Running behind! (or ahead?) May I blame it on Hurricane Milton?

Our first major hurricane is behind us!  We were so blessed as the eye went north of us.  However, there were over 11 tornadoes in our area - one very destructive one approximately 15 miles away.  As I said we are blessed.  Our park suffered no major damage at all.  Lots of palm branches and that type of debris and a couple of smaller trees broke and toppled missing property on their way down.  No flooding.  We did lose power for several hours and we were able to test our new generator.  It came through with flying colors.  So we are watchful because a couple more are out there brewing and what will be will be.

DDI UNIQUELY YOURS FLORIDA STITCHING RETREAT

Our contacts tell us all is well for our upcoming Retreat in November.  The area where our resort is located managed to escape any major damage.  The Events Manager told us it is basically clean up and in fact they were receiving over 150 guests two days after Milton went through.  Apparently no surge hit that particular area of the beach.  (Remember our classrooms are on the 9th floor with a beautiful view.)

The shop also let us know that they escaped major damage.  They were without power for some time but they are open and operating around the clean up in their area.

One thing I have deduced in the short time we have lived here - Floridians take these storms seriously!  They know how to prepare. Once past, however, they know how to recover as quickly as possible!  They are amazing!

RETREAT 2025 particulars will be revealed at the Resort in a few (😜) weeks!  Remember when Retreat seemed eons away?  Can't wait to see you all!

ONLINE CLASSES:

Memories of Hawaii has had the last session posted.  I cheated and posted it a couple days early as the lesson was ready and we had power.

Next up is Ornaments Galore.  Another ornament is being shared today.  This class has offered so many opportunities to use stash and it is fun to work the various stitches and techniques taught. Here's a view while being stitched.

UPCOMING!  REGISTER NOW!

Helga's Hats is another canvas that presents us with many areas to explore different threads and stitches. Another stash buster opportunity.

Notice that the hats are different colors.  Look also at how they are decorated differently.  Of course there is included with the witch the obligatory black cat and crow.  Wonder what the background will be?

Registration is currently open for this 6 Session Online Class.  The first Session will be shared mid-January 2025 and each Session will follow one month later.  Remember these Online Classes are shared in the pdf format and the participant has access to the Sessions whenever it is convenient for their individual schedule. 

The design is painted on 18 count canvas. The area is approximately 18.5" tall by 4.5" wide. 

Email us at duodesignsinc@gmail.com for particulars if interested in joining us.

So that's it in a nutshell.  Terri and I will see ya in a few!  😎 So EXCITED 😃 !

 ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL MORNING HERE LOCALLY.

Had very busy week with hubby doctor visits, etc., but all is progressing well.  

Some of the snowbirds are starting to trickle in so little extra activity buzzing there.

ONLINE CLASSES

Canvases arrived for those signed up so far for Helga's Hats!  They are so cute.  I'll begin stitching this cutie soon so that those participants can gather their threads and supplies from their stash or LNS for the class.

Registration is open and active. Email us at duodesignsinc@gmail.com if you would like to join us. Design is handpainted on 18ct canvas.  Design is approximately 4.5" wide by 9". Class will consist of 6 postings where participants have opportunity to access information on their own time schedule.

Currently our time is greatly consumed with preparing for the upcoming Florida Retreat to be held in Clearwater in November.We are also preparing information for the 2025 Retreat.  So much excitement!

Stay tuned. .. .

 Good Saturday Morning!

It seems things will not slow down for the Arthur’s even here in sunny Florida!  But, hey, it keeps us active.

DDI UNIQUELY YOURS FLORIDA STITCHING RETREAT for November is full.  We are so excited and anxious to see what everyone is going to do with the stitches, techniques and suggestions that Terri and I are  anxious to share with the participants!  We have such a diverse and fun bunch of canvases that are going to start their new life in stitches!

We are having so much fun gathering goodies for your registration and events!  We also plan to share the designs for the 2025 Retreat and working on details for participants early registration.  The 2025 classes will be fully kitted project classes and limited in number.

ONLINE CLASSES

Registration is active for our new class scheduled to begin mid-January!  We received our canvas for the cute Helga’s Hats from the talented Rebecca Woods Designs line.  To register email us at duodesignsinc@gmail.com for details.  

That’s it for this week - gotta go play home nurse!  All is well - stitch with a smile until next time!

TORNADO DEBBY IN FL!

Well Debby has left our area!  Thankfully mostly rain. Surrounding areas, however, really got hammered.  Lots of flooding, downed branches/trees, etc.  We were very fortunate.

UNIQUELY YOURS FLORIDA STITCHING RETREAT - NOVEMBER 1-4, 2024

Playing with items for the upcoming Uniquely Yours Florida Stitching Retreat being held in Clearwater, FL on November 1-4, 2024.  We could make room for a couple more if you would like to join us.  Email us at duodesignsinc@gmail.com .  For full details scroll down earlier posts to get brochure and registration form!

ONLINE CLASSES:

Ornaments Galore and Memories of Hawaii are on schedule for their mid-month postings.

Here's a new design that is being considered.  Let me know if you would like to join this class.  It will probably be 6 sessions and begin after January 2025. This will depend on the amount of interest.  I do not have the details of the canvas size, cost, etc., this stage.  Email if you would like to be added to the list of interested paerticipants:  duodesignsinc@gmail.com.

That's it for today!  Stay safe everyone!

 FLORIDA RETREAT IN FULL SWING!

Rooms are filling quickly!  Be sure to reserve yours right away if you want the benefit of the Group Rate.

As with the Retreat last year, we have participants from all over - California, Tennessee,Texas, Pennsylvania, Louisiana,New Hampshire,the Carolinas!  So exciting!

Part of the process of the Uniquely Yours© concept is that you may use a canvas and/or threads in your stash (of course you may also order a new one if you prefer).  As soon as possible after registration send a copy of the design to duodesignsinc@gmail.com.  We can then be sure that your choice will allow you to utilize the full benefits of the concept of the class.  You definitely want room enough to see and learn the stitch.  Many of the techniques shared during the stitch illustrations will pique your creative juices and let your imagination take hold.  We are loving the pictures of canvases we have received so far.  Keep them coming!

There is still time to register so you won't miss out on all the fun!  We'd love to have you join us.

Check out the previous blog post for the Retreat information and the Registration form. Email us at duodesignsinc@gmail.com with questions.

Have you visited our Etsy Shop lately?  There are tons of stitch guides available for instant download.  Also available are some canvases that were extra from classes at a great price. Give them a look!  Etsy:  duodesignsbySandra

Enjoy your stitching . . . til next time!

RETREAT NEWS!

Duo Designs, Inc, Uniquely Yours FL Stitching Retreat 2024 is officially open for registration!  The fun begins on the afternoon of November 1, 2024 for registering for the event (then you are free to play on the private adjoining beach).  Classes will begin at 8:30 am through 4:30 pm on Saturday, November 2, 2024 and Sunday, November 3m, 2024 with checkout Monday morning.  There will be optional evening workshops from 7 to 9 pm Saturday and Sunday to work on incorporating the lessons of the day on your personally selected design. Teachers will be present to assist with questions, etc.

On Saturday, November 2, 2024 we are being treated to a special afternoon at The Flying Needles needlepoint shop.  With the help of the teachers and shop personnel we will select other threads and embellishments you might wish to add to your canvas!

Uniquely Yours© is a Series of classes by DDI wherein you use your own canvas and pick your own threads.  This is a great stash buster series.  Classes will involve guiding you through the process of reading your unique canvas,  stitches being taught and discussed how to best utilize them to achieve various looks and results, and helping you learn how to best use certain stitches on your unique design.

Space is limited so be sure to secure your unique spot early!  Note that the hotel has a deadline for registering for the Group Rate of October 1, 2024!

Once you have registered send a good photocopy picture of your canvas design to duodesignsinc@gmail.com so we may be better prepared to assist you with your choices at the event.

Retreat information:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dMBl-xO61Ip8W--LCb9EZotoC4R8zYHN/view?usp=drive_link

Electronic registration form:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LY1_wJ_ndqWBxplF9414DuARo_2ZalYL/view?usp=drive_link

Lots of fun and surprises in store!

ONLINE CLASSES

JP Ornaments Galore continues to have a new ornament added to the group.  There are so many possibilities explored on this canvas!  It is a great one for this type venue. Below is current ornament WIP.

Our first session in Memories of Hawaii was shared recently also.  We began the water background.

ETSY SPECIAL!

In recognition of the upcoming Retreat and remembering last year's wonderful Retreat, our Etsy Shop - duodesignsbySandra - has reduced the two Retreat Canvases to $140 plus S/H for a limited time!  

Check out Stitching Girl with Her Horse and Boss Lady!

So we are off to enjoy our Florida weather and just chill! Until next time . . . .

SUNSHINE IS MARVELOUS!

We are loving our new environment.  I am currently working on starting to do some beginner needlepoint classes here at the clubhouse for the elders (of which I think I am the eldest!)

We'll see if it goes through. 

DUO DESIGNS STITCHING RETREAT 2024

The poll seems to be pointing towards the beach (even though more $$$$) and hopefully close to a needlepoint shop.  We have sent out inquiries and made phone calls.  We are gathering information in order to move forward to making some definite plans - stay tuned!

The format for this event was chosen by past participants who have taken several sessions of the Uniquely Yours online classes.  They are always fun and exciting.We look forward to sharing the same concept in person.  The event is tentatively scheduled for late fall (September-October) before the holidays.  Be sure to provide your thoughts and input in the Group.

ONLINE CLASSES

Registration is open for the next Online Class that will be starting mid-May 2024.  Memories of Hawaii has a plethora of techniques that we will be sharing.  Review the previous post for more details.  Email us at duodesignsinc@gmail.com with questions and to register.  

                    Invoices are going out currently for the deposit segment.  Balance due May 1 - will invoice                         separately.

More later . . . 

 Way Behind!

Where is the time flying off to?  This retirement stuff in Florida is making the days just whiz by.  I'm not complaining but cannot believe how I lose track of the day of the week.  Each day has something going on either Bunco, Mah Jongg, Bingo two days a week, Shuffleboard, Hand in Foot cards, and somewhere along the way I should do chores!

ONLINE CLASSES

Our online classses continue to move along - that's one thing that does not slip my mind though I may be tardy occasionally.

Speaking of Online Classes we are getting ready to introduce a new class.  The class will be conducted over 6 months with one lesson posted about mid-month for each session.  This piece will be the Memories of Hawaii.  

Hand Painted Needlepoint design on 18 ct Monocanvas. The design area is approximately 10" x 11". The cut canvas size is approximately 15" x 16" leaving ample room for strecher bars and doodle space.

If you have been to Hawaii you will readily recognize the beautiful icons of great memories on the Hawaiian Islands.You can’t think Hawaii and not see visions of sand, water, swaying palm trees and the lovely hibiscus and plumerias.

Class is limited to the number of handpainted canvases that are available.  Class fee (including handpainted canvas) is $450.  Participants will provide their own threads.  A list of threads used will be posted in the private group so participants can begin gathering their threads for the class.  Most threads are easily available and/or substituted. 

Class will begin May 15, 2014.  A non-refundable deposit of $150 will be needed to reserve your canvas.  The balance of $300 will be due May 1st and canvas released at that time to participants.  To reserve your spot send email to duodesignsinc@gmail.com.  Once received you will get a PayPal invoice for the non-refundable deposit.

Well I'm off to ride my trike and enjoy this beautiful day!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!    

I think most of us are ready to move on to 2024! The past year brought many changes in our lives and we are now ready to move forward and embrace our adjustments as needed.  Still need to be assigned a couple specialists but the critical ones are in place and working,

A little cool here by southern FL standards - 63 deg. - but very manageable,  We played shuffleboard this morning so couldn't be all that bad.

ONLINE CLASSES

Nothing new to report as yet. We're working on a possible Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring geometric series that is aimed more toward the student that is intimidated by specialty stitches and is seeking more of the beginning stitch types . We'll work on shading and compensating. Each season will be an individual class project. Students will have choice of the Twisted Diamond or the Twisted Square.

If these classes are of interest to you email us at duodesignsinc@gmail.com to be added to the list of potentials.