WOW!  That is all I can say about the past 2 months!!

Those of you who have been following us over the years know that we have had a very hectic past few months.  We made a major move in late summer, hosted a fabulous Retreat in September and just finished up a Stitching Cruise through and on the Greek Islands this October.

Like I said - WOW!

I am now hopeful to be returning to some normalcy here at - where?  Gotta come with a name for our abode as Arthur Acres is no more.  We have the major portion of our unpacking done.  A dramatic downsize offers some challenges that are not easy to get through but we push forward.  Hubby had a health hiccup along the way but we have gotten through that and he is back to his normal (whatever that is).

We are now focusing on our online classes and making sure we bring them up to date.  That should be cleaned up within the next couple off weeks!  Watch your group postings and let me know if anything is missing.

Next up is the background work for our next domestic Retreat.  Tentatively - yes, tentatively - we are steering towards the Florida west coast area around January 2025.

           We will, of course, have online classes in between - maybe even Zoom - who knows?

We will share details as they develop.  At our last meetings - Retreat and Cruise - the group consensus was for this dateline.  Also requested was to revitalize our Uniquely Yours sessions.  These sessions involve your personal canvas of choice and stash selections. There will be a minimum of 2 days with a possibility of 4 days class offerings.  Make sure to keep your calendar open for early January dates.  We will share the dates as soon as the contracts are finalized.  We are always excited to plan play dates with our stitchers.

Duo Designs Stitching Retreat General Butler Resort State Park - September 2023 - Highlights   

More perfect weather could not have been ordered for this fun event.  Those driving had a lovely canvas to enjoy and those flying had smooth sailing.

                                                Our view over the river with the morning fog.

   

Breakfast anyone?

                                                                    Registration is Open!

                                        Teresa and Gayla chatting with participants at Reception

                  
                                            Or outdoor bar-b-que

Our featured artist - Gayla Elliott in the center

Shouldn't leave hungry

Oh wait!  We're stitching, right?

Must be interesting

                                                Teresa sharing ideas and thoughts with students

We were too busy teaching to be able to take pictures in the classrooms.

Next week hope to share some of the Stitching Cruise pictures - 

 TIME MARCHES ON!

What a fabulous couple of weeks we have had - exciting, fun, apprehensive, new experiences, etc.  Our daughter came to visit for a week to help me with some loose ends of this moving adventure.  Unfortunately, that did not materialize as planned as she developed a fever and became ill.  So she had to be careful and take it easy and get her immune system back in check.  Sad to have her so close but not to be able to play for a couple of days.

Then there was this birthday!  MINE!  Yay!  I am always happy to receive birthdays.  This one had a very special surprise from my children - Terri (Mark), Tim (Lisa) and it was absolutely perfect!  Something I wanted for our new life here in FL but thought it would have to wait for a bit.

I am beyond the moon!  There was a knock on my door around 7 am (good thing I was dressed huh?) and it was our daughter up out of her sick bed.  She told me to come outside and there was this beauty!  The color is beyond happy!  Such fun!  I have taken it through the neighborhood every morning at 7 am and am loving it!  

Then our next new experience was Hurricane Idalia (sp?).  It actually when north of us by about 100 miles but still an anticipatory experience for newbies.  Fortunately we did not even get very rough winds or rain - and I am not complaining!

DUO DESIGNS STITCHING RETREAT - September 22-25, 2023

Daughter slowly regained her strength and while we can't do physical work we are happily working on the upcoming Duo Designs Stitching Retreat for September 22-25 in northern Kentucky.  Not only are we excited but our participants are excited too!

Teresa and the events coordinator have been tirelessly working on the second most important thing of these wonderful get togethers - FOOD! The time has come where participants have to make some decisions such as do they want BBQ ribs or BBQ chicken for one of the nightly plated dinners!  Tough huh?

Finishing touches are going on the models as we plan, stitch, reverse stitch, try again, etc.  Last minute items are being added to kits.  Surprises galore are also being packed away to be shipped out in time for the great gathering.  Oh my, oh my, oh my!

What can be any more glorious for stitchers than to run away for a beautiful weekend to play in a relaxing setting with fellow stitchers, renew acquaintances and add some new ones as well.  A lovely group of ladies from coast to coast are joining us and we could not be more excited!

GREEK ISLES STITCHING CRUISE - October 13-23, 2023

No sooner do we unpack from our fabulous DDI Stitching Retreat than we gather up our items for the lovely Greece Isles Stitching Cruise!  We will begin with 2 marvelous days in Venice - can never go to Venice too many times - before we board our ship to begin exploring so many lovely islands.  We have been on this beautiful ship before and look forward to her spoiling us again - the Azamara Pursuit.

Participants are busy selecting the excursions of their particular interests and also thinking of what they want to stitch and receive assistance with from the teachers while onboard.    Some have sent pictures of what they will be working on and it is so fun to see and think about.

Well off to getting more stuff packed for shipping north - look forward to seeing those attending very soon!  Stay safe and have a wonderful Labor Day here in the States.

 YET ANOTHER SEMINAR FOR ANG HAS PASSED

This past week I was given the privilege of being a faculty member of the annual ANG Seminar.  The location was Atlanta, GA.  We have done Atlanta before but we were in Buckhead this time.  

The Hotel was very nice and our classrooms were comfortable and nice as well.  My students for both classes were spectacular!  I am always so lucky to draw the bestest of the best students! We have fun but get the job done! The time just flew by.  Seems we just got started and then all of a sudden class was over.  

It was so great to see fellow teachers and previous students in person again.  It seemed like forever since we were together in this venue.  I know next year will be just as amazing.

DUO DESIGNS STITCHING RETREAT - Carrollton, KY - September 22-25, 2023

Now that this event is behind us we are focusing on our upcoming Stitching Retreat in September in Northern Kentucky. People are still signing up and as long as the Resort can fit them in we will accept them.

Teresa Kinberger has been working diligently on Boss Lady by Gayla Elliott.  She has added some fantastic threads to a mix of fabulous stitch techniques.  We can't wait to share them with you.

We're excited to see how the framing turns out for this piece.

I, Sandy Arthur, am working on the Stitching Girl with her Horse. This is an exclusive design that Gayla Elliott created for the Retreat.  You will be the only ones able to get this design for some time so enjoy the exclusiveness.  I, too, love playing with unusual threads and techniques.  We have lots of unusual things to share with you.

In addition to the class days, the nights are also filled with stitching, surprises, prizes and camaraderie.  As many who have taken our cruises and played with us before well know, it is always wise to leave some extra space in your luggage.

We also plan to have a 'stash' table where you can bring some things you no longer plan to stitch or use and leave them for someone else to love. Heck, you might find something you have been looking for too.  Think of threads, tools, canvases, stitch guides, etc.  We are not permitted to sell items on the premises so keep that in mind.

Friday evening we will host a Reception where those participants will have the opportunity to meet the artist, Gayla Elliott.  You will register at this time and receive your Welcome Bag.  After the reception we will have dinner and some stitching surprises.

Hope you can join us.  Email us at duodesignsinc@gmail.com for details and if you have questions.  A good time will be had by all!

 SATURDAY Rolls around again already!  Mercy!

Still in the transition mode here at the Arthur Abode. Slowly but surely a tub here or there becomes empty.  A great deal of my time right now is working with the VA on setting up appointments with specialists, getting his medications back in line etc.  They have approved his ramp for this place and should be installing it next week sometime.  Progess.

We're finding our way around pretty good.  We have the grocery store and with Bill we go at least twice a week,  If up to him we'd go daily.  We've found a couple restaurants new to us that Teresa and Mark introduced us to and we've been able to find them again.  Of course Burger King is almost walking distance and we somehow manage to go by and get our 50 cent soft cone on a regular basis.

Bank and Post Office are very handy too!  The VA is actually about 30 minutes away.  The first couple trips it seemed to take forever.  Not so bad now that we are use to the road - interstate all the way. But upon reflection it took me 25 minutes to get to the VA in Lexington on a good day - lol.

We'll see what the new doctors bring next week.  Our first visit Monday is one mile away! 

ANG NATIONAL SEMINAR ATLANTA

Well this time next week we will be at Seminar. Looking forward to seeing friends I haven't seen in quite some time.  I know it will be wonderful.

Duo Designs Stitching Retreat - September 22-25 - Carrollton, KY - General Butler Resort State Park

Upon  return from Seminar we will be putting our noses to the grindstone preparing the finishing touches for the DDI Stitching Girls Retreat! Just seemed like yesterday that it was so far in the future and here we are.  Canvases are being stretched, goody bags are being assembled, surprises are being played with, and on and on!  Can't wait to see you.

Needles 'N Fins Stitching Adventures - Stitching the Greek Isles

Right off the back of our fantastic Retreat we will be heading to Greece for our 11 day adventure.  We start in Venice for 2 days as a little plus then hit the Seas.  Azamara Pursuit is a wonderful ship and we thoroughly enjoyed our last adventure on her.  Watch the Needles 'N Fins Group and the Stitching Events Group for the link for the Webinar that Azamara put on for us to highlight our upcoming trip.

Optional Class Kit

Our Travel Route

For more specifics on any of these events scroll down to earlier posts.  As always, email if you have any questions - duodesignsinc@gmail.com

Stay safe until next time.

 STARTING TO SETTLE IN -  a little!

Each day we manage to get through a box or two.  Believe me, at our age and the heat that is a major accomplishment.  While there is no rush I still desire to get through all this stuff so I can at least have some idea where something is or at least the vicinity of its location.  Hubby is unable to help unfortunately so that makes the process even slower.  Our living part is in pretty good shape.  We can eat, sleep, bathe, etc. enjoy the TV and our surroundings. 

My issue is 'my stuff'.  You know all the crafting, Cricut, needlepoint canvases, threads, etc., etc., etc.  I just cannot bare to let it go but it is silly to hold on the way I am.  I will need to find someone to start listing some of this for me.  I have way too many Melissa Shirley Stockings, halloween stuff, partially stitched class pieces etc., etc. that someone might value and cherish and free them from the doom of living their remaining years closed off in a box or container of some sort.

As I said, we are moving forward.

ANG NATIONAL SEMINAR - ATLANTA 

Just around the corner.  I am so excited to be preparing for this event.  It seems a lifetime ago that I was teaching a group when in reality it was only a few weeks before our major downsize.

Two classes are on my agenda.  One is on Beards - we will cover different techniques using different threads and play with various ideas for different facial effects.

The next class is on Baskets.  So many possibilities and it is tough to choose just a few that we can fit into the time span allotted.

We're working through the Online Classes as best we can and hope all are doing well.

NEEDLES 'N FINS STITCHING CRUISES - STITCHING THE GREEK ISLES

Here's another one of those things that is creeping up on us!  Just a couple months and we will be on our way.  Purchased our airline tickets this week so it is closer to reality!  

Santorini Splendor - optional class kit.

Our travel agent has scheduled a Zoom presentation from Azamara so contact her if you would like a direct link to the event - lwolak@vikingtvl.com

OK - gotta go do another box to meet my quota today!

Phew Weee!  What a couple months we have had.

This has been a very hectic, grueling, emotional, traumatic and stressful few months at Arthur Acres.  Life has dealt a few bumps that has resulted in our decision to downsize from our 43 year residence. Those who know of our home know how much of a change/loss this is to us.  We felt it was time, however difficult it might be, to make this major change while we both had our health and ability to do so.  Arthur Acres has just become unmanageable for me to handle basically by myself at this stage in our lives.

So, after several trips to Good Will,  dumpster loads and hasty decisions we have gotten our 'stuff' to an almost manageable size.  I am hopeful that I will be able to get back on track and direct my attention to my love of needlework.

It is important that I add here that we would not have been able to get through  this  process as well as we did without the hard work, pushing, support, and love of our children.  Young muscles and unattached sentiments are quite helpful at times like these!

My next focus is the ANG Seminar being held in Atlanta next month.  I will be teaching techniques classes:  one is on Beards and the other is on Baskets!  Creating kits this coming week so that will be a good distraction from the boxes that still need to be emptied (but not critical).

Once we return from Seminar we will be concentrating on our upcoming Duo Designs Stitching Retreat at General Butler Resort State Park in Carrollton, KY in September.  We are very excited about this fun event in  a peaceful setting.

Then in October we will be heading abroad and enjoying our Greek Isles Stitching Cruise!  So looking forward to playing again aboard the beautiful Azamara ship!

Okay, enough about what has been distracting me here at Arthur Acres.

Duo Designs Stitching Retreat - September 2023

Can you believe we are processing registration fees for the upcoming Stitching Retreat featuring Gayla Elliott's Stitching Girls?  Where did the time go?

We have the full gamut of stitchers from beginners to the seasoned ones.  They hail from California to Pennsylvania! They are stitchers, teachers, designers, distributors, vendors, etc.  We are going to have so much fun and gain knowledge beyond the classroom!

If you are still considering joining us, do no drag your feet too long - the clock is ticking.  Just email us at duodesignsinc@gmail.com so you can come play with us.

ONLINE CLASSES

Our new/repeat class the Three Wisemen Encore has had its first session shared with participants.  Session II will be soon. This class is back by popular request!  It is not kitted, however.  Participants obtain their own canvas and supplies from the materials list provided.  Look out stash!  Here they come!

The 8-lesson packet is provided online through a private group.  You read the lessons at your leisure and stitch the same way.  You control your own schedule.  To enjoy this process with us just send an email to duodesignsinc@gmail.com.

NEEDLES 'N FINS STITCHING ADVENTURES

Another fast approaching adventure is the Stitching Cruise to the Greek Islands!  Greece awaits us!  But, we just so happen to be going to stop and spend the first 2 days in Venice!  Who doesn't always welcome more time in Venice?  I may have left a Murano glass bead or two there from the last visit!

We have the good fortune to travel once again on the beautiful Azamara cruise lines!  Below is a picture of one of our last adventures with them.

As you can see, light for stitching is no problem!

This trip's exclusive design is fashioned after the beautiful area of Santorini.  Santorini Splendor  documents the fabulous blue theme of the area.  The rugged shoreline is evident with the constant movement of the water.  Flowers flourish to add color sprinkled all about.

This optional class kit is hand painted on 18 ct canvas.  There is a plethora of threads used including the addition of silk ribbon! The kit is $395.  Kit will be mailed to the participants prior to departing the States to those who choose to join this class.  This allows time to set up your supplies and stretch the canvas to your liking.  The stitch guide will be shared in Venice!  Email if you wish to have this Optional Exclusive Design to duodesignsinc@gmail.com.

Should you choose to not participate in the optional class you may bring something from your stash to stitch.  If this is the option you wish to pursue it would be helpful if you forward a picture of what you will be stitching and what area you desire teacher assistance. This will give us a heads up for ideas to bring your canvas to life

That's all the time I have for now - till next time.

 CANVASES ARE IN - YAY!

If you are waiting for the canvas for Two by Two from Strictly Christmas, I understand that have been received from the painters!  Shops that have ordered will be sent theirs right away.  If you have not yet ordered your canvas be sure to check with your LNS to get yours.

Here's some of the cuteness to be had in the class.

If you would like to join us just email us at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com. We've on worked some of the background so far - no animals.

Next: Our first lesson will be posted mid-March for the Raymond Crawford American Train Series.

Still time to join that one.  Just email us at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com for more information. Canvases are available and threads kits have been ordered for those who need assistance.  

POCKETBOOK SERIES

Books were put in the mail to those shops who preordered the latest POCKETBOOK Series edition Stitching with Stars.

This book is a real beauty!  I love her cover!  Check with your LNS to get your copy before they are gone!

While you are at it - do you have your Pocketbook Packet?  You don't want to miss out.

Have you registered for your ANG Seminar classes ?  Seminar is in Kansas City, MO August 6-13, 2021.  Come join the fun! A wide diversity of classes for you to choose from.  Go to needlepoint.org and get all the details including registration forms.  Hope to see you there -  btw I'm teaching 3 classes!

Stay safe!