ROME WE ARE ON OUR WAY (AGAIN) !

Just a few days away from leaving for our Mediterranean Stitching Adventure which begins in Rome. House sitter has been briefed, kitty cats promise to behave (yea, right), and what can be done has been done so not to worry.

Wishing safe travels to all and we'll see you there.  Lots to see and lots of fun stitching and surprises that I am so excited to be sharing with you!

To get information on our next stitching adventure - Tulip Time on the Rhine - be sure to join our Facebook Group Needles 'N Fins Stitching Adventures.  This trip in April promises to be full of beautiful, colorful blossoms.  We will be back with UniWorld this time on the SS Antionette!  We know we are going to be spoiled and well cared for. So exciting!

Online Mystery Classes
Lessons were posted this week for the Online Mystery Classes.  These guys are just speeding along!

We did more on Santa Tags.  We shared the jingle bells, some hanger creations and the stockings.

For our Gossips group we finished another of the ladies - this time the pink one on the right.

I'm having a difficult time deciding which of the Gossips is my favorite.  There is something special I love about them all!  I hate to see this class end.  Only one more session.

Just a Sip is moving right along too.  We added the wallpaper, the topiary and the towel.  Fun techniques for this design too.

The stitch for the towel is in my Can Do Hairdo book which is available in my Etsy Shop (duodesignsbySandra).  Come check it out.

We added more stitch guides to the Etsy Shop this week as well.  Be sure to check often as we are continually bringing in more of our stock.

Registration for new classes is going quite well.

Kissmas Eve from PLD Designs is a real cutie:

The beautiful Fall Welcome Wreath with Scarecrow is also from PLD Designs and promises lots of techniques in its vast selection of goodies. This design class covers 8 sessions instead of the usual 6.

If you would like to participate in either of these classes just send an email to duodesignsinc@yahoo.com and we'll add you to the notification list!

Till next time!

Goodness me!  Only a few weeks away from our Mediterranean Stitching Adventure!

Am I ready?  No?  Anything major to do? No?  Am I excited?  Yes!  Will it get done? Yes!

Will go to a bull fight - definitely not!  A flamenco show - definitely yes.

First up will be to finalize this month's lessons for the Online Mystery Classes.  These guys are so much fun!  Can't wait to share them with you next week.  Time really speeds by on these projects.  It never ceases to amaze me.

We are currently accepting reservations for new classes for 2020 including Fall Welcome Wreath

and Kissmas Eve

To register send an email to me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.  More complete details can be viewed on earlier posts here.

HEADS UP!    NAN - is now ready for registration for the 2020 Assembly.  Go have a look at all the wonderful class opportunities that are presented.
I would love to have you enroll in my classes and come play with me.

https://needleart.org/assembly/?fbclid=IwAR0HVStgVuVSfoN1265ev1_-GhC2BFEBGUwC_1Ot2oH9A7ksEXdTXMwvg7M


A 2-day class Conventional Techniques using Unconventional Resources


And a 2-day class Winter Cardinal design by Maggie.

In the meanwhile, I am anticipating painting new designs in trying to decide whether to exhibit at Destination Dallas market next year.  I haven't exhibited in years!  I'm kinda on the fence about it and will need to make a decision soon if I plan to have product ready for the shop owners.  We'll see how the creative juices flow.  Plus I'm thinking of bringing out some of my previous class pieces and offering them commercially now.

My main concentration at this exact moment is to get my 'stuff' together for the trip.  My personal stuff that is.  Everything for my students is all packed away and ready to head to the airport in a few more weeks!  So so excited.

Just saw a notice this week about hotel reservation information for the upcoming ANG national seminar to be held in Tucson, AZ for 2020.

I am fortunate to be teaching classes there.  

Crazy Needles Journey

Ribbons, Beads, a kazillion techniques, oh my!  This piece got its name because stitches used have a 'traveling' feel to them - Hungarian, Parisian, Dutch, French, etc., get it?

Flags of Glory

A fun piece to work!  Playing with different shading, stitch manipulation, ribbons, beads, sequins.  Love this piece.

More later so stay tuned and have a wonderful weekend.  It is perfect here in Central Kentucky today.

MEDITERRANEAN COUNTDOWN!

Oh dear!  It is hard to believe that in less than 3 weeks I'll be in Rome again!  What a lovely thought. Along with that thought comes reality as well.  Yikes!

Kits to prepare.  Well, actually complete.  You know how you have a million things that need one more this or that?  That's about where I am on the agenda.  Have my first extra bag almost completed for my wonderful participants!   This is one of the most exciting parts for me.

What secrets lurk within? ? ?

I'm getting ready to pull out the second extra bag and start stuffing it.  Yes, stuffing!  I'm not very good at packing - if it fits and it's within weight limits - I'm good.  LOL.  I so envy people who are much better organized and neater than I ever was or could be.  I just don't seem to want to give the time needed for such a feat.

Somewhere along the way I need to start thinking of what I intend to wear.  I'm not too hung up on that part of my life.  If it is clean I am mostly happy.  And I pray that I don't clash too badly to embarrass my friends and family.

Excursions are also on my mind.  There are so many wonderful things to consider that I am having a difficult time deciding.  We have already planned for the Amazing Azamara adventure in town and the white night event.  Sorta looking at one of the driving tours of the Amalfi Coast.  That sounds real appealing to Bill and me.  We are such wild people!

One of my most looked forward to adventures will be in Sardinia, Italy where we will have a special class on Italian Embroidery - Filet Embroidery - taught by Italian instructions (thank goodness for interpreters!) in Italy!  Can't get much better than this!  Italy!  Italy!  Italy!

While these finishing touches are happening for the Mediterranean Stitching Adventure, great activity is going on for our upcoming Tulip Time on the Rhine Stitching Riverboat Cruise in April 2020.

We will be sailing on UniWorld's beautiful SS Antionette.  So lovely, cozy, intimate and friendly.  Love riverboats!

We have a great schedule for this adventure in April 2020. Plan to be there when tulips are in full bloom!

Of course riverboats are much smaller so it is more critical to make a decision to join us as early as you can.  The ship will only accommodate 152 (I think that's the number) of passengers.  We are off to a great start with approximately 24 already registered!  Come join us for the fun!  Never know what I might be up too. And there is a special discount for paid in full through October 31!   Email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com for more information.  Or hop over and join our Facebook Group - Needles 'N Fins Stitching Adventures - to keep up with what is happening and our future plans.

Okay gotta get back to working on the Online Mystery Class Lessons for October. These need to be posted and shared before we head off to Europe!  Gotta keep ahead here!  Have a great weekend!

STITCHING AND CRUISING IN THE FUTURE!

Just a few short weeks until we head off for our marvelous Mediterranean Stitching Cruise 2019!  Excitement abounds!  Here at ArthurAcres we are busy making name tags, putting the final touches on the goody bags and preparing for our daily drawings!  Additionally we are concentrating on the wonderful surprises that we will be sharing with you in our structured time at the hotel and on the ship!  I am 'busting' to share with you all!  This is the really fun part of the trip for me!

This cruise is taking place when Halloween comes along and the ship Azamara Pursuit has a special Halloween Party and prizes for those who choose to dress up and celebrate.

I believe all my ducks are in a row on the exclusive class we are taking in Italy taught by Italian instructors (with interpreters of course), on an Italian technique.  I am beside myself with excitement and tell anyone who will listen.

Hope to learn some particulars on the handmade netted background - intriguing to me.

Come join the Needles 'N Fins Stitching Adventures group to keep up with the latest in the best intimate stitching cruises available!  In this group we share ideas of desired stitching adventures that are combined with cruising.  Our preferable way to travel is by riverboat.  However a few choice destinations require a slightly larger boat.  The Mediterranean ship is for 600 people and the Hawaiian ship is for 2100.  Still quite smaller than the large ocean liners (which is what is required for the Alaskan cruise).  I taught my last class on a huge ship over 15 years ago and have never looked back.

Our goal is to provide stitching that is related to the areas we are visiting or traveling. In the past we have offered optional class kits that have been designed by Duo Designs, Inc., or a guest designer.  Participants may bring their own projects if they desire to do so and seek stitching help if needed. There have been some surprise projects as well that also include icons of the various regions.  Drawings include items that are also area related.

Here are some of the projects and surprises from some of our most current stitching cruises!  What memories!

Dawn modeling her bracelets

 Jane shared her stitched luggage tag

  Color choices for bracelets to make

Mediterranean Stitching Memories promises to have more goodies and surprised to share!

WHAT?

WHAT?

What ever will be in store for my students when we get on the Mediterranean?  I know they will be just as excited to discover what I have in store for them as I will be in sharing!  Can't wait!

If you would like to join us on a future adventure just join our exclusive Facebook Group - Needles 'N Fins Stitching Group and discover what we are up to! We'd love to include you in our next cruising adventure.  We're doing Tulip Time on the Rhine in 2020 and possibly Hawaii Island Hopping in 2021.  You don't want to miss a thing!

Have a great weekend!

DESTINATION DALLAS 2019 WAS QUITE A HIT!

Well there were lots of wonderful new items at the Dallas market - as usual.  So much to try to soak in.  I do not see how shops make the decisions of which to choose and which to leave behind.  Of course the major trick is to know your customers but with all the temptations the designers throw at them it makes for very tough decisions.

We gave a sneak peek last time of two new designs that we will be hosting as an Online Mystery Class for 2020.  A tentative date has been set so get onboard!

First up will be the Fall Wreath with Scarecrow available through PLD Designs, Inc. (This was formerly JuliMar).

Fall Wreath with Scarecrow

This wonderful fellow is on 18ct canvas with a design area of 12" x 12". The canvas is cut to approximately 17.5 x 17.5.    The first scheduled class is tentatively set for mid-February 2020. Because there is so much involved on this one there will be 8 sessions.  The price of the 8-lesson packet is $175.  To join in this fun group email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.  The interest is wonderful and we are going to have a great class!  We will be working 'out of the box' so to speak on this one.  Some unusual embellishments, maybe not-so-familiar threads and who knows what else. Can't wait to start - well actually I have already started!

The other design that has been added to the class list is the very cute kissmas eve also from PLD Designs.

kissmas eve

This is such a sweet design.  It is painted on 18ct canvas and the design area is approximately 9" x 10".  It is on a cut canvas of approximately 14.5 x 15.5.  The first lesson is scheduled to start May 2020. There will be 6 sessions for this design.  The 6-lesson packet will be $150.  If you would like to play with this group email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com so I can add you to the notification list.

Both these classes are being well received and I am excited to start sharing my thoughts and ideas with you!

Also, we will be working with a shop to provide canvas and/or thread kits for those who need assistance.

There is a third new class for 2020 that has already been introduced that is At the Seashore from Sandra Gilmore.

At the Seashore

The first lesson for this class will be mid-January 2020.  It is a 6-lesson packet for $150.

It has been a while since I explained the Online Mystery Classes and we have had a good number of new people join in following the blog so I'll briefly explain what's happening. When a new Online Mystery Class is announced there is already a good number of interested participants - this makes it worthwhile to spend the time to create the lessons, etc.  

About 2 months before the scheduled class those who have asked to be on the list will receive an email stating that a PayPal invoice for the lessons is being emailed.  If the invoice is paid you are part of the class.  If the invoice is not paid you will receive one reminder.  If still not paid you are dropped from the interest list.  There is no obligation to be on the notification list.  Also at this time, there will be a call out asking for those who need assistance obtaining their canvas and/or threads.  I will ask permission to share your contact information with a shop that will be kitting the class using the exact materials that I have used stitching the design.  All transactions are between you and the shop.  I do not get any kickback from the shop(s).  This is merely a service for those who do not have a LNS.

Once invoices are processed the participants receive and invitation to join the secret Facebook Group which they must accept to get in.  This is where you meet other participants, where materials are listed, where lessons are posted and where corrections are made when needed.  The participants may ask any questions they like for clarification, etc., as we go along. I do ask that students not provide instructions as there needs to be only one chief and that will be me in these classes.

So - - we would love to have you join us for any of our upcoming classes.  Just email us at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com and we will place your name on the notification list.

SOOOOOOOOO Excited!  Mediterranean here we come!

We have contracted for an exclusive class in Sardinia, Italy!  We will be taught an Italian technique (filet embroidery), by an Italian teacher in Italy!  Won't that be fabulous!  How often can one have an opportunity like this!  The space is small so the class will be very limited!  Registration was on a first-come/first-served basis.

We will be spending the first part of the morning touring the Casa Saddi museum and tasting some of the local products.  

If I understand correctly we will be able to purchase some of the wonderful items we were tasting.

Then for the next 3 hours we will be so fortunate to have Mariangela Porcu and an assistant teach her technique for creating this wonderful pendant!

I feel so blessed to have been able to pull this together.  It has been quite a journey - especially since I don't speak Italian and the excursion is outside the cruise lines and our travel agent agendas.  I could not have done it without the help of wonderful generous friends who assisted with the contacts and arranged to have the contracts translated (back and forth - back and forth - back and forth), and continue to assist with bank transfers for prepayments,  reasonable transportation arrangements to the museum, etc.   What a wonderful group we are fortunate to be a part of!  I have some big favors to repay that is for sure!

That's it for this week - enjoy these beautiful days while you can (at least it is beautiful here in Central Kentucky).

NAN HAS POSTED THEIR CATALOG FOR THE NAN ASSEMBLY 2020!

                                                       https://needleart.org/assembly/

Registration opens October 1, 2019.   Would love to see you in my classes.  My first 2-day class is Conventional Techniques using Unconventional Resources.  It is taught on Saturday March 21 and Sunday Marach 22.

The second class is Winter Cardinal from Maggie.  This is taught on ________-

Some exciting new Online Mystery Classes for 2020!  Be sure to email me if you want to sign up!  These are from an artist that I have not featured before and they are distributed through Juli Mar Needlepoint.

First up will be the longer class - Fall Welcome Wreath.  

This guy will involve 8 lessons instead of the normal 6.  The 8-lesson packet will be $175.  The design is listed as 12x12.  Look at all that stuff!  Be sure to email me if you want to join in.  First lesson will be February or March 2020. Email at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com  

The second new class is Kissmas Eve!  This is also from JuliMar Needlepoint!

The design is listed as 8 x 10.  This whimsical kiss under the mistletoe will be covered in 6 lessons.  The 6-lesson packet will be $150.  The first class will probably start in May 2020.  Email me if you would like to join the group at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.  It is going to be loads of fun too!

Needles 'N Fins Stitching Adventures

As we have told you before the Mediterranean Stitching Cruise has been sold out.  So excited but sad for those who did not get in.  I am busily preparing goody bags and lots of fun surprises for my participants.  But . . .

Don't miss out on the next one.  Tulip Time on the Rhine Stitching Adventures will be sailing on April 16 through 26, 2020.  Email me  - duodesignsinc@yahoo.com - or may agent Liz - lwolak@vikingtvl.com - for details and a brochure.  You can also find a brochure in the files section of the group Needles 'N Fins Stitching Adventures.  If you don't belong be sure to sign up now to follow out upcoming events.

Gotta go - have a great week!