Saturday, June 27, 2020

Y Stitch 6-27

JUNE IS ALMOST GONE!  REALLY!

Where is time going?  And what do we have to show for the last 6 months?  Well, fortunately for those of us who stitch, we have some stitching accomplishments that we have made.  I cannot imagine being without my needlework during a time like this.

Last reminder for the ANG Virtual Seminar

Registration closes on June 30!  Get those registrations in if you want to join us.  It will be quite an adventure for all of us.  Look at all the 'firsts' we are experiencing.

I would love to have you register for my classes.  Both have been great fun.  The lovely Flags of Glory is such a joy to work on during these troubling times.


Crazy Quits Journey is the other class of mine.  This is almost a sampler because it has so many techniques and materials to experience in the making.

Just go to the link below and view the classes that are being offered.  Easy Peasy!


ONLINE MYSTERY CLASSES

I am so excited to be sharing my techniques for doing needle felting on needlework.  I have started stitching the model and hope to be able to share with you soon.  In the meanwhile be sure to send me an email to sign up for the class.  

Starting to play!



We have some lovely stitching techniques to get through first before we start on our happy bunny! We'll be doing decorative stitches galore.  We're adding beads, needle weaving, stump work - that's right - Stump work! - padding, appliqué, little ribbon work, but of course mostly needle felting!  Come on!  You don't want to miss this one.  Send email to duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.

In just 2 weeks we will be starting our companion Saturday Night Beauty - Just Add Water.

We understand that the needlepoint canvas painters are starting to ship some of the backorders.  Fingers crossed!

NEEDLES 'N FINS Stitching Adventures

Yippeee!  It appears we will start getting some feedback regarding our Hawaii Stitching Cruise set for April.  I know many of you have sent in your reservations so just be patient a little longer.  So excited!
As soon as I get the revised brochure (spelling errors, etc. changed) I will share with you.  It was wonderful discussing our plans with the travel agent again after many months of everything being at a standstill!  The cruise lines are still a little slow in responding but remember they are also dealing with the enormous headaches of all their cancelled/postponed trips.  What a headache!  

One thing we are hearing is that maybe there will need to be less people on ships.  If this is correct, it is even more important that you get your reservations in early!  It would be so sad to leave you behind!  Just contact Russ at russ@platinumtvl.com. Note that this is a different agency than used on our previous trip.


Now if I could just hear from the needlepoint painters about canvases my week would really be quite fruitful!


PAY IT FORWARD - Hearts A to Z Sampler - Free stitching diagram

I look at this and cannot believe that we have just about completed the alphabet!  I'll have to dig out something else.

Someone wrote me that you did not actually get the Rapid Stitch but a Rhodes stitch instead.  Here is the Rapid Stitch if you want to download it.


Y STITCH








Saturday, June 20, 2020

June is 20- Woven

June 20 -

ANG registration time for the Distance Learning Classes for 2020 Tucson Seminar is dwindling day by day.  In other words the clock is ticking!  Have you registered? Great opportunity to take extra classes that you would not have been able to do in the f2f venue so take advantage of the situation!


https://www.needlepoint.org/page/Seminar2020Home

MAINE RETREAT

We optimistically are working on our Maine Retreat for October!  Fingers crossed.  I will be teaching the fun Peanut Butter & Jelly design.

There are limited spots so be sure to reserve yours. Check the information from the host Art Needlepoint for specific details.

Come to the magical Maine Coast.  Soak up some sun, fresh air, and great food. 

Join other Needlepointistas near the ocean for a fun time 

with lots to do when not stitching. 

Event is Oct 9 - 11, 2020

All skill levels welcome! 

 The crowds are gone. The leaves are in their full glory. 

 Two full days of stitching with Master Certified Teachers. 

We have a preliminary brochure we can email for the class projects 

after you register so that you can pick your project and teacher. 

The information will also include the accommodations  in BoothBay Harbor, Maine - 

 the code to save $$ on your kit and your hotel reservations

and other information.  

It is a limited space.

Registration fee is one time.

Of the registration fee $250 deposit is non refundable.  

Registration is on a first come first serve basis. 

We like to keep our classes small, so registration will close when the classes are at their capacity.   

 Needles UP!  Email or call us for more information 


Shared the monthly lessons this week for the current classes.

Merry Kissmas Eve from PLD has their second session.  More done on the window area.



Then we added a session to the Fall Welcome Wreath also from PLD- featured acorns and flowers this month.

And again we had to bid farewell to one of our pieces.  At the Seashore from Sandra Gilmore was a lot of work and had a multitude of different things going on -perspective - textures - techniques - moods - but we managed to get it finished!


Now we are concentrating on the new guys coming on board.  Next month we will be adding Just Add Water - CBK Designs. She is the companion to our recently finished Just a Sip!


Just email us to duodesignsinc@yahoo.com to get in on this class.  We will begin mid-July so still time.

Then we'll venture out a little and instead of a mystery you'll get to see the completed project.  Our Spring Welcome from PLD Designs is going to go through the steps of doing needle felting on needlework. This class will work for the beginner so don't hesitate to join in. I introduced this technique at market many years ago and it is catching on more and more.


But wait!  That's not all.  We'll do some beading, some appliqué, some needle weaving and how about some stump work? Lots to look forward to on this guy.  So come join us and sign up by sending an email to duodesignsinc@yahoo.com and we'll get you on the list. This is an all-inclusive class:  handpainted canvas, threads and embellishments, detailed diagrams and illustrations,  and felting needle.  Optional felting tools will also be offered All you need is an open mind and willingness to have a good time!. We'll start playing with this guy mid-November.  Come on and join in for what is sure to be fun!

Our Lovable Llama from Gayla Elliott is scheduled for mid-October pending canvas availability.


Oh the impishness (I guess that's a word 'cause it didn't light up!) of this fellow. 

We certainly can't forget our Noah's ark - Two by Two from Strictly Christmas. We hope to start these guys mid-September - again depending on canvas availability.


Can you see that cute little lamb on Noah's arm?  Every time I look at this piece I see something cuter and cuter!

I have shuffled dates so much that I hope I have this correct - lol.  Stitching a panda on the Llama might not work too well!

        SO:  To sign up for any and all of these wonderful and happy projects just send email to duodesignsinc@yahoo.com

PLAY IT FORWARD -Hearts A to Z free stitch sampler

WOVEN

Seems we got our alphabet mixed up last week!






Saturday, June 13, 2020

QUICK CORRECTION!

I did not realize that I skipped the 'W' in the Hearts A to Z Sampler free stitch diagrams. Be sure when stitching to leave a square empty for the 'W'.  I'll post that one next week!


Xoch - June 13

XOCH.   -    JUNE  13

Just a little over 2 weeks left to register for the ANG Tucson Virtual Seminar Classes!  I understand registration is going well.  Can't wait to see who all is going to play with me.  I so enjoyed doing both of these designs.

Crazy Needles Journey

Look at this guy!  There are over 25 diagrams in this little sampler.  Also beads, ribbon and a multitude of threads.  A wide variety to whet your appetite!  Sign up today!

and
Flags of Glory. 

This guy, too, has a multitude of techniques and fun things going on.  In addition to playing with threads we'll work with beads, ribbons and sequins and play with a little different twist on padding and adding ribbon fills.

I love that there are very few classes where some might be disappointed because they could not get in.  This is such an unusual opportunity to allow as many to take the classes who choose to.

Remember the clock is ticking so go online and register!

And while you are at it, support the group by purchasing Seminar products.  They may still be purchased!  Did you see the name tag?  Isn't that wonderful!



ONLINE MYSTERY CLASSES

The Secret Group has been set up for the next Mystery Class - Just Add Water from CBK designs.
If you think you should be a member to this group and have not sent your invitation just email duodesignsinc@yahoo.com so we can get that corrected.  There is still time to join the crowd if you would like to participate in this class.




When I read the following article recently I immediately thought of what I am continually telling my students.  Sometimes I feel we get too involved with perfection and lose the joy of the stitching - or as my daughter says - the journey. 

Inspirations All Stitched Up:  Issue 236
Stephanie Murphy
Thank you for pointing out that making an error is not a ‘showstopper’. When I teach embroidery classes, I encourage students not to worry about whether their stitches are perfect or not, or that their flower doesn't look perfect.

My schtick goes as follows: go and look at flowers and trees. They are rarely symmetrical. Different parts of the trees and flowers grow at different rates. Insects chew on them. Bees land on them creating small distortions. If your petal doesn't look like a petal and you really hate it, take it out. 
But if your petal could just use some enhancement, go ahead and stitch on top of it. Add more stitches. Add an insect hole.
It's OK, no one will see the original and if you don't point out your mistakes, no one will know that you altered the piece to suit your skills. It will be beautiful because you made it.

I see so many people wasting their time tearing out stitching that is off by one or two threads. Be creative and adjust the pattern. It will rarely make a difference to the overall design.’

Your advice is absolutely perfect Stephanie, well said. The truth about nature itself being replete with individual variations including insect holes and petal distortions, when taken to heart, could save many of us a lot of time and frustration. 

PAY IT FORWARD - HEARTS A to Z SAMPLER - Free weekly stitch

 



Saturday, June 6, 2020

JUNE  ALREADY!  WE MADE IT!  Or did we?

This is one of those weeks where I am going to bury my head in the sand before I say or do something that will not sit well with one group or another.  We are going to be all about stitching and enjoying our personal time!

Have you registered for your ANG Tucson Seminar distance-learning classes as yet? While there is no class size limit for most classes there is a deadline for registering.  June 30 at 5 pm all doors close!  Don't miss out on this rare opportunity!

You know how at in-person Seminars you can't have your coffee or drink conveniently placed on the table for fear of an accident ruining your table mate's project?  Well at the Tucson Distance Learning Seminar that is not an issue!

In your own home, nestled in your comfy stitching chair, surrounded with your own music, possibly a pet companion assisting with or supervising the stitching you can have any beverage you chose and not offend anyone! Another advantage of the 2020 Tucson Seminar!

The window of registration time is getting shorter!  Be sure to go online and register now.  You may never have the opportunity again to get as many classes you want at one time! Click on the link below to start the process.
                                  https://www.needlepoint.org/page/Seminar2020Home

Be sure to check our my two classes - Crazy Needles Journey and Flags of Glory.  Would love to have you participate.



















NEEDLE FELTING ON NEEDLEWORK

Last week I introduced you to the class we are offering for needle felting on needlework - Spring Welcome from PLD Needlepoint.  This was a technique I introduced at TNNA market to shop owners many many years ago - and they were a little skeptical!  Remember we were trying to get over the fact that it was okay to do more than basketweave on needlepoint canvas. Spring Welcome is this adorable bunny admiring a daisy with a sweet butterfly sharing in the excitement of Spring.


This will not be a mystery class.  You will see the finished design before we start stitching.  We are going to work with beads, needle weaving, off-canvas stitching, padding, appliqué and stump work in addition to the major focus - needle felting.

This class will include a full kit with supplies needed to complete the design.  There is 1 felting needle included in the kit.  For those who do not have needle felting tools, an optional needle felting tools kit will be offered for purchase.   As said before, I am passionate about the tools I use for my felting and love them.  I feel they help provide the participant with an enjoyable experience of learning to needle felt. Proper tools are always a plus - especially when one has RA.

For those of you who do not know what to expect here is a sample of a needle felted cat on a needlepoint design. This is Wizard of Paws by Brenda Stofft and was an earlier class.


ONLINE MYSTERY CLASSES

Getting geared up to start the Just Add Water companion piece by CBK.  It was hard to choose the next one but I felt this one had more in common with the first one we did previously and therefore would work well together.


Such fun pieces to hang in the powder room don't you think?  Invoices went out this week so if you think you are registered for this class and you have not received your invoice then you need to contact us right away at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com. This class will begin mid-July.


See some similarities?

NEEDLES 'N FINS STITCHING ADVENTURES - stitching related cruises

People are starting to get excited about upcoming stitching cruises.  We currently are planning our next adventure which will be Hawaiian Island Hopping Stitching Cruise.  This is scheduled for April 15 - 24, 2021!  Starting to get the traveling bug again! Hopefully agents will get to return to their respective offices soon!

PAY IT FORWARD - Hearts A to Z sampler - free diagrams

VICTORIAN STEP