PILLOW COLLAGE HERE WE COME! 

AND SO MUCH MORE!

INVOICES HAVE BEEN EMAILED FOR PILLOW COLLAGE!

If you have not received your invoice please email me right way so it can be corrected.  You don't want to miss a beat! Payments due May 15, 2016.
duodesignsinc@yahoo.com 

I first want to share with you an upcoming class in Houston.  What a cute way to display your bluebonnets, a 4th of July centerpiece and fresh flowers in general.  This cute 'Texas Boot Scootin' was designed for Chandail in Houston and will be a class there on May 20-21, 2016.  It has an open top and you can slip a vase down inside to hold your display. Various Texas icons embellish this design (I know, the saguaro is not native to Texas but I just had to add it). The picture doesn't show the shading break between the heel and the front of the boot but it is there.

Spaces are limited so be sure to give them a call, email  series.chandail@gmail.com  drop in to sign up.  I'd love to see you there.

Texas Boot Scootin'

Finally the time has arrived to begin sharing the Online Mystery Class Pillow Collage.  I feel I have waited an eternity to share this project with you! I am sharing a little earlier than normal because there are so many threads to gather and get prepared, plus a special option to consider!

                      INVOICES HAVE BEEN EMAILED FOR PILLOW COLLAGE!

Pillow Collage from the collection

I have fussed and fretted over threads and beads and such for weeks and weeks.  I have so many ideas that I want to share and I want you to be able to enjoy executing them.  As stated before, this class is divided into 6 lessons as the normal classes and has the same class fee of $150.  What is different is that we will  be posting a lesson every other month instead of every month.  This gives you 2 months to absorb and work on the areas covered (some areas are much larger than what we have worked on in prior Online Mystery Classes).  There is still time to register as the first class does not start until May 15! (For registration information see below.)

The first class with cover the background and one pillow. In this first session I am proposing an option for you.  A friend saw this piece 'floating in the air'.  So, we decided to have our pillows sit on a chest.  We will walk through the process of adding a chest if you so desire.  It is strictly a personal option. I think it added so much though and I love it even more this way.

Pillow Collection with altered canvas of added chest

Oh gosh, this is so fun!  Now that our pillows are seated down on a chest we feel better about them - again, this is a personal choice!

We will be using beautiful silks, beads, WireLace (registered trademark), ribbons, velvets, and some surprises along the way!  And. . . did you know there is a companion piece?  If you so choose you can stitch along on it as well.  Most techniques used for this piece can easily be used on the companion if desired.   

Pillow Collage Companion by the collection

Get those threads together and ready for Lesson 1 on May 15.  If you want to add the chest you have time to get that in place too.

Lesson 5 of Cats in a Dinghy has been posted and it involved adding whiskers to the cats and stitching those precious little fishes!

Cats in a Dinghy by Annie Lane

Lesson 3 of Easter Rabbit with Morning Glories gave our Mr. Bunny a beautiful coat, a bountiful basket full of colorful eggs and a sweet hen to accompany him.

Lesson 6 of Cats in a Dinghy - oh my gosh! No. 6 already - on NO that means it is over - so sad to see them go -  and Lesson 4 of Easter Rabbit with Morning Glories will also be posted and we will share some photos of their progress after their posting. 

REGISTRATIONS IN PROGRESS:

Here is a reminder of upcoming classes:

First Class Mid-July 

Happy Haunting Grounds by Eye Candy

First Class Mid-September

Robin Wreath by Melissa Prince

First Class Mid-November

Santa's Reward by Devon Needepoint

AND::::: don't forget our 'Special' Online Mystery Class _  _  _  _  _

First Class - TBA

Arctic Parade by Brenda Stoff - 2 sided!

For more details and to see the classes in que for 2017 scroll on down and look at older posts!

REGISTRATION INFORMATION:  To register simply send me an email stating the class you are interested in and you will be added to the notification list:

duodesignsinc@yahoo.com

Meanwhile go and stitch with a smile, enjoy the day God has given you and have fun - I am! 

The sudden lost of a fellow teacher, designer and lover of needlepoint - Caela Conn Tyler - reminds us how precious each day is and that it is a special gift not to be taken for granted.

Sandy

TAXES (YUCK) - CHICAGO - YAY!

Don't get me wrong, I feel privileged that I am in a position where I can pay taxes - still that doesn't make it fun. Paying taxes means I am gainfully employed which is more than many can say in this day - so I shall suffer through.  Okay enough of that gloom!

I am looking forward to my 4-day embellishment class at Designers Desk in Historic Geneva, which is outside of Chicago, IL. April 8-11 is the event.

If you have never been to this establishment you are missing a treat.  Three floors of nothing but needlework - the basement (which is tons of fun) has everything from 50% to 75% off!  Oh dear!  I always get into so much trouble here even when I am teaching.

If you haven't reserved your space be sure to call Pat and get your seat set up!  I'd love to have you join us!

We posted our first lesson for the Online Mystery Class Thanksgiving Critters this week.

Our first lesson consisted of the background, the ground and the checked foundation.

And, I received my Online Mystery Class Harvest finished from the finisher.

It is always exciting to get something totally finished.  I rarely have items for myself but this one is mine!

Many FB participants on the site referred to as Needlepoint Nation have had the pleasure of seeing a couple of the Online Mystery Class Easter Wreath finished.  They are so cute.  Also some have posted the completed Online Mystery Class Harvest.

(Here is Easter Wreath as stitched by Nancy W. - I lifted this off the Needlepoint Nation site)

I am so proud of all my students and their efforts!  Thank you so much for allowing me to share my love with you.

We are gearing up and taking registrations for some other classes at this time.  Next up is the Pillow Collage.  

This one is one of my personal favorites!  I have been very anxiously awaiting this one's place on the que.  The design area is approximately 26" x 15" on 18ct canvas. The 6-lesson packet is $150 like most all the other classes, however, we are going to work on one lesson every other month this time around.  That gives you 2 months to savor what that lesson encompasses.  If you have not yet signed up and are interested in this class just email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com and let me know to put you on the notification list.  Invoices will be going out in a couple of weeks around the first of April.

There is also a "Special" Online Mystery Class in the works.  "Special" means that it does not adhere to the normal 'rules'.  Brenda Stofft's gynormous  (is that a word?) design Arctic Santa caught the fancy of several people so it is now on board for our pleasure.

WOW!  Is this stunning or what?

This class has a lesson fee of $260.  It will have a minimum of 10 lessons.  It is a 'sporadic' class.  This means there is no set time when a lesson will be posted.  When I have one ready and feel comfortable with posting a lesson it will be added to the secret Facebook page.  We guess that this class will take at least 2 years to cover.  In the next posting I hope to share with you how I will be setting up my work station for this piece.  The face is a no-brainer and I will have it as my travel piece to work on plane rides.  And, guess what, it will probably be included in Lesson 1! The other areas are a different story!

If you have the time, scroll down through some older posts and see some of the other offerings we have coming up this year and even into 2017:  Happy Haunting Grounds from Eye Candy;  Robin Wreath from Melissa Prince; Santa Rewards from Devon Nicholson; Large Easter Rabbit from Brenda Stofft;  Chanukah Menorah from Tapestry Fair; Songbirds from Laurel Burch; and Cupcakes from BB Needlepoint just to name a few!  We continue auditioning designs and listening to what you, the participants, would like for us to feature.  Keep watching and let us hear from you.

Until next time remember to stitch with a smile!

Sandy

ACTIVE REGISTRATION FOR UPCOMING ONLINE MYSTERY CLASSES ! !

Wow!  At the time we started discussing these classes they seem to be an eternity away!  Not so!

Thanksgiving Critters by Melissa Shirley will actually have its first lesson posted this coming Tuesday!  So exciting!

This next class is one I thought we'd never get to!  I am so anxious to share my ideas with you on this one.  Pillow Collage is distributed by the collection and designed by Needlepoint of Back Bay. First lesson is May 15!

The design is stock number D-141  and is 26” x 15" painted on  18 ct  canvas.  This beauty will have its first lesson posted mid-May!  Because of all the activity going on in this one, I will be posting a lesson every other month  - this means the project will span a year in time.  But, we want you to have time to enjoy the journey and grasp all that will be covered.

To register:  email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com and let me know you want to be included.  I will add you to the notification list.    Even though the class is spread over a year in time the lesson packet is still $150 for the 6-lesson package.  Invoices will be distributed around the first of April.

There are several shops that have or can get this canvas for you if you do not have a LNS.  Osterville Needlepoint Shop in Massachusetts  is in the back door of the distributor; Designers Desk outside Chicago and Chandail in Houston are two other shops that made commitments to the students of these classes, as have many other fine shops around.  Ask and if you have difficulty, email me and we will work on finding you a canvas for the class(es).

Next, I was hit from left-field or whatever the baseball saying might be.  I was astonished at the number of people interested in doing this fantastic design by Brenda Stofft - Arctic Parade!

Isn't this amazing?  How could I say no!  Well I probably should have but couldn't but I did make some changes as to how this class will progress.  First, it is a "Special Online Mystery Class." That means the normal rules don't apply.  This class has its own set of rules.

First there is no set schedule for when lessons will be posted. There will definitely be a minimum of 10 lessons posted.  This project will probably span at least 2 years (at least being the buzz word here.)

Second, there will not be a materials listed posted in the beginning.  Threads will be posted as each session progresses.

Third, we will probably stitch both sides at the same time for shared objects.  For instance, the penguins on the front will be accompanied with the instructions for doing the penguins on the back.

So, get your schedule in order, get the canvas on order and decide how you want to set up your work area.  I will be sharing how I am preparing my work area once I return back home, so that others may get some inspiration as to how best to approach this wonderful adventure.

Speaking of wonderful adventures!  OMG!  I am teaching at Fay's Needle Nook of LaJolla Retreat in California. The weather has been amazing - except - they had a little rain shower yesterday and you would have thought the torrential rains of the century occurred!  I'm just having fun with them over their excitement on this one.  Living in an area where rain is fairly common, it is exciting to watch as others are so taken by the wonders of nature that do not occur frequently for them.  What a joy!

Words seem to fall short in describing how we are being treated and received here.  Fay has gone all out to make our visit fantastic.  How can you summarize what Vicky DeAngelis has gone through, and is going through, to pull this all together so that it runs like a well oiled machine?  Unless you have been there you have no idea what is involved behind the scenes to make this seem seamless - NOT!

The staff is most gracious, helpful and accommodating!  Someone is always there to be of assistance. If they don't know the answer they find it.  And, last but certainly not least, is Helga.  Helga has been assigned to primarily take care of our group.  And take care of us she does!  She is our eyes and legs. We ask and she finds.  We seek and she produces!  

I, along with 5 other instructors, am blessed with the most wonderful group of participants!  None of which I knew up until about a year ago (with one exception).  These ladies are working wonderfully together.  We (at least I am) are having so much fun! They are all beautiful stitchers and their stitching ain't bad either.

Canvases!  How blessed I am to have participants that have chosen a wide variety of canvases of great quality and the diversity is such fun.  I feel several participants are enjoying what we are able to share on the canvases of others as we work through the different techniques.

As if all this isn't enough, I have had the great pleasure or reuniting with a friend from my past days being on the Board of Directors of ANG.  She had to refresh my memory, but boy did we conjure up the memories quickly after that.  This delightful lady took it upon herself to include me in her outing with her fantastic son, his beautiful friend, and another lovely lady Retreat participant.  Oh goodness! How do you express the experience I had last night?  We went to dinner at Marine Room Restaurant- which is almost in the ocean!  Well after a few hours I feel we were in the ocean.  We were totally entertained by the movement of the waves as they approached closer and closer.  We had sea gulls dancing around the windows (one in particular put on quite a show), and we even had a sea lion pop up outside our window.  As the evening wore on the waves were gently crashing into and up against the windows!  Breathtaking!  

As we began our dinner

As the evening progresses. .

And a little later . .  .

And water is crashing up against the windows. (Yes, that's the edge of our table!)  Exciting!

Oh, and the dinner was fabulous as well as the great company.

Well, I'm off to 'work'.  You have a great day!

Sandy

SOME PEEKS AT CURRENT ONLINE CLASS WIPS:

We are just buzzing along on our current Online Mystery Classes!  I thought I'd share some of the progress with you.

Cats in a Dinghy by Annie Lane is a class requested by way of asking for cats as a theme and Annie Lane as a designer.  This fun piece met the criteria for both requests.

Our recent Lesson 4 involved stitching the Captain!

Look at those sweet cheeks!  Don't you just want to pinch them?  And that wonderful Captain's hat with the Sundance metallic insignia in the center.  There is no doubt who is in charge of this Dinghy!

Easter Rabbit with Morning Glories is a Brenda Stofft designs and we are beginning to get Mr. Rabbit dressed.  This Lesson 2 graced him with his trousers, vest, shirt and hat!

These classes are such fun and on the 15th we will be adding Lesson 5 for the 'Dinghy', Lesson 3 for 'Rabbit' and  Lesson 1 our new Online Mystery Class - Thanksgiving Critters by Melissa Shirley.

More classes are being added to the lineup so be sure to stay tuned!  You don't want to miss that special class that you just have to participate in!

Continue stitching with a smile!

HEADING TO LAJOLLA AND THE NEEDLE NOOK OF LAJOLLA RETREAT!

Was Houston only last week?  Oh gosh!  My life is going waaaayyyyy too fast!  Wow!  I had such a great time with my friends and best of all my daughter, Teresa, joining us!  So much wonderful canvases and projects to share and discuss.  So many memories and adventures to explore!  Isn't it wonderful that we have such a fantastic group of people with whom we can share our passion?  Teresa took some great pictures of the fantastic view from our room and the sunset at the Lakeside Restaurant of LaTorreta Resort and Spa.

We had fantastic weather and I got a lot of stitching done!  Perfect long weekend!

This coming Thursday I am back on a plane heading for LaJolla, CA to teach at the Needle Nook of LaJolla's Retreat for 4 glorious days!  My students have provided me with a very diverse group of canvases from which to work.  What fun!  I can't wait to meet them and play.  I am stationed right in the middle of all the fantastic threads.  Are we going to get into trouble or what?  There are so many wonderful possibilities that await!

And, of course, the following week will be the introduction of the first lesson for our Online Mysteries Class  Thanksgiving Critters design by Melissa Shirley.

The classes, registration information and forms for the 2017 Blue Bonnet Studio Retreat Classes have been posted at http://bluebonnetstudio.com/retreat-classes.  Be sure to go take a look.  I have two 2-day classes that I am teaching.  Both are wonderful JP Needlepoint owl designs.

Saturday and Sunday I will be teaching The Black Queen.

Photo by Mike McCormick for Blue Bonnet 

Her 'Regalness" is covered with beads and pearls galore! In addition, she has a crown darning pattern designed specifically for her.

Monday and Tuesday I'll be teaching Black Beak Hooter.  

Photo by Mike McCormick for Blue Bonnet

He even has needle felting, leather appliqué, some cute findings, and lots more! What an adventure!

If you are following along have noticed that I had a 'moment' and have jumped right in to doing a 'Special' class on Brenda Stofft's Arctic Parade - which is huge. Which gives us more room for awesomeness. Did I mention HUGE?

This class will cover a looooooonnnnnnnnggggggg period of time -  no date deadline stress for lessons or stitches.  We are going with the flow. Golly, there are lots of critters, beautiful santa face, every kind of fur we can think of - whatever will we do?

If you are interested in joining the already growing group of participants, send me an email to duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.  We'd love to have you.

I am currently auditioning stretcher bars - Ever tites - to see just how much I can cut down the canvas and still have plenty of room to work.  Brenda is very generous with her cut canvases.

I am planning to use my K's Creations Stowaway floor frame.  I had purchased the extended piece that holds larger than 26" frame.  (I also need to see if I can borrow my daughter's so I can have 2 going at once - maybe!) I plan to stitch the back along with the front as we go for those areas that are mirrored images.  Here's the link for the frame I'm telling you about.

http://kscreations.com/floor_stowaway.htm

Your LNS can order this for you.  Let me know if you need assistance.

And, I have just about gotten Lesson 3 ready for the Easter Rabbit with Morning Glories and Lesson 5 for the Cats in a Dinghy.  Boy these sure have gone by quickly!  Thankfully they are fun and I love what I'm doing.

So, I best get back to it and hope to be able to visit again next week if the time doesn't get away from me.

Remember to be sure and stitch with a smile!

Sandy

See, I told you I was insane.

The lesson packet for the Brenda Stofft Arctic Parade is $260 not $200.  Please make a note on your records!

Sorry for the inconvenience.

OKAY - I'M OFFICIALLY INSANE!

Twist my arm and flatter me a little bit and I'll do most anything.  A small group has decided that we will actually attempt this magnificent Brenda Stofft Canvas B-315 Arctic Parade in a "Special Online Mystery Class."

Yes, you are reading this correctly.  It is astonishingly huge!  Boy what detail!  The design area is actually 29" wide by 24" tall and is on 13 count.  The detail is unbelievable.

The face is on 24 count canvas - look at the cuteness.

There are so many beautiful places to look that it will keep you entertained forever!  See all the cute critters - white seal, bunny rabbit, raccoons, fox, lynx, polar bear, puffins PUFFINS!, penguins, snowy owl and of course the magnificent moose!

The technique possibilities abound!  So, how are we going to approach this 'Special" Class?

First of all, the teaching fee will be $260 - don't know if there are going to be 6 lessons or 25 lessons.

Second - and most importantly from my standpoint! - there is no set schedule for when a lesson(s) to be posted.  When I get to it or fit it in, you will be notified as usual through a Secret Facebook posting.

The canvas can be ordered through your LNS.  As always, let me know if you need assistance in obtaining yours.

This will be a smaller group but we will still have much fun none the less.

Email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com to express your interest and ask questions.

I am preparing to leave Houston now from a great Stitch Away at the La Torretta Spa and Resort.  It has been wonderful visiting with friends and meeting some new ones!  Hospitality is never an issue here.

I will be home a short time and then prepare to head out to LaJolla to teach at their Retreat for a week!

In the meanwhile - remember to stitch with a smile!

Sandy