FIRST ANNUAL DUO DESIGNS STITCHING RETREAT 2023

The response to our first Duo Designs Stitching Retreat is so exciting.  Teresa and I met with the event planners at General Butler State Park this week and had a very successful and satisfying walk through. We were not disappointed!

The facilities are wonderful for our event.  The first thing you see when entering the Lodge is the fabulous mezzanine.  This is the picture we feature on our flyer.

This area is just begging for you to get comfy and accidentally take a quick power nap. 

The sleeping rooms are on each side of the lobby.  There is also a bar (not that anyone would be interested cough! cough!) and a gift shop on this main area.

Dining rooms are down a few steps to another level.  There are also smaller conference rooms on this level.

Our main interest, however, was the Conference Center which is next to the Lodge.

While the distance is short, there is an incline.  However, there will be a window of time in the morning before class, after dinner and at night when closing up the Center with a van providing transportation for those who may need it back to the Lodge.  There is ample parking on the left that goes directly into the building for those who want to drive up, and it is a nice short walk for those who prefer to walk.

One thing that makes this Conference Center special to us is that it is all ours!  Totally private.  No one else will be in the facility other than us and Park Staff.  The doors are locked at night so we can leave our stitching either in the classroom or the stitching room.  

This larger classroom opens onto an outdoor patio.  A second classroom shares walls with this classroom and the stitching room.  Those who use lights will want to bring them - and yes, there is plenty of room for whatever type of stand you might want to use and lots of outlets.

The stitching room has a cozy fireplace and lots of room for us to get into trouble and maybe even share some surprises.  

The lobby area  outside the classrooms will be where our breaks are setup during the day.  

Lunches and plated dinners will be served in this Center as well.

So we are very excited to enjoy the hum of our fellow stitchers as we enjoy our passion together in a beautiful, clean, quite, private and serene setting!

We'll share more next week!

Teresa add the following information in the comment section:

Just a couple of additional notes on the retreat. The lodge also has an elevator, so stairs are not the only option to the dining room to go to breakfast. Lunches and dinners are being catered in the Conference Center next to the classrooms, so everything will be inclusive in the Center except sleeping & breakfast! And the views are AMAZING! When you call to reserve your room ask for one opposite the parking lot to enjoy those views ( they will go very fast!) and you MUST give them the Duo Designs Code ( which is coming next week). It is a gorgeous facility and we are going to have sooo much fun!! Okay back to stitching on Boss Lady 😍

ONLINE CLASSES

There is still time to register for the two current online class offerings.

Besties is a fun pink ostrich and her buddy a green froggie is likewise as cute:

Also on the agenda is SeaShells on Shore from Alice Peterson.

Just email us at duodesignsinc@gmail.com to register for either or both of these classes. Besties will be a 6 lesson class and SeaShells will likely be 8 lessons or possibly more.

FACE TO FACE CLASSES

Don't forget to get your registration in for the upcoming Christmas in Williamsburg event hosted as Needlefest in Williamsburg, VA.  Lots of teachers and lots of great projects - almost every type of needlework you can think of is covered.

We will be sharing a needleroll/pincushion/cracker called Colors of Christmas designed by our partner Teresa Kinberger.

Also shared will be a new bear - Beary Winterland.  

Check out their website and download the forms to get registered!  We'd love to see you there.

https://www.needleworkersdelight.com/ChristmasinWilliamsburg.html

NEEDLES ' N FINS STITCHING ADVENTURES

We are all getting antsy to go somewhere.  But many are not yet ready to go abroad.  So we are getting good response to our upcoming Hawaiian Island Hopping Stitching Adventures cruise.  We will be visiting 4 beautiful islands as we stitch in between going onto the individual islands to enjoy the unique beauty of each. 

Our itinerary is filled with wonderful possibilities for creating great memories at every Port!  Email us at duodesignsinc@gmail.com to get your own brochure of information or to ask any questions about our adventure!

DUODESIGNSBYSANDRA - Etsy Shop

Have you visited our Etsy Shop lately?  We are always adding additional stitch guides as time permits!  Check it out.

That's it for this week!  Have a great week and remember to Stitch with a Smile!

 REVOLVING DOOR AT ARTHUR ACRES

There is never a dull moment here at the homestead.  Seems we always have something evolving!  

I've returned from our great Minnesota adventure and it was beautiful!  Buffalo Lake does not disappoint - morning, noon or night.  When the sun is out it is really something to behold.  This venue is very peaceful and serene.  You can sit on one of the many benches or chairs outside and just get lost in your thoughts as you are mesmerized by the water, an occasional eagle or pelican even passing by.  I love to look at water - don't particularly like being in it but love its beauty.

DUO DESIGNS STITCHING RETREAT 2023 - September 22-25

WOW! Okay, from the responses received in just the first 2 days after sharing the announcement of our upcoming Retreat we get the idea that you like having a Retreat at this beautiful location in north central Kentucky!

Check out their website to get an idea of what they have to offer.  It is General Butler Kentucky State Park in Carrollton, KY (I'm having difficulty sharing the link.) This location is within easy driving distance of Chicago, Indiana, Columbus, Lexington -you get the idea. It is also easily accessible to major airports - Louisville and Cincinnati to name a few!  Shuttle service from Louisville is approximately 45 minutes away!

You also seem to like the featuring of a special artist. Last week we shared some of the details to tease you. Many of us are familiar with the cute Stitching Girls by artist  Gayla Elliott that is sweeping the needlepoint world.  Did you know that Gayla is a Kentucky Gal?  We can't wait for you to meet her in person.  Our adventure starts with a Meet and Greet Reception on the first evening where Gayla will come to help us kick off our fun stitching days ahead.

The two selected class projects for this Retreat are very special.  Boss Lady is quite popular now and offers a plethora of opportunities to personalize your work either for yourself or a special personal gift.  Teresa will help you personalize your canvas for that special person or profession.

There is the 'sign' on the office wall to indicate the theme you want to convey.  Here you can add the name of the company, the position of the professional, etc.  One idea is to have it say 'Librarian' or 'Kindercare', 'Jones Dentistry'(well if you are involved in Jones Dentistry), 'Tax Consultant', 'Music Lessons', etc. Add books on her shelves that fit the profession too. These are some quick ideas of how to personalize the sign.  Participants will be asked to provide information as to what they would like their sign to portray should they want assistance in creating the personalization.

Looks like model is being stitched for a Law Office - hmmm.

A second way to personalize is to create a special work-in-progress design for the in-hand stitching that your Stitching Girl would be stitching during her break.

Think about how you want your Stitching Girl to be personalizing her very own WIP canvas.

There will be fluff, a jam-packed stitching tote, flowers in the vase, plants in the planter, and a variety of books on the shelves and don't forget that steaming cup of hot refreshment!

This is a 2-day class.  The canvas is hand painted on 18 ct mesh with a design area of approximately 11" x 11".  The cut canvas is approximately 15" x 15".  Your canvas will be mounted on stretcher bars and ready to go!  All you need to bring is your personal stitching supplies.

The second 2-day class is an exclusive design for Duo Designs, Inc. only.  This fun canvas has an equestrian theme!  Gayla is yet to name this gal but there is no doubting which Stitching Girl we are referring to.

Resting on a bale of hay with her feet propped up on her saddle as she takes a break this gal is in her element!  She has her favorite steed looking over her shoulder as she works away on her special canvas.  Hmmm!  What will it be? A trophy? A blue ribbon? A pasture?  Time will tell.  Her stitching bag is handy for her and ready for whatever she decides to work on.  Her faithful steed might be anticipating that bucket of feed close by, however.  

The canvas is hand painted on 18 ct with a design area of approximately 11" x 11".  The cut canvas is approximately 15" x 15".  Your canvas will be mounted on stretcher bars and ready to go!  All you need to bring is your personal stitching supplies.

Each class participant is limited to one (1) each of the two (2) designs being taught.  You will have your class piece as one (1) and the option to purchase one (1) of the second class being taught.

As outlined in the brochure, this is an all inclusive Retreat.  Everything is covered in your registration fee with the exception of transportation and lodging.  All you need to bring is yourself and your personal stitching supplies! (You know, those cheaters, magnifiers, maybe a stand, foot stool, etc.)

This event is limited by the number of painted canvases that we can get in time for the classes.  Registration has begun and seems to be moving swiftly so don't hesitate too long on making your decision to join us!  Once the canvases are spoken for you will be placed on a wait list.  You know you are going to have fun whichever Stitching Gal you choose.

There is also going to be a special trunk show including Gayla's designs. Trunk Show items will be offered at special Retreat prices.

Email us at duodesignsinc@gmail to get your brochure and fill in the registration form to reserve your place.  (Scroll to last week's Blog to view the brochure if you like.)

NEEDLES 'N FINS STITCHING CRUISES  - Join the group

Registration continues for our upcoming Hawaiian Island Hopping Cruise.  We will visit 4 fantastic Islands!

Look out Fun - here we come.  You may choose to do the Optional Stitching Project - Hawaiian Memories that is specific to our journey.

Or you may choose to bring something from your personal stash to get some new ideas or suggestions for completion.

Email us at duodesignsinc@gmail.com for a brochure and specific details for this April 2023 adventure!

ONLINE CLASSES

This past week we shared our third session in the Three Wisemen. Now the fun really begins as we have all the background 'stuff' out of the way and can play, play play.  We began our first Wiseman of the three.

Registration is closed for the fantastic Chinese Lanterns by JP Needlepoint. We shared the first session this past week in this special class.  

Registration is now open and ongoing for the next classes:

Besties is tentatively set to begin the first of the year.  

Miss Fluff and friend Froggie are hand painted on 18 ct canvas.  The design area is approximately 6"x 10" on a cut canvas of approximately 13" x 15".  This class will be divided into 6 sessions.  The sessions will be shared once a month approximately mid-month. These lessons are posted in a pdf format and you may access them at any time you desire day and/or night and as many times as you desire.

To register send email to duodesignsinc@gmail.com.

We will invoice the participants for the canvas and the lesson fees.  As usual, we are working with a shop to prepare thread.embellishment kits for those who do not have a LNS and wish to have someone provide a kit for them.  Details provided after the participant is registered.  Email us at duodesignsinc@gmail.com.

And SeaShells on the Shore by Alice Peterson Designs:

To join in the fun for this beautiful class just send us an email at duodesignsinc@gmail.com.  

This Alice Peterson Design is on 18 mesh canvas.  The design area is approximately 10" wide by 8" high.  The cut canvas size is approximately 14" wide by 12" high. We anticipate this class beginning mid-February 2023.  Registrations are healthy and going well. 

Those who register ahead are making sure that a canvas will be received timely. Designers are telling us 5-7 months turnaround so we're getting a head start for that part of the adventure. While it might seem some time away remember that we must register now and pay the deposit in order to get canvases painted timely.

To register email us at duodesignsinc@gmail.com and we will send you an invoice for the $150 deposit.  This deposit is non-refundable and is applied to reserving your hand painted canvas.  Once the ordered canvases are spoken for, a standby list will be created. Additional registration will be determined by the availability of canvases so keep that in mind if you really want to participate you must register with deposit right away. - duodesignsinc@gmail.com

The lesson packet will be invoiced after the first of the year so no urgency there. Our first draft on lessons indicated a possibility of 8 sessions - more may be necessary - we'll see.

We are working with a shop to determine threads/embellishments that will be an option for those without a LNS and desiring assistance in that area. This will be the next deadline because of availability from suppliers.  

First priority:  If you are sure you want to participate in this fun class contact us right away and make your deposit to reserve your canvas and place in class!  duodesignsinc@gmail.com

DuodesignsbySandra - Etsy shop

Have you seen the Turtle Bags?  There are the two new scrumptious colors out!  

Black is currently out of stock. Lovely way to display your needlework for all to see! Go look them over - duodesignsbySandra - .

Lots of stitch guides and canvases listed also.

Phew!  That's a lot to cover in one blog.  Have a great weekend - email us with any questions and remember to Stitch with a Smile!

 IN MY ELEMENT!

Having a fabulous time here with the Minnesota Ladies of the Needlework Guild of Minnesota!  I knew I would. My wonderful hostesses see to it that I get to my meals on time as this place is spread out like a maze (to me anyway). 

Jan and Sarah have taken great care of me.  (Can you tell one of us has been up and traveling since 4 am?).

My first stop was to the fantastic Stitchville Shop.  I left some 'spending' money there for sure. I'm not sure a thread exists they don''t have.  They will ship anything to you so check them out!

Next we visited a 'Bubble Tea' shop.  I don't know what it is but I had a fantastic peach something - no calories of course!

Then off we went to the retreat facility.  Here's the view I get to look at each night from my room - 

This morning we watched a young eagle fishing as we ate our breakfast.

Classes are going great - today is the last one. Boy they are taking to these stitches like ducks to the water.  Tonight there is an event where the vendors have a table to sell some of their wares if they wish to do so.  Should be fun.

When I signed up for this group I had no idea what I was in for. My Minnesota friends should have warned me!  It is a 'little' more than a teaching assignment.  Some how I ended up being a dog and became part of the intro to next year's event! We have the ears, tail, paws and face.  As the organizers shared details of the upcoming Retreat for next year we 'doggies' handed out - are you ready for this? - Puppy chow to the audience.  The Puppy chow had a cute dog or kitty magnet attached to the bag as well as the sweet treat.  Seems I was the only doggie with fleas however.  Such fun and a wonderful way to lighten up in these troubling times.  Way to go gals!

It has been a lovely Retreat and one more in the books for them.  This is their 50th Anniversary! WOW!

ONLINE CLASSES:

We are very busy working these registrations coming in for our next upcoming classes.  Besties and SeaShells on the Shore. 

Email us at duodesignsinc@gmail to register for the sweet Miss Fluff and her Froggie friend known as Besties.  Class is scheduled to begin late Fall - stay tuned.

I do wish I could find someone who actually has the SeaShells so I could audition some of the techniques I want to share with the participants but it is what it is.  If you see one in a shop somewhere please email me right away to duodesignsinc@gmail.com. SeaShells is scheduled to begin mid-February 2023

I was able to pick up some luscious threads this week at Stitchville.  I have never been there before.  It is a wonderful shop and you don't want to miss it if you are in the area.  Well worth the trip.

DRUM ROLL PLEASE!

We are very excited to be introducing our fantastic event scheduled for September 22-25, 2023. Duo Designs, Inc. will be hosting a very special Stitching Retreat at General Butler Kentucky State Park in Carrollton, KY.  This event will be showcasing the fabulous Gayla Elliott Designs - her Stitching Girls.  Gayla has created an exclusive design for DDI and we are overjoyed with how it turned out.  

This wonderful location is easily drivable from many adjoining states and handy to a great airport in Louisville, KY as well.

The registration package includes everything except transportation and lodging. Yes, you read that right.  All goody bags, kit supplies, canvas, meals, meet-and-greet event, and many surprises sprinkled in as well.

Below is a picture of the fun exclusive class that has been designed for this Retreat.

This is a 2-Day class and includes everything required to complete the design other than the stitcher's normal stitching supplies.

The other fabulous 2-Day class is for the professional ladies that Gayla calls 'Boss Lady'.  This class is taught by Teresa Kinberger.  Teresa is preparing icons for various professions so you can personalize your design for yourself or as a beautiful gift - teachers, nurses, pharmacists, doctors, lawyers, accountants, etc.  Let her know what profession you want your Stitching Girl to be working on. PS - the model will have a Scale of Justice because guess who it is being stitched for?? 

Both class kits will also contain alphabetic charts for further personalization. 

The price of your choice of one full class kit is included in the registration fee.

Also scheduled is a special trunk show of Gayla's Stitching Girls with special retreat discounts!  What fun!  Right?

Spaces are limited due to availability of canvases so do not lag behind in making your deposit and registering for your spot.  

As always, email with any questions to duodesignsinc@gmail.com

I am off for my last day of the embellishment class.  Today we are finishing off with some fun, fun techniques that we were preparing for the previous 2 days - hopefully we'll have some pictures next week.  Have a great day and Stitch with a Smile!

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

Sorta getting back in the groove of a little teaching travel.  I leave Tuesday for Minnesota. I've never been to Minnesota.  However as those traveling teachers know, unless we add extra days/time in, I can return home almost saying I've not visited Minnesota - lol.  We are generally working the whole time, at least I am, polishing lessons based on the previous day's questions, comments, etc. But we do get to enjoy the wonderful hosts, the state's hospitality and I almost always have wonderful memories of the  engagements.  

I am really looking forward to working with this group of ladies.  Based on their canvas selections I know we are gonna have a great time.

NEEDLES 'N FINS STITCHING ADVENTURES - join now

Our Hawaiian Island Hopping Stitching Adventure is gaining more interest.  Participants like the idea of being in America while our travel issues can still be so iffy for some outside areas.

We look forward with anticipation to the 10 fantastic days April 13-22, 2023 planned adventures - 2 days in Honolulu and 7 night cruise on the NCL Pride of America.

We'll fly into Honolulu on the 13th and depending on the time of each one's schedule will have the day and evening on our own.  We then have the whole day of the 14th to explore the beach, the island or personally arranged tours. The night of the 14th we will have our first class - woo hoo!

Email our agent Liz at lwolak@vikingtvl.com or us at duodesignsinc@gmail.com to get more specific details about the cruise and the stitching.

UPCOMING ONLINE CLASSES

This sweet little ostrich is a member of the LONG NECK FRIENDS gang.  This design is BESTIES and features a pink fluffy princess with her best friend the green frog prominently settled in his place of honor upon her snout!

BESTIES

Miss Fluff and friend Froggie are hand painted on 18 ct canvas.  The design area is approximately 6"x 10" on a cut canvas of approximately 13" x 15".  This class will be divided into 6 sessions.  The sessions will be shared once a month approximately mid-month. These lessons are posted in a pdf format and you may access them at any time you desire day and/or night and as many times as you desire.

To register send email to duodesignsinc@gmail.com.

We did a quickie poll this past week for another Online Class possibility and Seashells on the Shore from Alice Peterson Designs won hands down:

This Alice Peterson Design is on 18 mesh canvas.  The design area is approximately 10" wide by 8" high.  The cut canvas size is approximately 14" wide by 12" high. We anticipate this class beginning mid-February 2023.  Registrations are healthy and going well.  Those who register ahead are making sure that a canvas will be received timely. Designers are telling us 5-7 months turnaround so we're getting a head start for that part of the adventure. While it might seem some time away remember that we must register now in order to get canvases painted timely.

To register email us at duodesignsinc@gmail.com and we will send you an invoice for the $150 deposit.  This deposit is non-refundable and is applied to reserving your hand painted canvas.  Once the ordered canvases are spoken for, a standby list will be created. Additional registration will be determined by the availability of canvases so keep that in mind if you really want to participate you must register with deposit right away. - duodesignsinc@gmail.com

The lesson packet will be invoiced after the first of the year so no urgency there.  First draft indicated a possibility of 8 sessions - more may be necessary - we'll see.

We are working with a shop to determine threads/embellishments that will be an option for those without LNS and desiring assistance in that area. This will be the next deadline because of availability from suppliers.  

First priority:  If you are sure you want to participate in this fun class contact us right away and make your deposit to reserve your canvas and place in class!  duodesignsinc@gmail.com

Gotta finish packing so until next week . . .