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).

 ANOTHER SEMINAR ON THE HORIZON!

Are you a member of ANG?  Lucky you!  Registration opens for ANG members for the Seminar this coming Monday, February 8.  Others can register beginning February 15. This year's Seminar is to be held in Kansas City, MO and is scheduled to in person.  

Now one of the big advantages for being an ANG member and getting to register early is that there is limited capacity for the classes as set forth by the hotel.  So go to their website and take a look at what is being offered!  needlepoint.org - go to events and you should find the seminar registration form, classes offered, host hotel, etc. 

We are fortunate enough to have been selected to teach 3 classes this year.

Up first is miss Heloise Hooty - 20701 scheduled for August 7-8, 2021.

Isn't she just the coolest?  She has a plethora of stitches and techniques that we will be sharing.  In addition to specialty fibers, beads and crystals, there will be needle felting and a felting needle is provided.  The design area its 9" x 9" and is painted on 18ct canvas. Thorough stitch instructions with clear diagrams and a color photo of the finished design. This gal is lots and lots of fun! This is a handpainted canvas from ACOD. We will provide information for ordering an upgrade of felting tools for those who are registered for the class.

One of my favorites for the student who is not real confident in their execution of stitches or who may desire more area to practice is this fabulous design of Vessels - 20901 - August 9-10, 2021.

I love the amount of canvas area that this design affords the student to really get the feel of the stitch or technique.  This canvas is printed on 18 ct. canvas with a design area of 14" x 14".  The canvas is from The Art Needlepoint Co.  There are beautiful silks, metallics and detailed instructions with clearly marked diagrams for the student.

Our third class is a one-day workshop - Conventional Techniques with Unconventional Resources - 11101 - August 11, 2021.

My my, get those creative juices flowing!  This notebook class will have students working with unique embellishments and techniques to further enhance their canvas.  All materials needed for the class are provided - many on a shared basis.  We have sequins, beads, ribbon, washers, gaskets, and on and on with which to play.

So if you see something of interest to you don't drag your feet.  Because of social distancing, etc., space is very limited.  I'd love to see you in my classes!

Go get registered!