Saturday, April 27, 2019


Some upcoming classes at various seminars, retreats and shops in the not-too-far-away future

May 2 - 11

Off for a fantastic week with my daughter/partner for relaxing, brainstorming, color selecting, stitch selecting, etc.!  We try to do this a couple times a year but are not always successful!

May 16-20.  Stitch-Stash 

A delightful weekend sharing the fabulous Flags of Glory with my East Coasterners (new word?).



Additionally, I'm introducing a new techniques class called Conventional Techniques with Unconventional Resources.  OMGoodness!  Does this sound out of the box or what?

August 15-19  ANG National Seminar - Houston, TX

Have you registered yet?   Better hop to it!  I am teaching 3 classes.  First up is the Bluebonnet Boot Vase on 8-15/16


We have ribbon, beads, buttons, metallics, etc., etc.

Next up is a half-day class Personalized Plaid Snap Tray on 8-17.

You have your color choice of 4 leather tray colors and choose from a selection of pearl cotton threads for the plaid.

The last two days - 8-18/19 - involve the Winter Cardinal - a handpainted canvas from Maggie Designs.

October 24 - November 6

CRUISIN' AND STITCHIN' on the Mediterranean

You can come too!  While the actual cruise trip is October 26-November 4, we chose to do a couple extra days on each end:  2 more in Rome and 2 more in Barcelona.

We'll have a structured class night in a convention room at the hotel before we embark on the fabulous Azamara Pursuit.  And, in addition to stitching here and there we also have a full day at sea. Plus - those who know me - we will probably have a few surprise projects along the way.

This is the 'optional' class project:





If you would like to join us just email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com and I'll provide you with all the details.

Now to pique your interest a little you need to start thinking about 2020.

February         , 2020 BBST

We are scheduled to teach 2 classes at this fun event in Houston, TX.





Check out their classes at

March 20-24, 2020 NAN Assembly

Here's a little teaser to get you thinking for next year.

https://
/2019/04/assembly-2020-class-descriptions-and-teacher-bios-v5-with-photos.pdf

April 16-20, 2020 Tulip Time




Saturday, April 20, 2019

Hectic Weekend so short blog

Just popping in to let you all know all is well at Arthur Acres.

Now that the Spring Market is over and we are looking at Dallas, we are auditioning new pieces for our upcoming Online Mystery Classes. Send me an email as you see pieces that you are interested in doing with us.  duodesignsinc@yahoo.com

Shared lessons this past week for the Online Mystery Classes.

Dana from Penny MacLeod had more or her border done and we included all the stars in the sky.
The Lily Wreath from Raymond Crawford had some new fun ornaments added this month.




Spooky Tags from Strictly Christmas joined us this month for their first appearance. We worked in a darning pattern background from an older Halloween design stitched several years ago.
Compensation was a bit of a headache on this one but the results were worth it.
You still have time to join this class if you would like to.  The 6 lesson packet is $150 and we post one lesson a month.  Just email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.  And canvases are available too.

The next new class is Gossips from Strictly Christmas.  Be sure to register right away as the first lesson is scheduled to be posted mid-May.


This design will be offered in 7 lessons - same price.  So if you want to join just email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.  The 7-lesson packet is still $150 for this first trial run of spreading out the techniques.

Registration is also in progress for the next canvas by Strictly Christmas - Santa Tags.  These are such happy and fun pieces. The first lesson for this is scheduled for mid-June.


Gonna be several surprises on this one. Can't wait to share with you.  Just let us know if you want to be included.

Lots of activity going on over at Needles 'N Fins Stitching Adventures.  You may join this Facebook page and follow along if you like.  We're auditioning our upcoming stitching cruising/adventures - come give us your feedback too.  All suggestions/ideas welcome.

There is still some room on the Azamara Pursuit for the Mediterranean Stitching Adventure this October if contact Liz our agent at lwolak@vikingtvl.com or me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com for more details.  Here is a picture of the optional class for this journey.  Those who are familiar with my work know this is not going to be a simple basketweave rendering - lol! 

And, of course, there are some surprises I have up my sleeves too.  This trip we have a full day at sea to play!


Have a great holiday weekend however you choose to celebrate.



Saturday, April 13, 2019

ONLINE MYSTERY CLASSES

April has us sharing a new design.  Registration is still processing. This is a design from Strictly Christmas.


First lesson will be posted  in the upcoming week or so.  For those needing assistance with thread/embellishment kit, contact me and I will put in touch with shop(s) that are or will kit for you following the stitch guide suggestions. This will be a 6-month class with one lesson a month being posted around mid-month. The 6-lesson packet is $150. To register send email to duodesignsinc@yahoo.com

As with most of my classes, we usually begin with the background.  This gives those who are turbo stitchers some area to work on while awaiting the next month's session.

We have a new Butterfly Quickie session this month as well.  Details will be forwarded to those that have asked to be put on the notification list.

Quickie projects vary.  This group is a one shot deal.  You get the handpainted canvas, threads, embellishments - all the bling - and stitching instructions for one price and sent in one package.  We are stitching eight of the numerous designs from Burnett and Bradley.  So colorful and fun.  Email if you want to be notified - duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.

Beginning mid-May will be the Gossips.  Also from Strictly Christmas (I just noticed that these were all from the same distributor - lol - guess I like their stuff huh?)


When I saw this design featured it just made me smile and gave me a happy feeling.  So I felt I just had to add it.  This will be a little different.  It will be a 7-month packet - still $150.  I just wanted to spread it out a little more.  Look at those beaks (tongues) awaggin'.  Wonder what they are talking about?  If you'd like to join us just send me an email.  If you would like assistance with obtaining the materials, send me an email and I'll put you in touch with shop(s) who are or are willing to kit for you.  email:  duodesignsinc@yahoo.com

Santa Tags will be our June introduction - yes, also from Strictly Christmas.


The same details apply as for the Spooky Tags class.  Just email to join duodesignsinc@yahoo.com

I just returned from teaching three days of technique classes at Rittenhouse in Philadelphia.  What a delight.  And WOW what a shop!  It is a thread hoarders dream!  You must stop by and see their fabulous collection.  Oh yes, they have plenty of canvases and accessories as well but the threads will blow you away.  They also have an in-house painting and finishing service.

My next stop is at Stitch-Stash in DE.  I will be teaching the beautiful Flags of Glory. May 17 and 18th.


I love this piece.  Ribbon, beads, fun threads and lots of techniques.  Patti is also hosting a one-day techniques class entitled Conventional Techniques Using Unconventional Resources.  Doesn't that sound crazy?  So contact Stitch-Stash to get signed up right away.  Address102 N 1st St, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971  Phone(302) 569-0063

And, of course, registration is open for the ANG Seminar in Houston, TX in August!  Go have a look see at all the classes being offered.  I am fortunate to be teaching 3 classes.


Winter Cardinal from Maggie Designs is a favorite.  This class covers a multitude of techniques including plaids, dimensional work and thread painting to name a few.


The Texas BlueBonnet Boot Vase is another fun class.  This too has ribbons, beads and embellishments with which to play.

And the third class is the Personal Plaid tray insert.


Participants have their selection for Lee leather tray color and will pick from a supply of threads for their plaid creations.

So head over to needlepoint.org and sign up for lots of classes and be ready to have a great time in Houston!

And, of course, be sure to join Needles 'N Fins Stitching Adventures Facebook page to keep up with our stitching cruises and travels.  We would love to have you join us.  Still plenty of time to come along the Mediterranean Stitching Cruise with us this October - would love to have you.  We have approximately 45 at last count - and most of them are stitchers!  YAY!




Sunday, April 7, 2019

APRIL IS STARTING WITH MY DOING WHAT I LOVE - TEACHING!

             NOTE:  Info on Spooky Class Kits has been posted and invoices emailed.

Today I am at Rittenhouse in Philadelphia!  This is the first time I've seen this new location.  WOW!  As a fellow teacher/Lexingtonian said last week - if they don't have the thread you are looking for then it is likely that you don't need it.  What an inventory!  The selection is fantastic!  And they continue to add more.  I have taught in a lot of shops over the years and I do not believe I have seen any that can match the inventory here at Rittenhouse.  And it doesn't stop at threads!  Oh my!  Canvases and accessories galore.  Frames, bags, needles, scissors, magnets, beads and of course canvases.

We have played with hair on Thursday.  That a was a fun way to start off the 3 days of technique classes.

Then Friday we worked on Beading on Needlework.

Saturday we worked with ribbons.

I head home today and have lots more fun things lined up right away.  I will be teaching next at Stitch-Stash in DE beginning May 16.

Flags of Glory is a beautiful new patriotic project that I loved stitching.  It has it all. Beads, ribbon, Straw Silk.  Lots of fun threads and fantastic techniques.  Please try to join us for the class.


We will also be introducing our new technique class - Conventional Techniques Using Unconventional Resources.  Doesn't that sound intriguing?

Still receiving registrations for the Mediterranean Stitching Cruise - we are so pumped up for this.





So off to the airport. . . .