New Territory!

Well I try not to stay stagnant too long.  I hate the saying 'you can't teach an old dog new tricks', so I try to avoid that label as much as possible - can't do too much about the old part.

So today I ventured out and set up private Facebook Pages for my Online Mystery Classes.  What fun it is turning out to be.  I was only going to set up a page for the next Online Mystery Class HARVEST but with some nudging, I set one up for the current Online Mystery Class MOD ORNAMENTS.  So far everyone seems to love it.

Yahoo! just wasn't doing it for us.  And, I had very little participation under that venue.  Hopefully there will be more back-and-forth interchange under this venue.  Everyone seems to be more comfortable with Facebook.

To help make the process of the online class flow more smoothly, it has been decided that we must charge an up front lump sum payment for the 6 monthly lessons.  Although a few people requested the individual payments, it seems that more and more prefer the one payment option.  We all have such busy lives that many get really frustrated at themselves if they forget to make the payment right away and so would rather just pay it and forget it.  

I will say that with the group of over 100 I have only had 4 lagers and they have been removed from the roster.  I think that is great.  I have personally met most of you through my traveling teaching engagements and I feel blessed to have such a fantastic group of people.  Most of you know my quirky sense of humor and just ignore me and go on.  Those of you who do not will eventually get it!

Those of you that I have not met personally, I sure hope I have the opportunity to do so.  But until that can happen, we will just have to meet online and work through the drawbacks that might be present, and these are very few and very minor.  Isn't it wonderful that stitchers from Australia, London, Canada, United States, etc., can all meet and share a class that otherwise could not happen? Through the Internet our world has become so small and manageable.  Isn't it wonderful that those who cannot travel for various reasons, health, financial, personal commitments, etc. can have this opportunity of being able to share our passion of the needle? It is almost like we are all there in the same room when several of us get going on a thread (fooled you didn't I, I sorta know what a thread in the technical term is na-na-a-na-na).

So, I am thrilled that I have been able to create a better way for us to share our Online Mystery Class lessons.  So many of you stepped up and offered suggestions and helpful hints that has made this accomplishment possible.  I certainly could not have done it by myself.

Now that we have a new 'chat' room, I can move on to my next task - teaching at Blue Bonnet Studio!  Isn't that great?  I leave early tomorrow morning and will share 4 days of classes with a roster of students that look as if I am going to have my hands full!  I'm up for the task however and am anxiously looking forward to it.

Those of you who are still considering the HARVEST Online Mystery Class, the doors are open and we welcome you with open arms.  You still have a month to decide, but don't hesitate too long.  To sign up just send an email to duodesignsinc@yahoo.com and tell me to register you for the class.  Remember that  HARVEST is a hand painted canvas and those things take times order soon.

Until next time, remember to stitch with a smile!

Sandy

Oranges and Autumn!

Did you know that until you start actually searching it is amazing at how many orange threads, ribbons and embellishments are out there for our enjoyment.  Just a recent as a couple of years ago, oranges were very sparse and far between.

The new Online Mystery Class - HARVEST - will be showcasing some of the yummy threads, ribbons and embellishments.

Look at the wonderful pumpkin!  There are at least 3 shades of orange going on there.  And those flowers!  Whatever will we do with those? Forget the 'e'! My creative juices are really flowing on this one.  Ribbons, beads, threads - - -  I can't wait to tackle that one.

Enrollment is going on right now so don't miss out.  Come join us for the fun, fun, fun.  The piece is being stitched on both 18ct and 14ct so we plan to have lots of stitch-as-we-go photos to share with those taking the class.  My partner, Teresa, (my daughter and a beautiful stitcher/designer in her own right) is stitching the 14ct for your pleasure.  Most of these will not be included in the commercial stitch guide.  So the online class offers much more personal one-on-one attention to those who seek it as well as more in-depth visuals.  Detailed diagrams and illustrations abound.

Registration is open until mid-March.  First class begins mid-April.  To enroll simply send an email to duodesignsinc@yahoo.com and say I want in.  Then you decide if you want 18ct or 14ct painted canvas and order through your LNS.  A materials list will be provided once it is completed so you will have time to search your stash, order from your LNS or take advantage of thread kits that will be provided by some select shops.

Classes will be posted monthly for 6 months.  Class fees are $25 per month.  A PayPal invoice will be sent to participants a few days prior to the next lesson's posting.  Some have requested a lump sum payment which is acceptable and can be processed through a PayPal invoice or personal check.

Email me right now before you forget it and join in the fun!  We'd love to have you join us!

Remember to stay warm and stitch with a smile!

Sandy

Enough snow, I'm gonna think Autumn!

One of the positives about snow is that it sets up a wonderful ambience for stitching in front of the fireplace (and boy do I have a fireplace)!  While the current online Mystery Class - Mod Ornaments is now half over, I am focusing some attention to the next one in queue - HARVEST!

This beautiful canvas #R888 is hand painted by Robbyn's Nest and may be ordered through your local needlepoint shop.  The canvas may be ordered on 18ct or 13ct canvas.  The design area is 10"x15" and requires 14" x 19" stretcher bars.

This design gives us the beautiful fall colors and feelings without being holiday related.  So, it can be utilized and displayed much longer.  During our introduction lesson, we will discuss various ways to consider having it finished for display.

This Online Mystery Class is made up of 6 monthly lessons - each one is $25.00 and provided in pdf format so you get the lesson instantly!  You are billed once a month through PayPal.  Or, as many prefer, you may make a lump sum payment of $150.

Lessons provide detailed diagrams and instructions for the particular section covered.  Individual assistance is always available during the course of the class. We will be playing with some interesting techniques, threads and stitches.  Who knows what we might try out and experiment with (oops! that's ending a sentence with a preposition isn't it?)

Check with your local needlepoint shop as many have hosted a stitch-in at their shop for previous Online Mystery Classes.

To register all you need to do is send an email to:  duodesignsinc@yahoo.com and state that you would like to participate and provide the email that is to be used for communicating.  Further instructions will follow.

You are responsible for ordering your canvas from your LNS and once the materials list has been completed and distributed you can choose to use stash, purchase or take advantage of shops that have notified me that they are able to provide a thread kit (I will be passing this information along to those that are registered once I get it compiled)!

So all that is left to do is register by March 15, 2015, get your canvas ordered and wait for the first lesson in mid-April!

We would love to have you join us!

Sandy

New Stitch Guides added to Website.

My webmaster has been very busy adding new stitch guides to our website at duodesignsinc.com under Stitch Guides for Sale.  These guides are instantly available through pdf downloads.  How's that for instant gratification and service? Here are some of the additions -

Brenda Stofft

The Fortune Teller

JP Needlepoint Designs

Blackbeak Hooter a/k/a Captain Blackbeak

Leigh Designs

Jimmy of Lil Gobelins Series

Flaming Fowl - Imari Series

Susan Roberts Needlepoint

Santa and Reindeer

Stitch guides are listed by designer.  While visiting check out some of the other guides that are available.  

Guides are priced according to category of those available through the designer that have wide commercial exposure through your LNS and those that are custom designs written for more limited use.

Check back often as my fingers continue to work, work, work!

Remember to stitch with a smile even if it is snowing like it is here!

Sandy

Thinking of warm weather here in cold Kentucky.

As my mind wanders from this coldness I am thinking of my upcoming class in Sarasota, Florida at the wonderful shop - A Good Yarn! www.agoodyarnsarasota.com March 20, 21, and 22  A Good Yarn will be hosting the class for a wonderful Leigh Design from the Imari Series - Flaming Fowl.

This wonderful piece has techniques, threads and embellishments galore!  Project  is hand painted on 18 ct canvas and requires  14” x 14”  stretcher bars.  Experience the versatility  of Wonder Ribbon,  Swarvoski crystals,  and many scrumptious threads including Rainbow Gallery Sparkle Braid and Patina, DMC, Pepper Pot Silk, Planet Earth,  Kreinik Braid, Vineyard Silks,  Gloriana, Planet Earth and Caron Impressions.  Dimension is created with fantastic threads and stitches that add ‘flames’ to the Flaming Fowl.  Play with Wonder Ribbon to give movement and dimension to the tail and add sparkle and fire with Swarvoski crystals.  OrNue’ technique band, raised bands  and woven flower  add to the delight of our journey in creating this piece.

The finished model is on display at the shop so be sure to stop by and see it in person so you can appreciate the dimension created in this fantastic tail and see the real bling all those crystals flash before your eyes.  It truly must be seen to appreciate its beauty.

Vicki and Susan will be more than happy to give you all the details of this class.  I would love to have you join us so we can all play in the sun! www.agoodyarnsarasota.com

More later . . . 

Sandy

Exciting news is afoot!

We have the next Mystery Online Class ready for registration!  Harvest is a beautiful design by Robbyn Nease of Robbyn's Nest.

Robbyn's Nest Designs Harvest  Item #R888

This beautiful canvas is available on 18 ct. or 13 ct. canvas.  The design area is 10" x 15" painted on a cut canvas of 14" x 19" size.  

Participants are responsible for obtaining their canvas through their local needlepoint shop.  Also, individuals will be provided with a list of suggested materials to obtain from their LNS or stash.  A list of shops that will have thread kits available for purchase will be provided once it is developed.  Should individuals have difficulty obtaining their canvas or supplies, please contact duodesignsinc@yahoo.com for assistance.

There will be 6 detailed lessons accompanied with great illustrations and instructions. 

Each month a PayPal invoice will be sent to each individual participant.  Those wishing to do so may pay for all 6 lessons in a lump sum payment of $150.  This can be done through PayPal invoicing or through a personal check by contacting duodesignsinc@yahoo.com and communicating your preference.

The first class will be emailed in mid-April 2015.  Each subsequent lesson will be mailed monthly thereafter to those who have kept their payments current. 

Registration is now open through March 15, 2015.  To register simply send an email to duodesignsinc@yahoo.com and let me know that you want to participate in the class.  You must provide your email address where you wish to receive your PayPal invoice which is mailed monthly in the amount of $25.

The January/February 2015 issue of Needlepoint Now has a wonderful ad displayed on page 26 listing these details of the class.

Come join us for more fun and interesting techniques and approaches to various stitches.  Based on previous classes it is suggested that you order your canvas right away.  Robbyn is already busy filling orders so don't delay! Who knows what each mystery will reveal!  We can promise that we will have fun!

More later . . .

Sandy

Good chilly morning to everyone!

Well this hip replacement surgery isn't what it's cracked up to be in my opinion - or maybe I'm just getting too old.  I suppose since I can't see a lot of physical disruption to my body that I think the recovery should be going quicker than it is.  Of course I never was known for my patience anyway.  Some day this soreness will surely wear off.

In the meanwhile I thought I'd share with you the classes I will be teaching at the TNNA Phoenix winter market this January.  Please look over the information in the brochure and we would love to have you join us for these limited classes.

Thursday, January 8, I will be teaching 2 classes that are 3 hrs in length each.  I can't remember which is in what time slot so please forgive me as I do not have my brochure handy.

Leigh Designs has a wonderful Imari series out and we are sharing the Flaming Fowl  with you.  The beautiful Wonder Ribbon by the collection gives a fantastic dimension to this guy's tail and lets you know he means business.  Additionally, the collection has provided some beautiful sew-on Swarovski crystals to add lots of bling. Beautiful threads abound from companies such as Rainbow Gallery, Gloriana, Kreinik, Pepper Pot Silk, Vineyard Silk, etc., and lots of fun stitches will make this 3 hour time slot fly!

The other 3 hour slot is just as wonderful with a JP Needlepoint design - his mightiness Captain Blackbeak Hooter.  This entire series is so fun and they just keep adding more and more to the enticement.  We will be doing some needle felting for him, appliquéing wonderful kid leather and lots of fun stitches such as a double Pekingese.  Oh and we play with wonderful threads provided by Rainbow Gallery, Burmilana, Caron, DMC,etc., and some of the new threads out there from Kreinik, too, as well as new embellishments from Sundance.

Then skipping Friday because those are business classes, we will be teaching a really cute class on Saturday for Susan Roberts Needlepoint, Santa and Reindeer. Oh my gosh the cuteness!  We certainly will only be able to skim across these great techniques in the brief couple of hours we have. We'll do a little needle felting (Clover Mfg.), adding beads (Sundance and the collection), doing some specialty stitches, etc.  Wonderful threads are provided in the kit (Kreinik, Fabulous Fibers, Rainbow Gallery, Caron, Vineyard Silk, and more), and the detailed stitch guide will help with what we are not able to cover in class. Isn't that the sweetest little reindeer?

So dig out that brochure and select your classes before the spaces are gone.  I'd love to have you with us to play.

In the meanwhile, in case I don't get back over here, have a great holiday season!

Sandy