ALERT!  ALERT!  ALERT!

If you are signed up for any of the Online Mystery Classes and you have not already do so, please order your canvases right away.  Keep in mind that it can take 11+ weeks to get your canvas after the shop orders it.  Also, not a bad idea to go ahead an order the other canvases for the 2016 series as well for the classes that you know for sure you want to participate in.. That helps spread the expenses and give you peace of mind that you have the canvas in-hand! Let us know if you need assistance - duodesignsinc@yahoo.com -

Preparing for teaching at the EGA Sun Region Seminar in St. Petersburg this coming week. Back to the Beach!

Isn't this a great piece to be teaching in a beach setting?  We will have fun - as always - with this ladies.  Can't wait.  Some appliqué, ruching, weaving, trapunto, beading, and much more!  

EGA TVA REGIONAL IN HUNTSVILLE, AL - JUNE 24-26

Are you going to the TVA Seminar in Huntsville this year?  If so, I will be teaching my Pumpkin Spiced Tea class - come by and maybe take some classes.  

ONLINE MYSTERY CLASSES STATUS:

It is amazing how quickly these lessons move once we start on a project.  We are currently working on Lesson 5 for Easter Rabbit with Morning Glories.  Unbelievable!  Lesson 4 had us adding more to the Rabbit's clothing, stitching the flower topiaries and the trellis.  This is in preparation for Lesson 5 which will start the flowers growing up the trellis.

Lesson 3 is in the works on the cute Thanksgiving Critters. We introduced the first critter - Mole - in Lesson 2.  

I think he turned out cute as he could be!  Now he anxiously awaits another of his friends to join him through Lesson 3. Whomever will it be?

And we will launch into Lesson 1 of the upcoming Pillow Collage!  

It is so wonderful to begin this project.  We have been working on it in the background by offering up the option of adding a chest under the pillows.  With this we provided instructions on how to paint that area if desired.  So, technically, we have already begun this project.

Also, some are working on the companion piece which has a few areas that are different that will not be covered in this class, but for 95% of the design the lessons for this one can be used on the companion piece.

'SPECIAL' Online Mystery Class:  Arctic Parade

This fun piece will have its first lesson posted June 15.  Right now most are just awaiting the arrival of their canvases and/or thread kits (no such thing yet)!  I have had so much fun just working through trying to determine how to sort out the various lessons!  WOW!  We are gonna stitch a lot of 'stuff'!  

As soon as I return from EGA Sun Region Seminar I will be preparing to return to Designers Desk in Geneva, IL on May 13-16.  If you have time you might want to check it out and come share an embellishment class with us.  We'd love to have you participate.

The shop has been put up for sale so we are getting in as much stitching as we can before a major change occurs.

In the meanwhile, browse down through older posts and look at all the fun we have planned for the remainder of 2016 and on into 2017.  We are currently looking at couple more designs to add to the 2017 agenda so if there is something you are dying to play with just let us know!

Stitch with a smile!

Sandy

TNNA SUMMER MARKET - WASHINGTON, DC


You going to the TNNA Summer Market in DC? What a great opportunity to combine business and a mini-family vacation. Right there in our Nation's Capitol! Beautiful place to be - all the museums, landmarks, breathtaking. On the business side, however, remember there are great classes to be had before the market floor is open. On Friday we are presenting a full day of Leigh Designs 'Catch of the Day'. Look what is captured! A beautiful mermaid - beads, crystals, wonderful threads - all for you to play with from 8am to 5pm on Friday. Then on Saturday morning from 7:45am until 9:45am (just before market opens) we will present Lee Designs/Colonial Needle's Paddington Bear - isn't he adorable as he waves his hat - and his hat band is beaded on a mini-beading loom! Beautiful wools, metallics, silks and overdoes await your fondling. So, if you have not already done so, go to the TNNA website, click on Summer Market, Classes, and choose some to attend. We would love to see you there.

Also as a stitcher, tell your Shop to stop by and get these wonderful canvases for your stash!

AND THEY SAILED AWAY . . .  

It was time to say goodbye to Annie Lane's Online Mystery Class - Cats in a Dinghy.  What a fun piece to work with.  We did a little bit of this and a little bit of that.  We had lots of traditional needlepoint stitches but done with such fun threads.  There was beautiful silks, glorious Dinky Dyes overdyes, Pepper Pot Silk, Trio (part silk,part wool), and Splendor silks.  There was Bella Lusso wool and Vineyard Merino wool. And, of course, as always I used a few unorthodox items such as Painters Thread shimmer, Rainbow Gallery sheens of Neon Rays, Silk Lame` and Patent Leather, Straw Silk from Silk Roads, felted balls, sequins, and metallic accents - as well as cotton!  We had happy fish swimming in a colorful ocean and happy cats that included some needle felting and couched DMC memory thread in their red little dinghy.  All in all it is a happy piece and fun to stitch.

Cats in a Dinghy - Annie Lane

Stitch Guide Available Shortly

Next we shared Lesson 4 of Brenda Stofft's Online Mystery Class - Easter Rabbit with Morning Glories.

We fancied this guy up with his ruffled neckpiece, and began a garden.  Two topiaries stand beside him with fun threads creating a backdrop for ribbon roses in decorated pots with dots of beads.  Next on board was creating the trellis to prepare for the beautiful flowers that will soon be climbing up the way.

Anxiously awaited was Lesson 2 of Melissa Shirley's Online Mystery Class - Thanksgiving Critters.  I think the word 'Thanksgiving' adds a limitation to this design because is it a great fall/autumn piece and is applicable to most parts of the world that do not share nor know what Thanksgiving is or means.  This adventure involved stitching the mole who starts the line of characters.   He is now ready to be joined by another of his friends in Lesson 3.

Invoices have been processed, kits have been ordered and sent (for the most part), and class is about ready for Lesson 1 of the beautiful Online Mystery Class - Pillow Collage from the collection.

Those who want to add a bench under their pillows are busily doing so in preparation for the stitching to begin.

The 'Special' Online Mystery Class - Arctic Parade from Brenda Stofft is also in the wings and being ordered, painted and shipped.  This magnificent piece is not for the faint of heart as it is made up of two large pieces 37.25" x 30", as well as a beautiful face on 24 ct fabric.

We are all auditioning ways to set this guy up for our work sessions.  We are sharing pictures and ideas involving the various floor stands, stretcher bars and scroll bars.  He is going to be so much fun.  I am having fun just breaking down the various lessons and I haven't even taken a stitch as yet.  This 'Special' class has a class fee of $260 for a minimum of 10 sporadic lessons (which means no set schedule - lessons will be posted as I get them).

Orders are starting to flow for the next regularly scheduled Online Mystery Class - Happy Haunting Grounds  from Eye Candy.

Registration is currently open.  If you are registered and have not done so, order your canvas right away as you do not want to miss a beat.  Invoices will be mailed around the first of June and the first lesson is scheduled to be posted mid-July.  

Another canvas that should be on order is your beautiful Online Mystery Class - Robin Wreath from Melissa Prince.

Invoices will be mailed around the first of August and the first lesson is scheduled to be posted mid-September.

For the remaining classes for 2016 scroll down through older posts and read all about them.  And 2017 isn't too shabby either!  This is so exciting and colorful!

REGISTRATION:  To register for any of the current and upcoming classes simply send an email to duodesignsinc@yahoo.com and state that you want included on the notification list.

A month before lessons start, you will receive an email stating that invoices are being mailed.  Once payment is processed you are invited/included in a secret Facebook page.  There you will find the materials list, general information documents, and meet your fellow participants.  If you change your mind simply ignore the invoice.

So - if you are so inclined come join  us in any or all of these classes.  They are so delightful and I am blessed with wonderful participants!

Until next time - stitch with a smile.

Sandy

Classes!  Classes! Classes!

Had so much fun with the various groups at Designers Desk in Historic Geneva, Illinois! Had some out-of-towners in addition to the locals - Kathy came from Milwaukee and Nancy and Peggy (don't know which one for sure) came from Florida - they are sisters.  Had a mother daughter team  Mel and Glorianne- yay - always fun.  David came and shared his completed buffalo felting from last trip - Jeanne who will help keep David on the straight and narrow and make him rip out -   Kathryn - my hero and limo driver is always wonderful.  Met Mary Ann who is an online student for the first time and had a lot of fun giving her a rough time.  There was Dottie,  Maryellen, Shirley  - Oh gosh I hate to do this for I am fearful as to who I have left out.

The group at Designers Desk is always very helpful but Missy is my right-hand man!  She makes sure they let me eat lunch - a girl after my heart.

Pat's group was busily kitting the threads and canvases for the upcoming Online Mystery Class - Pillow Collage.  Oh gosh, it is such fun seeing all those skeins and skeins of threads and cards and cards of thread, and ribbons, and beads etc., etc., etc.  Unfortunately I had to stay upstairs and teach so I could not play in all that heavenly stuff.

Pillow Collage from the collection

Still time to register:  Email duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.  First lesson does not post until May 15.  Invoices are being processed now.

Off to catch a plane - - - more this weekend!

Sandy

HISTORIC GENEVA (IL THAT IS) IN THE SPRING!

I have happily returned to Designers Desk in Geneva, IL (just outside Chicago) to play with some of my friends for 4 wonderful days.

The weather  - well - landed in very windy airport; woke up to snow; taught through rain and hail; finally beautiful sunshine.  We've had the gamut here!  

Designers Desk

BUT . . . it is always sunny inside~

Gosh, I have a little bit of everything here to play with: Leigh Designs, Danji's Rainbow Birds by Laurel Burch, Menorah by Tapestry Tent, a large flower from Purple Palms, lovely Southwest theme, chili peppers, To The Beach, Chicago Landmarks, Giraffe (sweet), inside huge Victorian house, butterflies, more birds, London scenes, - too much fun!

When I go downstairs (class room is upstairs) the place is in a frenzy.  It is such fun!  They are kitting and rechecking the Pillow Collage thread kits and canvases like crazy!  I love it.  Today they went through to make sure they had picked up the additional changes that I provided so every effort is being made.  If something was missed (they are all humans too), just let them know.

ONLINE CLASS UPDATES:

We have been having so much pre-class fun over on our secret Facebook Pages for Pillow Collage and Arctic Parade.

While awaiting the unveiling of the first lesson for this design, everyone has been busy introducing themselves and becoming acquainted.  We have a fantastic group joining us so far and I know it is going to be a fantastic class.

Although a couple of months away, Arctic Parade from Brenda Stofft has caused quite a stir.  We have been reviewing different options for working on this beauty.  Everyone is asking questions and sharing experiences with various floor stands, Evertite stretcher bars, scroll bars, etc., etc.  - with pictures! It is going to be great to see how everyone has decided to tackle this design.  I shared my first canvas mounting and you can peek at the coverage in an older  post below.

Some great news came about through various questions!  Brenda Stofft has agreed to offer this design as a single front side only for those who don't quite want to tackle both.  That presents a great opportunity for them to be able to take advantage of the class along with the rest of us.

In addition to the above, we have active registration going on for the Eye Candy delight Happy Haunting Grounds.

Invoices will be emailed around the first of June and the first class will be posted mid-July.

Next up is the great fall piece from Melissa Prince - Robin Wreath.

This beauty has three companion pieces and several techniques could easily be incorporated in each to tie them together even more.  Invoices for this class will be emailed around the first of August and the first lesson will be mid-September.  I found some more interesting and exciting threads to add to the possibilities!

And last for the 2016 series of classes will the nostalgic Santa's Reward  from Devon Nicholson. 

This sweet guy will have his invoices mailed around the first of October and his first class is scheduled for mid-November. Doesn't he have  wonderful face!  It brings childhood memories to so many of us.  I can just see him as a snuggly pillow (yes, I use my needlepoint).

TO REGISTER:  SIMPLY send email to duodesignsinc@yahoo.com and just state which class you would like to join.

Pillows Collage (teaching fee $150) and Arctic Santa (teaching fee of $260) have an extended stitching period of time.  The others are 6-month classes and have an associated teaching fee of $150 for the 6-lesson packet.  All fees are invoiced through PayPal.  All classes are conducted though a secret Facebook Page.

Just drop us an email to get on the lists for those classes that interest you.  You'll meet lots of great people along the way.

Have a great week - - - I need to go to work ??????? Seems like too much fun to call it work!

Sandy

SPRING IN CENTRAL KENTUCKY

Someone posted this beautiful photograph on Facebook and I do not have the information to provide proper credit for the picture.  This is a view we have been treated to most times when we fly into Lexington, KY.  It just takes my breath away that I live in such a beautiful area.  But alas!  See those lovely white fences? That are becoming black now.  It is my understanding that it is for economical reasons that this has transpired.  For me it is a sad change.  This is one of the things I love about my city.

This past weekend has brought me much joy(in addition to getting to play with my Great-Grandchildren)  in that I have finished my teaching pieces of the TNNA Summer market that is being held in Washington, DC.  YAY! and double YAY!  While these are always fun to do, I feel as if I have something hanging over my head about to pop until I get them completed.  So that 'thing' is gone!

I have also completed a cute, cute piece for Ruth Schmuff which I cannot share because that is her party to be presented.  You'll like it I'm sure.  It is whimsical (with Ruth what else), happy and fun.

UPCOMING CLASSES

I will be on my way to Designers Desk the end of this coming week so am looking so forward to seeing my friends there and getting to play with them once more.  Watch for possible pictures next week. There are Danji designs, cactus, candles, chills,  Imaris, Purple Palm flowers, etc. - so excited!

CATS IN A DINGHY:  It is always sorta sad to tell a class goodbye.  Annie Lane's Cats in a Dinghy has been a joy to work with.  We have been needle felting, padding, using straw silk,  lots of other fun threads to work with and stitches and techniques that have been new to some and maybe a different approach to others.

EASTER RABBIT WITH MORNING GLORIES:  We are on the back half of this wonderful design now.  Lesson 4 will be posted on the 15th.  

                                               

We almost have our bunny completely dressed and will finish  his attire this lesson.  Additionally we'll begin some of the garden features. Several have shared their progress and it is amazing how beautiful they are all doing!  It makes me so proud and my buttons just pop!

PILLOW COLLAGE:  Oh my, I'm so excited to start this one.  My mind is going to burst if I don't get some of these ideas out there to share with you.  All the PayPal invoices have been emailed to those who have enrolled.  If you did not get yours email me immediately! The first lesson is scheduled to be posted on May 15th and you need to have your threads and be ready to play!  Participants are beginning to become acquainted in the group and anxiously await our classes to begin!

Pillow Collage - begins mid-May

Those interested in the colorful and fun Eye Candy design Happy Haunting Grounds need to get serious about having your canvases ordered so you will be ready to go. Yes, registration is open.

Happy Haunting Grounds - begins mid-July

TO REGISTER:  Send email to duodesignsinc@yahoo.com if you want to be added to the notification list for this class.  Notifications will be sent around the first of June alerting those on the list that invoices are forthcoming.  The 6-lesson packet is $150 and the class will last for 6 months.  Once payment is processed you will receive an invitation to a secret Facebook page and there you will find the materials list, general information and meet fellow participants.  So get that email out to me!  You sure don't want to miss the boat on this one.

"SPECIAL" ONLINE MYSTERY CLASS:  ARCTIC SANTA BY BRENDA STOFFT

Yep!  This huge piece really does exist!  Yep!  There are quite a few people who want to play with me while working through it!  As always, my mind has gone crazy and before I can write down one idea, another pops in my head!  Good gravy!

Registration is active on this special class.  It does not adhere to any of the rules of the more-strict semi-monthly classes.  First the class will probably begin in about 2 months.  Next, the class fees for this class are $260.  Next, there are no scheduled lesson postings.  Lessons will be posted as I do them.  I anticipate at least 10 lessons will be forthcoming.  Next, there will not be a complete materials list posted at the beginning.  Once invoices have been mailed and payments processed, the threads needed for the first lesson will be posted.  Then, I will post threads for the next upcoming lessons as I work through them so you can make arrangements to get them before the next lesson begins. If you scroll down to a couple of older posts you will see where I have addressed how I am going to manage handling these large pieces.  This was compiled by the "For Whatever It's Worth Department."

Oh, and I located this cute, cute, cute canvas and am working on a class! Stay tuned and let me know if you have any interest.

I am also excited to continue with these lovely canvases and it is a joy to work with my participants!  I have been so lucky!  You all are wonderful!

So, if I am typing I am not stitching - so off too it!  Have a great weekend and remember to stitch with a smile!

Sandy

ARTIC PARADE NOTES FOR UPCOMING CLASS

Here are copies of emails I forwarded to those who indicated an interest in signing up for this class.  Maybe others will benefit from my approach to how I handle extremely large canvases.

This is a large 37.25" x 30" canvas and questions were asked as to how I was going to manage stitching mine so I am trying to share that as I think it through.

This class is a "Special" Online Mystery Class for a couple of reasons.  First, it will not have a lesson posting schedule.  That means the classes are going to be sporadic - I'll post them when I get to them.  Second, the class can go as long as 2 years maybe - who knows?  And next, the lesson fee is $260 and will have at least 10 lessons posted.

Here's what I shared for those contemplating taking this wonderful class.  I'm sorry but I can't help but love, LOVE, LOVE that moose face!

I promised that I would share with you how I intend to set up my Arctic Parade Canvases (Brenda Stofft) to work on.  My canvas is 30” x 37.25”.  I chose to trim - explanation below.

First I have shown the canvas mounted as I will stitch.  I trimmed slightly to fit on 32” x 28” Evertites stretcher bars.  Now, Evertites come in longer sizes.  You could just as easily mount this canvas on 33” x 30” if desired.  I had to keep two things in mind.  One, even though I have long arms, I find the 28” height more than enough of a challenge. 

 (Please ignore that I sorta cut it a couple of canvas threads more than I should have at the bottom.  Brenda allows more than ample room on her designs.  I just got over eager and cut off more on the bottom end than necessary.)   As you can see from the top,even after trimming off several canvas threads I still had ample room - so I’ll do better on the second piece.

        

    

This face is way too cute!  Oh, I'm showing where I need to move my canvas over to the right a little more.

  Top           

  Bottom - 

Second, my floor stand will only hold up to 32” width bars. These Evertite stretcher bars allow you to tighten the canvas as you go without needing to take out and reinstall tacks. http://www.evertitestitchery.com/stasbflier.htm

I need to reset my canvas - see how I got it a little close on the left when I still could have scooted it over 2-3 canvas threads to the right.  Will do that again after my thumbs recover.

Speaking of floor stands.  I use the K’s Creations Stowaway with the extension kit that allows for a wider width bar = thus the 32”.  One of the beauties of this floor stand is that it will fold up flat - with the canvas still mounted - and slide under the bed or stand up against the wall when not in use.  http://kscreations.com/floorframes.htm

Any local needlepoint shop can order these items.  I am sure there are other alternative ways to work with this, but this is what works for me.

Bonnie and Evan are on alert at Evertites to make sure you do not have to wait an excessive length of time to get your bars  - - - - 

Few days later after mounted:

Couple of tips or thoughts after getting a million tacks into this sucker!

This is heavy!  What can I say.  This is heavy!

It was mentioned getting the 33” and 30” to fit the canvas and not cut it down (remember mine is 32” x 28”).  And that is a possibility.  If you are going to do this, again remember a couple of things.  The weight is one thing.  Most importantly for me is manageability.  As stated earlier, I have long arms and even with working half way up the canvas, turning it over to work the other half later, etc., that is a 15” reach on a 30” height bar and a 14” reach on a 28” height bar.  While that may not be bad for ten-fifteen minutes of stitching, it can become cumbersome after 45 minutes or so.  Just think this through for your particular situation. We all know that shops will gladly sell us anything we decide we want or order anything we want (that’s why we love our LNS) - just make sure that it is what you want and what will work for you.

                                                        

         Here’s the space left on back with 32” so could possibly deal with 33” okay.



                                                               

I guess what I’m trying to get you to do is analyze your stitching habits and explore the options that are available for your work station.  I have my K’s set up in front of a wing back chair that is in a corner - sorta out of the way.  I pass it every time I go into my office.  So, if the mood hits, I can stop and stitch a thread or 2 - or 10 (lol - you know how that goes! - lunch? what lunch?)  The pictures are in front of a recliner and the foot piece will fit between the legs of the stand - another option.  I don’t think it will work in my sofa area because I will be between my husband and the tv and we know how that goes too - right? (We are set up L-shaped and we are both in corners.)

                       (Sandy Rodgers are you proud of my tacking? )                         

I don’t know if you can see from the picture or not, but I stitch two-handed.  While it appears that my top hand is ‘okay’ mid-way the canvas, my bottom hand cannot reach comfortably and puts a real strain on my back - my right (bottom) hand is about at the puffins head maybe.  So when I am working on this guy I am going to try to give us some work to do in the middle and some more towards the bottom so we don’t work for long periods at the uncomfortable range of the canvas.  Notice I said I am going to try.

It is so hard for me not to start stitching this but I am waiting on a specially dyed thread for the sky area for us and I am dying!!!!!  And if you have taken a class from me before you’ll know that I generally try to start on the background so you have something to work on in between lessons, (uh Rebecca!) etc.  Backgrounds take up a lot of space and can be boring so if we tackle it first and get a head start, then we can jump back and forth as we move along through our lessons.  Are there moose in Montana ‘cause when I look at this piece my first thoughts were ‘big sky’ - isn’t that one of Montana’s nick names?

Okay, this is probably all I’ll bother you with at this time on this mailing because some are just pondering taking the class.  My next communications will be when I invoice and then the communication will be more private and detailed in the secret Facebook page.

Enjoy your week!