Seminar in full swing and almost over.

I just have not had time to post a blog this weekend as I have been teaching every day!  Please check back next Saturday for an update.

Thanks for your interest and remember to stitch with a smile!

Sandy

SEMINAR ON THE HORIZON!

I am leaving in a couple days for Houston where I will be teaching at the ANG Seminar.  I will be engaged for 5 days - needless to say I will probably be tired near the end - lol.

I am so fortunate to be teaching pieces that I really enjoy and loved stitching.  Heck I feel that way about 99.9% of my class pieces.  It is very rare that I will agree to teach something that I just cannot put my heart into.

One of my classes will be on the Birthday Plaid.  This concept has become very popular lately for some reason.  Here it is shown in a Lee rectangular leather snap tray that is part of the class kit for Seminar.

I chuckle, however, as I first taught this class 15 years ago.  I found some old stitch guides from a class where they were copyrighted in 2004!  But the technique is the same today as it was before when Chottie taught it and many of us put our own personal twist to it.  Here is the version I taught back then.

I was particularly fond of the diagonal design.  These were made into a checkbook cover and eyeglass case.  Didn't have as many fancy possibilities then that we do today.

Upon my return from ANG Seminar I have 3 days at home and then I am off to teach at Stitchers Garden in Naperville (outside Chicago).  The 'What's That' from JP Needlepoint is a very colorful representation of beautiful cacti.

This class is sold out!

There are two techniques classes - one-day each - one on Beading on Needlework and What to Do With Ribbons and Such.  I understand there may be one or two spots still available for these classes but when they are gone they are gone.  There is no extra room.

BUTTERFLY QUICKIE CLASSES

Just a side note to announce that all ornament stands that were ordered and paid for have been shipped! Now to finish the classes - wooooo hooooo.

Next weekend I hope to share with you sneak peeks from this month's Online Mystery Classes. These are all so much fun and I don't know that I have a favorite.  As I finish each lesson I have a little difficulty putting one aside so that I can get the current lesson done for the next.  I just want to keep stitching!  But it all seems to work out and I love it.

We announced last week that the Mediterranean Stitching Memories Cruise for 2019 was sold out.  People are still trying to join us but there is just no room at the inn - literally.

Needles 'N Fins Stitching Adventures   (Secret Facebook Page - come join us)

This may have sparked interest in getting those registrations in for the Tulip Time on the Rhine riverboat stitching cruise for April 2020.  The thoughts of the Netherlands is so exciting for me.  Visions of fields and fields of  beautiful colors of flowers just flood my mind!  I watch the various tourist clips over and over and never tire of the beauty!  Can't wait to be there in person.

We would love to have you join us!  Just hop over to Needles 'N Fins Stitching Adventures FB page and look at the brochure in the files section.  If you can't find it just drop us an email at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com and we'll get one off to you. Direct all travel related questions to our agent Liz at lwolak@vikingtvl.com and stitching questions to me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.

The S.S. Antionette!  Isn't she beautiful.  She holds 152 maximum so don't delay if you would like to come play on the Rhine.  We love these small, intimate ships that cruise the European Rivers to share a unique beauty with us.  All this and stitching with wonderful people of like minds!  Add to that fantastic food and drink - what more could one ask for.

Have a great week - me I'm going to pack!

BUSY, BUSY BUSY AROUND HERE.

Heads up!
The next Butterfly Quickie has flown its wings!

If your invoice has been processed this beauty will be in the mail this coming week! Now this gal has plenty of bling - which with my expert photography does not show!

Finally finished the Succulents piece (official name What's That?) from JPNeedlepoint Designs.

This is going to be a very busy class at Stitchers Garden in Naperville (outside Chicago). As I stated before there are 28 plants!  Several have more than one stitch or technique incorporated into the design. Over 37 diagrams are shared in this stitch guide! And the threads!  Phew!  Tried to multi use as many as I could but there were spots I just had to add another to the thread list.  Hope you can join us!

The Cruisin' Stitchers optional class kits were mailed out.  I believe all that ordered them have now received them and are double checking supplies.  Don't want to get stranded without a thread or embellishment now do we?

Still time to get your kit before the cruise if you are having second thoughts!  Just email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com. Can you believe we are sold out! ! !  We have 35 stitchers in our group! Poor husbands!  Oh well there is plenty of food to keep them happy!  Are we going to have a grand time or what!  I'm loving it!  

Never too early to plan!

Did you ever hear the saying that a rolling stone gathers no moss - well this gal does not need to worry about being moss covered!  This week I began painting the canvas for the upcoming Tulip Time on the Rhine riverboat stitching cruise that we will be doing in April! We had a beautiful ad in the recent issue of Needlepoint Now magazine.  They do a lovely job

This will be a totally new area for us.  We have never visited this part of the world and I know it is going to be exciting! We've been in parts of Germany and over most of Switzerland but the Netherlands is going to be very exciting for us.  !

We would love to have you join us!  There is a brochure in the files section or email me directly at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com and I'll email one to you.  Reservations are starting to come in and it is very delightful!

Also if you would like to keep in touch with what we plan for our adventures be sure to join the closed Facebook Group Needles 'N Fins Stitching Adventures. Be the first to find out what is on the agenda.

Packing is on my mind.  Gotta get ready for ANG Seminar in Houston - little early for me to think packing but I will be in TN next week and get home late night before I fly out next morning!

In the meantime there are lessons to be prepared for the Online Mystery Classes.  These guys are due during the Seminar.  That will present a challenge for me.  But I feel I am up to the task!  Hope I don't have to eat crow!

It is a beautiful day here and I hope you have a lovely weekend wherever you are.

Some Relief!

Weather is finally cooling down a little!  I imagine that lots of rain has had something to do with that result.

My Stumpwork Patriotic Angel is on her way to Hampton Court Palace for the Royal School of Needlework Exhibit.  With her red, white and blue and her American flag I do not think there is any doubt that she represents America!  I am very proud of what she represents.  Safe travels my angel and have a safe trip back home next year!

Fingers have been busily working on JP Needlepoint's What's That - which I choose to call Succulents. There are 28 plants on this design and very little room for basketweave.

I will be teaching this piece at Stitcher's Garden in Naperville (outside Chicago), IL late August.  It will be lots of fun and a lot of techniques will be shared. For some reason I could not settle for basketweave on any of these plants.  I worry about something being too busy but this piece just kept telling me that I had to do a stitch for this one, or another stitch for that one, etc.  All in all I am pleased with the final results. Maybe I can share a photo with you next week.

National ANG Seminar - Houston, TX

Kit preparation has consumed most of my week however.  Kits have been shipped off for the ANG Seminar in Houston and Models for ANG Tucson 2020 and ANG Minnesota 2020 have also been shipped.  They have also been received so a sigh of relief there!

NEEDLES 'N FINS STITCHING ADVENTURES

The Mediterranean Stitching Memories Cruise is SOLD OUT!  Sadly, we had to turn a few away.  But now they know all about us and are looking forward to future trips.

Kits for the Optional Project were completed and mailed for the Mediterranean Stitching Memories Cruise this October.

It is always a sigh of relief once kits are actually done and out the door.  It is at that point that I feel a sense of accomplishment. I can't wait to share some of the techniques with the stitching participants.  Those who are not doing the optional kit should bring a doodle cloth in case you want to play with some of the techniques.

Now I am trying to get the straps created for the tote bag - I am very excited about where this is going so fingers crossed that all my ideas work!

Tulip Time on the Rhine - April 2020

Yep, people are registering for this wonderful riverboat stitching cruise!  We will be returning to one of our favorite lines - UniWorld!  And we will be arriving when the tulips should be in full bloom.  It is no wonder why this is a popular stitching adventure.

For some reason I have been drawing tulips lately!  Hmmmm!  To join us just email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com or Liz at lwolak@vikingtvl.com.  There is a brochure in the file section but we will gladly forward your very own copy if you prefer.

Okay have a great weekend and I am back to my favorite pastime - stitching!

ONLINE MYSTERY CLASSES - LESSONS POSTED!

But first . . .

I am beside myself.  This week I received an email from the RSN (Royal School of Needlework - UK) requesting permission to exhibit my Patriotic Angel Stumpwork piece in their upcoming exhibit at Hampton Court Palace 2020!

'Dear Sandra,

Faces and Figures in Embroidery exhibition

I am writing to ask if the RSN could borrow your stumpwork piece, as pictured, for the forthcoming exhibition at Hampton Court Palace.

The exhibition begins in September but we will need the piece here by Monday 19 August 2019 ready for hanging/displaying. The exhibition will continue until March 2020 and the piece would be ready for collection/return by the end of March 2020.'

Well my Angel may fly but I must get my feet back on the ground and get back to work!  I am so blessed! 

ONLINE MYSTERY CLASS PEEKS!

Santa Tags from Strictly Christmas got the letter tags filled in.

Gossips - We dressed our first Gossip in her red-white-blue finery.

This piece is so fun.  Such a happy, colorful design.  This lesson was about adjustment of stitches.

Spooky Tags from Strictly Christmas

As you know, I love embellishments! Look at those shoe accents!

Lily Wreath from Raymond Crawford Designs

We added the conch shell and the pineapple this month. We did a little twist on this one.

NEW TO THE GROUP - COME JOIN US!

Mid-August will find us adding a new class to the lineup - Just a Sip from CBK Designs.

Students are still enrolling so there is still time if you would like to join us.  Just email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.  The 6-packet lessons cost is $150 with you obtaining your canvas and threads from your LNS.  If assistance is needed we are working with a shop that kits the class for us.

NEEDLES 'N FINS STITCHING ADVENTURES - join the Facebook Group!

Gosh the clock is really ticking on our upcoming Mediterranean Stitching Cruise!  The packages will be mailed within the next few days for those who chose to purchase the optional kit.

Those who are bringing something from their stash are busily hunting for just what exactly they want to play with while we are all together.  Can you imagine anything better than being with like-minded people, floating on the water and being spoiled crazy!  It has to be the next thing to heaven.  Such beautiful friendships develop. Hope you are amongst those coming with us.

Did you see the ad in Needlepoint Now for our next adventure - Tulip Time on The Rhine Stitching Cruise?  We'll be setting sail in April 16-26, 2020.  If you would like more details go to Needles 'N Fins Stitching Adventures Facebook page (join if you are not in the group) and review the brochure in the files section.  If you would like your own copy of the brochure just email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com and we'll click one over to you.

We should be there during the full bloom time of all the wonderful flowers - mainly tulips but there are others believe it or not.

This is our smaller ship since we are on the river once more!  They are so pleasant and serene.  UniWorld does a fantastic job of spoiling us in every way possible.

Contact Liz our travel agent with any travel questions you may have and she'll get you taken care of.  lwolak@vikingtvl.com.

It is hot in Central Kentucky!

We have been courting the 90's here and that is hot for us.  At least I think so.  The morning humidity makes it impossible for hubby to mow as he must wait until the grass dries.  Any excuse - right?

Busy working on the Online Mystery Class lessons which will be due up in a few days.  I've said it before - it is probably a sin to enjoy what you are doing so much.  Stay tunes.  Next weekend we'll share some peeks at what we did for this round.

Live in, around, near Chicago?

Stitcher's Garden, Naperville will be hosting my classes for a week at the end of August!  We'll do two techniques classes - one is Beading on Needlework

And a second class is What to Do with Ribbons and Such

Additionally, we are teaching a 3-day project class on JP Needlepoint's What's That!  I chose to call it Succulents because I thought it better described what the piece was about.

Can you even imagine the techniques and threads this piece uses?  I believe there are 27 plants!  My word!  We'll go crazy with creativity!  Come join us!

Contact the gals at the shop to see if there are any openings.  Their website is https://www.stitchersgardenil.com

Check out our ad in Needlepoint Now that just came out.  It is about our Tulip Time on the Rhine Riverboat Stitching Cruise.  Email for more details at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com or our agent lwolak@vikingtvl.com

Back to stitching 

ANOTHER HOLIDAY BEHIND US!

Be sure to check out the special sale of class canvases over on our Etsy Shop - duodesignsbySandra.  Limited time and Limited number.

Where has this year gone?  We are already halfway through 2019!  So hard to absorb sometime.

I was blown away on the 4th by a surprise posting from the Royal School of Needlework.  They posted  July 4th wishes to Americans and they featured my design used to complete the Diploma for Stumpwork -

I am both humbled and proud!  (Is it okay to be both?)

I've been busily kitting for various events and stitching for others.

At the ANG Seminar in Houston in August this I am teaching 3 classes.  Registration is closed so we have our numbers and know how many to prepare for.  Canvases are all ready and now getting all the threads gathered.

If you are in Houston be sure to come by.  The Exhibit is free to the public and you can see some beautiful, breathtaking needlework on display.  Also, next year's class offerings will be displayed.  I'm teaching 2 in Tucson 2020.  The Crazy Needles Journey piece can be placed as a box top and reminded me of our crazy quilting when I was home on the farm quilting. The Journey part comes in because most of the stitches are named after a place - Dutch, Scotch, Parisian, Romanian, Hungarian, French, etc.

The next class will be the beautiful Flags of Glory.  There is ribbon work, beading, running stitches, and lots and lots more to get involved with in this design.

ONLINE MYSTERY CLASSES

You can still sign up for our next class Just a Sip!  She is going to be fun too and we may offer a companion if there is enough interest.

Possibly. Not sure

Email if you want to join Just a Sip - duodesignsinc@yahoo.com - and give me your thoughts on a second class.

Have a safe week - be mindful of the heat.  Look in on your elderly neighbors!