AND THE FORECAST IS . . . . 

What a week!  One night so cold need a fire in fireplace.  One day raining just enough to keep outside work at bay. Another day so balmy and beautiful you think it is summer instead of spring.  Then another day comes along with thunder, lightning, torrential rains, etc., etc.  You get the picture.

During all these ups and downs with weather we managed to be very productive however. We are using our pandemic isolation and not-so-good weather as a time to polish off some of the Pocketbook Series work-in-progress books that have been in the making for quite some time.  I am so glad to be able to take these books to their final steps after they have been sitting and waiting for my final push. This week we have sent off another one of the Series to our printer.  I can't wait for you to see it.  Shops are placing their pre-orders as I sit and write this.  Be sure to check with your LNS and get your name on the list to receive one of the first.  

But, you say, what is the next Pocketbook Series about?  Are you ready?  Let me introduce you to Beards Mustaches and Such.

This 50+ page Pocketbook will entertain you for a bit.  It introduces new approaches to many traditional standards and suggests testing some of the new threads that are continually being added. All stitches are diagrammed and most, if not all, stitches have a stitched sample provided alongside the description. Some favorite tools are also showcased.  So don't miss the boat!  Contact your LNS now!  Many are taking pre-orders.  Delivery is expected between 4-8 weeks.

ANG Seminar 2021 - St Louis - in person

Plans are moving forward for in person classes and events at the annual ANG Seminar for this year at Kansas City, MO.  Registration is open!  Check out all the wonderful classes being offered.  As stated before I am fortunate to be offering 3 classes for your pleasure.

Heloise Hooty: One of Heloise's attractions is the needle felting technique and the plethora of stitches used throughout this 2-day class.

Vessels: This is one of my favorites because it provides lots of room to use a particular stitch; helps analyze shading and play with different threads in the 2-days of class.

Conventional Techniques: Then we have a little fun class that is a bit out of the box that is called Conventional Techniques using Unconventional Resources.  This is a 1-day bit of fun for all levels.

We hope to see you in one or all of our classes!

NEEDLES 'N FINS STITCHING ADVENTURES

This week we learned that our Hawaiian Island Hopping Stitching Cruise is still on forward mode!  NCL (the cruise line) has posted that they plan to begin sailing in June.  Isn't that wonderful?  We don't sail until late September-early October so lots of times to work out any bugs if they have any.  We're sharing brochures with those who ask so just email us at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com if you'd like to us email one to you.

OK I am in the throes of a mountain of stitch guides so I best get back at it.  Please stay safe - - -

 JUST A FEW DAYS

And we start a new project!  American Train by Raymond Crawford.  Everyone who has paid their invoice has been sent an invitation to join the secret group.  If you did not get yours please contact me via email right away - duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.

Our next f2f class will be in Cape Cod - I know, pitiful that I must suffer through such torture!  NOT!  The class was filled within a couple of hours of her announcement.

NEW F2F Adventure:

We will be returning to Osterville Needlepoint on Cape Cod this June!  I am so excited to be able to do an in-person class again!  Look at all these designs - what a plethora  of projects.

NEEDLES 'N FINS STITCHING ADVENTURES  - join group now!

It is so nice to see numbers going down around the country and the world.  This decrease is resulting in an increase of interest in upcoming cruises.  Brochures are being shared as people ask for them.  We are optimistically looking forward to our upcoming Hawaiian Island Hoping Stitching Cruise - September 30 through October 9, 2021.  

What a fun way to remember our adventure - the signs document our stops during our stitching breaks.

This is a little clip from the exclusive add-on optional class  with full kit.  

Until next time . . . stay safe.

 Beautiful Day but Cold

If you haven't deduced by now that I do not like cold weather then what can I say? The good thing is that the sun is shining and it is truly a lovely day in Central Kentucky!  Can't complain for that. I had hoped to work in the barn some but decided it is too cold for me so will have to wait until later in the week I guess.

POCKETBOOKS

I am so thrilled with the acceptance that we are experiencing for our new Pocketbooks.  Leaping Thru Leaves and Stitching With Stars have fit in well with their predecessor Can Do Hairdos.  Some shops are offering packet discounts if you buy all 3 at one time.  Something to consider.

This shutdown has really pushed me to get these down off the shelf and into the shops.  I have had these books for ages and just need to tweek here and there.  I can't wait to share the next one with you!  I think you will really like it.  In fact there are two that just need some sprucing here and there.  Unfortunately I must take care of other business and can't work on them as much as I would like.  But it gives us something to look forward to.

Online Mystery Classes

Work continues on the upcoming lessons and classes.  Students have been sharing pics of their borders for Two by Two from Strictly Christmas so progress is being achieved there.  We start sharing animals next lesson.

Registration is still open for the American Train series from Raymond Crawford.

Email us at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com for details if you would like to join us! 

ETSY SHOP - duodesignsbySandra

We added a couple of surplus canvases to our items in the shop.  Stop by - might see something you'd like to have.  The shop is primarily stitch guides but occasionally we have some extra items left from class kits - I get over zealous sometimes!

Don't have too much going on right now except - - - working on taxes!  Always a chore!  Until next time stay safe!