UPCOMING ONLINE CLASSES!

Now that Harvest is approaching it's second lesson we are looking forward to our next adventures as well.

I have thrown in a little bonus canvas that I had not planned to do but it was so cute that I could not pass it up.

Easter Wreath

This sweet little A. Bradley canvas has a design area of 9" x 9" and an approximate canvas size of 13" x 13".  There are so many things going on in this little bundle.  Every area is quite manageable.  AND many of you will have what you need right in your stash.  Talk about a stash buster!  

Techniques will include couching, creating plaids, ruching, beading, plaited stitches, buttonhole, maybe Jessicas and bullions, and of course needle felting - how else could I do that sweet little bunny face.  Suggested threads include Impressions, Petite Sparkle Rays, Vineyard Silk, Gloriana Silks, ThreadworX, Pepper Pot Silk, size 14 seed beads, and other embellishments.

The needle felted bunny will be done at the last lesson using wool roving for the fur.

Registration is now open for this cutie and will close on June 15.  The first lesson will be posted in mid-July.  There are 6 lessons for a total package of $150 with a lesson released each month.  

NOTE:  The materials list will be released at the time the payment is processed!  

Second on the list:

If you look in your Needlepoint Now May/June issue on page 36 you will find an ad about our upcoming Online Mystery Class designed exclusively for us by Leigh Designs and distributed through The Needle Works in Austin, TX :

THE NEEDLE WORKS

AUSTIN, TX 78756

Theneedleworks@bizaustin.rr.com

PH: 512-451-6931

BEIJING BUTTERFLIES

These elegant ladies are now open for registration with registration closing on July 15 and the first lesson scheduled to be release mid-August.  The design is painted on 18 ct 10" x 10" on a cut canvas of 14" x 14".

Threads include silk ribbons, Kreinik metallic, beautiful silks from sundry manufacturers, beads and crystals,  and much more.  

Techniques will include or nue`, beading, ribbon embroidery, buttonhole stitches, satin, packed stem, couching and on and on.

Registration is currently open and will close on July 15.  There are 6 lessons and the 6 lesson packet is $150.  A new lesson will be released monthly.

To register for either class just send an email to duodesignsinc@yahoo.com and state that you want to participate and we will send you a PayPal invoice and get you registered.

So, stay tuned as there is lots going on here at Arthur Acres!

Have a great Mother's Day and fantastic weekend!

Sandy

SILK!  SILK! BEAUTIFUL PEPPER POT SILK!

I have an online class currently running that is called HARVEST, a canvas by Robbyn's Nest. In these online classes I try to introduce a new thread or perhaps a new technique or approach to various stitches.

It was called to my attention that many of my students were not familiar with this new thread known as Pepper Pot Silk and had not used it before.  So unfamiliar, in fact, that I was asked how to open the skein and how to use the thread. I called them my Pepper Pot Silk Virgins.

Planet Earth has so many wonderful threads in their line that it is sometimes difficult to choose which to use.  In classes I tend to lean towards threads that do not have to be stranded or laid.  This wonderful thread is 100% silk and is packaged in 30 yard skeins.  It is meant to be used as it comes off the skein - no separating and no laying necessary!  Bonus-Bonus! It comes in over 180 colors - I think this is correct.  Go have a look - http://planetearthfiber.com/index.php/pepper-pot2

Pepper Pot Silk as Manufactured

First, I remove the sleeve from the thread and set it aside.  I carefully find the thread at the end that connects the twists together and I snip that thread.

Carefully separate the two ends - which look like bunny ears.

I then untwist the skein of thread - the knot is still intact.

Once again, carefully separate the end (no cutting needed, just slight twist).  We again have bunny ears.  This time one end is a loop and one end has a knot.

Untwist the skein.  Hold the end that has the knot in one hand and cut the opposite looped end.

When cut there are 26 strands of thread.

Holding the knotted end, separate a single strand of thread and pull it from the bundle.  

Take the sleeve and slip it back over one side of the 25 remaining strands of thread.  I take mine up to the knot area.

Next I do an overhand loose knot and store.

Now, as you may notice, this is a long strand of thread.  It is generally preferred to cut it in half again prior to stitching.  

If you have not tried this thread I feel it will be well worth your effort to seek it out and give it a whirl.  I love it!

Until next time,

Sandy

TO MARKET, TO MARKET! - YET AGAIN!

Who can believe it is time to get ready for the TNNA Summer Market already!

We are busy here at Arthur Acres preparing kits for the upcoming classes.  There are still openings in each of the classes for those interested.

And, there is a mystery student (hot celebrity right now) attending in The Black Queen class.  We are going to have so much fun!

Have another quick look see at the classes the designers are offering up to help you promote the canvases in your shops!  In addition to the beautiful hand painted canvases, there are lots of materials provided by generous vendors such as the collection, Rainbow Gallery, Kreinik, Caron, Sundance, DMC, ThreadworX, Dinkey Dyes, Fleur de Paris, Gloriana, Amy's Keeping Me in Stitches, Puffin, River Silks, Threadnuts, Planet Earth, Wiltex, oh dear, I hope I'm not missing anyone.  Those of you who have had classes with me before know that the sponsors are wonderful and this market is no exception!  So get over to TNNA website and sign up for one or all of these classes to fill in the time before the market floor opens!  What better way to justify that expense account?

THE BLACK QUEEN - THURSDAY

HOLLYWOOD GOLD DIGGER - THURSDAY

FLOWER SAMPLER - SATURDAY MORNING

Hope to see you there!  Email me with any questions you might have -  duodesignsinc@yahoo.com

Sandy

TNNA SUMMER MARKET - COLUMBUS, OHIO

It is almost time for TNNA Summer Market 2015!  Where does time go?

I have been fortunate to have several classes being offered to shop owners attending market.

Pre-market on Thursday, May 28, we have two classes.

12 noon until 3 pm we will be working with the beautiful HOLLYWOOD - FROM THE GOLD DIGGER SERIES BY LEIGH DESIGNS.  This is class No. T202T.

This design is on 12" x 20" piece of 18 ct canvas.  The design area is 8" x 16".  We will play with crystals, ribbons, metallics, 'fuzzies' and beads - of course!   Don't miss this one! Detailed stitch guide is available for your customers which have clear diagrams and photos for assistance.

At 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm we have another 'lady' to entertain us.  THE BLACK QUEEN - JP Needlepoint.   This is Class No. T303T.

Her regalness has bling galore! Crystals, pearls, beads, WOW.  She is painted on a 14" x 17" size 18ct canvas.  Darning, ruching, beading, long-and-short, many techniques to cover.  Come join in!

Stitch guides with detailed diagrams and photos are available to offer your customers.

Saturday May 30th from 7:45 am to 9:45 am.  FLOWER SAMPLER - Susan Roberts Designs.  Class  S102T.

This design has tons of 'stuff' going on!  The cut canvas is 8" x 14" on 18ct.  Needleweaving, beading, rucking, shisha mirror technique, ribbons, approximately 18 flowers to enjoy!  Excellent stitch guides are available with detailed diagrams and photos for your customers assistance in finishing this piece.  

Lots of options to entertain you while waiting for the show to open and let you in on the floor!  Come spend some time for us!

Sandy

SAD DAY/HAPPY DAY

Today we finished up the last lesson for our Online Mystery Class Mod Ornaments.
It is sad to say goodbye temporarily to some who are skipping the next class.  It is sad to see the journey be over. I have enjoyed it and had fun.  We tried out the secret Facebook Page concept and it seemed to be well received so that will be a keeper.  Now I need to learn how to use it - LOL.  Here is a picture of the piece stitched. Stitch guide will be available shortly through your LNS and our website!

Happy because the piece is now complete!  Also Happy that I can now focus on our next Online Mystery Class HARVEST.  Happy because several of the Mod students are participating in this new design.  Happy because we have lots of new people to become acquainted with also. Happy that the majority are already onboard on the Facebook Page and talking (and fussing at me)!

Thread list has been posted and selected shops are working on thread kits to offer to those who wish to purchase in that manner. Lesson 1 will be going out in a few days and I am excited to start sharing this piece with everyone.  It has been so much fun to stitch!  

Be sure to stay tuned because in a few days I will be announcing a bonus Online Mystery Class.  I had not originally planned this one.  It is a smaller piece - 8"x8" - and it was so cute that I just could not resist it!  You are gonna love it.  It is so happy and colorful.

Then in the May/June issue of Needlepoint Now there will be an ad for the next regularly scheduled Online Mystery Class which will have registration through August 1 and  the first lesson will be issued mid-September. It is a special class in that Leigh Designs has made an exclusive piece just for us!  How exciting!  We have been working with The Needleworks in Austin who will be selling the exclusive for us. They will also be offering thread kits.  Don't miss out! 

So that's the way things stand right now.  Stay tuned . . .

Sandy

Just talking . . .

It looks like today is going to continue to be a beautiful day! The sun is shining and there is no snow on the ground! But of course the most beautiful part is that I have been given this day through the generosity of my Lord.

I have been working on the mystery classes and I cannot express to you the true joy and delight I am having working with you all that participate. Heck, we haven't even started the new, upcoming HARVEST class and there is lots of dialog already being exchanged over on our private Facebook Page. I know this is going to be such a fun group!

Another surprise class will be announced in a couple of weeks.  This class is for a smaller piece and I have just sandwiched it in between the 'regular' Online Mystery Classes.  It was just too cute to pass up.

A third class to follow after HARVEST is also onboard.  Leigh Designs has created an exclusive just for us and this canvas will be distributed only through The Needleworks in Austin, TX, as it will only be available to those who participate in the Online Class.  Colleen and I have been busily working on thread selections for this wonderful class.  As with others, there will be an optional thread kit offered.

In my other life (really?), I am working on kits for my pilot class in 2 weeks in the Boston, MA area for Pumpkin Spiced Tea.  This class is being hosted by the  Massachusetts Chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild of Wellesley, MA. The class is being piloted for the EGA National Seminar in San Antonio, TX in late October - class actually begins October 29, 2015.

Then after I return home I head back up north the following weekend to have a fun time with Ruth Schmuff at Bedecked and Beadazzled in Baltimore for the Sandra in Wonderland weekend.  We are going to have so much fun playing with the whimsical and striking canvases from the Alice in Wonderland Series of Sandra Vargas canvases - The Queen and Lady Hatter.

As we are working on two canvases simultaneously, this will not be a large class.  Check with Ruth, however, to see if she still can fit you in.  I'd love to have you join us! Give them a call at 410.296.0405.  Be sure to visit the website too and look at all the companion canvases for this series. 

www.BedeckedandBeadazzled.com

Oh, and in between these visits up north, I am conducting a workshop at our local ANG Chapter on embellishing tassels.

Oh, and I'm polishing Series V book!

Oh, and I'm kitting classes for the TNNA Summer Market, oh, oh, oh. . . 

Okay, I don't allow myself to think too much beyond that.  I would get discouraged if I did - LOL.

May you enjoy your day as much as I plan to enjoy mine!  And remember to stitch with a smile!

Sandy

TNNA SUMMER MARKET is just around the bend!

I am in the process of getting kits together for the wonderful classes I am fortunate enough to be teaching at the TNNA Summer Market held in Columbus.

First up will be on Thursday evening.

May 21 from 12 noon until  3:00 pm will be Hollywood Gold Digger by Leigh Designs Class #T202T

This gal was such fun to stitch.  I had to restrain myself from adding too much bling.  I wanted her to be style-a-listically trashy - is there such a thing?  You know the kind.  We all see them.  They are beautiful and hanging on the arms of men that we may question the attraction and we automatically say - she's with him for his money.  Or we say she's his trophy girlfriend.  So naturally, she must look the part. We'll play with some threads you may not be too familiar with including Legacy by ThreadworX and the new Entice by Rainbow Gallery plus many of the old standards.  Also, there's beads and crystals to add a little more sparkle.  Her background was created especially for this piece and is in my new upcoming book of Backgrounds and Darning Patterns.

May 21 from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm will be The Black Queen by JP Needlepoint Class #T303T

I like to refer to this gal as Her Regalness!  I had such fun doing her.  I challenged myself to add riches without making it over the top and cheap!  Her beautifully beaded gown has beads that shine but don't sparkle - does that make sense?  She has pearls and of course wonderful crystals.  I love her face and I like the color that Juli chose for her crown - so subtle.  This background, too, was created especially for this piece and will also be in the new book.

Friday classes are limited to business only so I will not be teaching on that day.

May 23, Saturday morning, however we have a technique packed class from 7:45 am to 9:45 am Flower Sampler sponsored by Susan Roberts Needlepoint Class #S102T

This piece may be tiny but is mighty in techniques!  While we will not have nearly enough time to cover all the things going on we will certainly hit the ones that might be more intimidating to some. But I am confident that the stitch guide will enable all areas to be finished beautifully.

All these designs will be available through your Local Needlework Shop and stitch guides will also be available after market.  Have your LNS go by and check out the new companion pieces that will work with the ones highlighted here.  There is so much to see at market (for instance there are 8 Gold Diggers!; I've lost count how many Owls are in the series; and Susan has so many cute canvases that are easily manageable) but that's saved for when you get there!

So, all you lucky shops that attend market, go to the TNNA.org site and check out the classes.  I would be honored if you choose to attend mine!

Look forward to seeing you there!

Sandy