packet.  Lessons will be downloaded from a secret FB Group page. First lesson scheduled to be posted mid-February 2020.

Kissmas Eve will consist of 6 lessons (1 per month) at a cost of $150 for the 6-lesson packet.  Lessons will be downloaded from a secret FB Group page. First lesson scheduled to be posted mid-May 2020.

Joining is easy!  Send us an email at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com requesting to be included.  We will send you an email notifying you that the PayPal invoice is on its way for the lesson packets.  Pay the invoice and you are in - ignore the invoice and you are not included. Order your canvases right away through your LNS.  If you need assistance just contact us at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com and we will arrange for a shop to contact you.

Bave a great weekend!