HERE WE GO AGAIN . .       

We had to postpone Father's Day celebration at Arthur Acres this year.  Too much covid stuff too close to home and hubby just coming out of quarantine himself to take a chance with the long awaited upcoming surgery. So we have an excuse to have another celebration after the dust settles.

Made scheduled trip to hospital for the surgery only to be told it was cancelled until the end of August.  That long awaited surgery just got longer!

ONLINE CLASSES

Three Wisemen has gotten into full swing and everyone is busily working away! The carrot at the end of the stick is the finished piece.  They know where they are heading!

Next up is a Mystery Class - the Chinese Lanterns from JP Needlepoint.

REGISTRATION ENDS THIS WEEKEND!

As I work on each of the 12 sessions for this adventure I get so excited to be able to share the various techniques with my students.  We will be doing so much on this piece:  loads of stitches, techniques, suggestions and experiments.  The threads we have today make it even more enjoyable!  And embellishments for sure! There will be beads and ribbons of course.  Some ordered just for this class.

Registration is active and we have a few canvases available.  Don't miss the opportunity to play with us on this great piece.  Email right away to duodesignsinc@gmail.com to claim your canvas and join in the fun.

We have opened the private FB Group of this class.  If you have received your canvas you should have received an invitation to the group.  Let me know if you have not received your invite.  This is where all the happenings occur!  Discussions with fellow participants, questions, and lessons all take place in this Group!

Registration will close this weekend so if you wish to join us just send email to us at duodesignsinc@gmail.com. This event is 12 Sessions in length.  So many techniques will be shared!  Can't wait!  Trying to begin by mid-July.

Embellishments! Embellishments!

I just have to share the progress for our Sunday Dress upcoming face-to-face class scheduled in beautiful Boothbay, ME in Sept 30-Oct 1, 2022.  There will be so many techniques shared and beautiful threads used that your mind will be constantly saying to you 'oh we can use this on blah, blah canvas', or ' oh that is the thread I've been needing for so and so.'  

The printed canvas from The Art Needlepoint offered up a plethora of possibilities and has been tremendous fun stitching to bring the ladies that are depicted to life as seen by me. 

Have you registered yet?  Space is limited so don't miss your spot. 

Hosted by The Art Needlepoint Company.  Contact them right away and get your spot secured!

https://www.artneedlepoint.com/.../deposit-for-maine.../ 

So many fun techniques shared in this class!

NEEDLES 'N FINS STITCHING ADVENTURES - join the FB Group

Are you doing the Hawaiian Island Hopping Stitching Cruise with us in April?  Lots of fun in store as we visit FOUR islands!  Email our agent at lwolak@vikingtvl.com for full details.

Day 8

Day 8 – April 20, 2023 – Nawiliwili, Kauai – Arrive 8:00 am 

Day 9 – April 21, 2023 – Nawiliwili, Kauai – Depart 2:00 pm 

Kauai - nicknamed "the Garden Isle" thanks to the tropical rainforest covering much of its surface is known as most romantic and picturesque. The dramatic cliffs and pinnacles of its Na Pali Coast have served as a backdrop for major Hollywood films, while 10-mile-long Waimea Canyon and the Nounou Trails are hiking destinations. 

Here are just some of the optional tours offered by NCL. 

• • Best of Kauai - On this introduction to the “Garden Isle,” you’ll explore two of Kauai’s most dramatic natural attractions - the 3,000- foot-deep Waimea Canyon and the lush landscapes lining the Wailua River, including the famed Fern Grotto. 
• • Journey to Waimea Canyon - Discover Waimea Canyon, the breathtaking gorge in the heart of Kauai that is one of the island’s most dramatic natural attractions. 

• • Luau Kalamaku & Plantation Train - Climb aboard the Kauai Plantation Railroad for a narrated tour through fruit orchards and exotic tropical flower gardens. Then feast your eyes on hulas and fire dances and dine on a lavish luau. Wailua River & Fern Grotto - Board a flat-bottom motor launch for your journey up the tranquil Wailua River as it floats past lush jungle landscapes on the way to Fern Grotto and pay a visit to Opaekaa Falls. 

FACE TO FACE CLASSES

August 4-7, 2022

Pumpkin Spiced Tea

Beading on Needlework

NeedleFest Summer Getaway held in St. Davids (King of Prussia), PA 

Hosted by Needleworker's Delight. To register contact host at info@needleworkersdelight.com. 

August 10-14, 2022

Private Retreat with MN Guild

September 21-24, 2022

Can Do Hairdos Workshop

Wacky Flamingo

Contact:

Black Sheep

Orlando, FL

PH:  406-894-0444

September 30-October 1, 2022

Sunday Dress

Hosted by The Art Needlepoint Co

Boothbay, ME

https://www.artneedlepoint.com/.../deposit-for-maine.../ 

November 30-Dec 4, 2022

Colors of Christmas Needle Roll

Beary Winterland

Christmas in Williamsburg

Kingsmill Resort

Williamsburg, VA

May 6-7, 2023

Winter Cardinal

Raleigh, NC

Hosted by the Raleigh ANG Chapter - for details

Contact swderby@gmail.com

AT ARTHUR ACRES

Hubby was  supposed to have eye surgery this past week but seems that Covid decided to send back positive test results.  No symptoms.  No fever.  No cough.  No nothing.  Now we are playing wait and see regarding his major surgery scheduled for this coming week.  We have been waiting so long and I fear that we will be waiting longer still.  As my SIL says 'things happen for a reason.'

MAY I BRAG A BIT?

A friend shared this publication and article with me.  It is a posting in a book from The Royal School of Needlework out of England.  Without her alerting me I would never have known it existed.  This is the piece that RSN asked me to share with them for their exhibit in Hampton Court. Made me a bit proud.  But, that's a sin, right?

And to go one step further, kudos to my daughter and partner in Duo Designs for the fantastic job she did teaching recently at the Osterville Needlepoint Shop on Cape Cod. Such fun!

Even though it is still a WIP you can appreciate all the fantastic techniques and attention that Teresa has put forth on this exclusive class she taught for Osterville Needlepoint in Mashpee, MA. It is so beautiful in person!

NEEDLES 'N FINS STITCHING ADVENTURES - join FB Page!

As registration continues for this adventure this coming Spring we're sharing highlights of different islands we will be visiting.

Day 7 

– April 19, 2023 – Kona, Hawaii – Arrive 7:00 am / Depart 5:30 pm 

Here we have another full day to play, explore, shop, or just enjoy the beautiful waters - if on the beach we have our stitching handy of course. 

Kona offers the quintessential Hawaii experience. Sunny, warm weather and crystal blue waters entice visitors to partake in a variety of surfside fun. Great shopping, and optional tours await you. Visit the green and black sand beaches or tour a coffee plantation. 

ESTY SHOP - DuodesignsbySandra

Travel canvases are now available in our Etsy shop. Be sure to check them out.  Also adding stitch guides frequently.

Have you seen the new Turtle Bags?  We have those too.  We are creating painted canvases to have for the inserts.  

These bags have a wonderful, roomy interior.  

The colors are so scrumptious!  Go have a look in the shop for more details and be sure to get yours before they are gone. 

ONLINE CLASSES

We have shared the first of eight classes of the Three Wisemen.  Session I is now in progress.

If you are a member of the class and have not yet joined the group be sure to email me and let's see what is going on. You need to be there.

Chinese Lanterns from JP Needlepoint

We have opened the private FB Group of this class.  If you have received your canvas you should have received an invitation to the group.  Let me know if you have not received your invite.  This is where all the happenings occur!  Discussions with fellow participants, questions, and lessons all take place in this Group!

Registration is still open so if you wish to join us just send email to us at duodesignsinc@gmail.com. This event is 12 Sessions in length.  So many techniques will be shared!  Can't wait!  Trying to begin by mid-July.

FACE TO FACE CLASSES

August 4-7, 2022

Pumpkin Spiced Tea

Beading on Needlework

NeedleFest Summer Getaway held in St. Davids (King of Prussia), PA 

Hosted by Needleworker's Delight. To register contact host at info@needleworkersdelight.com. 

August 10-14, 2022

Private Retreat with MN Guild

September 21-24, 2022

Can Do Hairdos Workshop

Wacky Flamingo

Contact:

Black Sheep

Orlando, FL

PH:  406-894-0444

September 30-October 1, 2022

Sunday Dress

Hosted by The Art Needlepoint Co

Boothbay, ME

https://www.artneedlepoint.com/.../deposit-for-maine.../ 

November 30-Dec 4, 2022

Colors of Christmas Needle Roll

Beary Winterland

Christmas in Williamsburg

Kingsmill Resort

Williamsburg, VA

May 6-7, 2023

Winter Cardinal

Raleigh, NC

BEAUTIFUL WORKSHOPS AT OSTERVILLE NEEDLEPOINT

What a special long weekend we experienced.  The Mermaid taught by Teresa is phenomenal.  Customers are coming in and seeing it after the fact and having the shop kit it up for them.  Many unusual threads and techniques were shared on this design in class.  Contact the shop and get your kit together with stitch guide on order!

WIP  -  Yep, those are real starfish- very fragile.

Two days of embellishments flew by quickly!  Such diverse pieces!  Lots and lots of flowers!  Fluffy heron feathers!  Christmas lights on a sailboat stocking! Flowing hair on mermaid stocking!  Chandelier Lady was given more bling than she ever imagined!  Santa had a new approach on his fur and suit.  A custom snowman has a lovely setting with a fun wagon and an interesting winter tree! We made a special name for the Patti Mann pastry lady and called her the Pastry Princess - lots of books, fun top and of course bun in the hair.  We also had a serene scene of a cute cabin in the woods together with fire pit, different grasses, and water. Fun stitching is in store for these participants!

Face-2-Face Gatherings

August has some great F2F adventures in store for everyone.  First on the agenda is the NeedleFest Summer Getaway held in St. Davids (King of Prussia), PA and hosted by Needleworker's Delight.  This is held August 4th through August 7th, 2022.  To register contact host at info@needleworkersdelight.com. 

We will be teaching the Pumpkin Spiced Tea project.  This project features needle felting, stumpwork and lots and lots of stitches and techniques including unique threads and beautiful roving.

 A second workshop choice will be Beading on Needlework.  This popular techniques class teaches various ways to attach sundry types of beads to our needlework projects.

August 10-14, 2022

Private retreat for a Minnesota Guild.  We will be teaching the Crazy Needles Pincushion and several days of Embellishment!

Any class questions may be directed to duodesignsinc@gmail.com

NEEDLES 'N FINS STITCHING ADVENTURES - join the FB page!

Day 6 – April 18, 2023 – Hilo, Hawaii - Arrive 8:00 am / Depart 6:00 pm 

The entire city of Hilo is like one giant greenhouse with spectacular tropical flowers at every turn. Visit the town's well-preserved historic buildings, which date back to the turn of the century and showcase Hawaii's unique architecture. Just 30 miles away the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the home of the active Kilauea Volcano. 

Some possible private, personal tours that might be of interest include helicopter rides over the top of volcanoes, some snorkeling, waterfall adventures and much, much more.

The cruise line has a current bonus of buy one economy airfare and get second free - not sure how long this offer will be active.

Check with our agent lwolak@vikingtvl.com for cruise details.

SATURDAYS CAN BE SO SPECIAL!

Last Saturday we officially welcomed a beautiful DIL to our family.  It was a beautiful, outdoor wedding.  The wedding was kept low key with only immediate family and friends in attendance.  So special!  While the weather forecast kept predicting 30% chance of rain the morning was lovely.  The ground was dry and that made for good news on the protection of the gowns and pant legs!  Wow!  What an entrance.  The bride kept everything low key so we had no idea what her dress would be like.  However, knowing Lisa we knew it would be fabulous and she did not disappoint.  After a quick peek at the bride I looked at the adoring, love filled gaze of our son as he viewed his bride in her beautiful gown. The couple's niece provide beautifully played music, a best friend was the pastor of choice, daughters read scripture and poem, grandkids provided rings, you get the picture. A lovely brunch was served and the caterer even had a family connection in that she worked for me many, many years ago when catering was a hobby for her (and the bride and groom did not know that I knew her) - she's big time now - lol.  A fantastic video was shared with personal wishes and songs from Kenny G, and many other friends, etc.  And the final event was with sisters of the bride and groom witnessing the marriage certificate.  If there is such a thing, it was a perfect day!  May the bride and groom share many fabulous years together.  We love you!

This Saturday!  Duo Designs is teaching at Osterville Needlepoint in Mashpee, MA.  Cape Cod is always wonderful and to add the benefit of a fantastic, full service needlepoint shop is an extra special benefit.

Oh, and this trip we actually got to see the Mayflower and Plymouth Rock!

Teresa spent the first two days teaching the fun project of the lovely mermaid.

Today and tomorrow I get to play with students creating fun stuff on their chosen canvases sharing my embellishment ideas.  Always a great adventure for me.

NEEDLES 'N FINS STITCHING ADVENTURES - Join the private group now!

Have you chosen your stateroom yet for our wonderful Hawaiian Island Hopping Stitching Adventure?  Activity abounds and we are getting so excited!  It seems at times that it takes forever for the trips to come about but before we know it we will be Hawaii bound!  

Yes, we will be spending a day(s) on 4 - that's right FOUR - islands on this adventure. When we are not on an island, we'll be stitching and having fun with friends - new and seasoned - sharing our passion of stitching and learning new things - and not always just about stitching - lol.

SPECIAL:  At this time the special airfare of buy one get one free is still viable!  Be sure to contact Liz at lwolak@vikingtvl.com right away so you can take advantage of this fantastic bonus before they remove it.

Our next highlight will be our Day 5 of the journey!  Yes, we spent the night here and are ready to greet a second fun filled day with chosen adventures - going on selected tours, heading out on our own, shopping or just enjoying the beach - with our needlework in hand of course.  

Day 5

Oh I gotta try dragon fruit!  How did I miss that on previous adventures to Hawaii?  And I may try to do the whale watching again.  This is always one of my favorites.

Wanna go for a board ride? 

(I think this is me before I got my hair cut!  I wish!)

There are so many possibilities to fill your day.  How about making a glass souvenir?  Of course I know what my daughter is going to do - SHOP! She and Ellen (regular cruiser with Duo Designs)  can hit an unbelievable number of places and ferret out the most interesting finds!

FACE-2-FACE CLASSES

August 4-7, 2022

2022 Needlefest Summer Getaway

The Radnor Hotel

St. Davids, (King of Prussia) PA

August

Minnesota Chapter Retreat

September 20-25

Black Sheep

Techniques Class on Hairdos

Project Class on Funky Flamingo

Florida

September 30- Oct 1

Sunday Dress

Boothbay, ME 

November 30-December 4,2022

Needlefest Christmas in Williamsburg

Kingsmill Resort

Williamsburg, VA

Off to class!