HOLIDAY SEASON IN FULL SWING!    

Thanksgiving is now behind us.  I must say, however, that our celebrations are nothing like Thanksgivings past.  As time has taken more and more family and friends the circle grows smaller and smaller. Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners were our family contributions for many, many years.  Bake that turkey (minimum 22-25 lbs), stuff it with dressing, baked sweet potatoes, cranberry salad, potato salad made by hubby, watergate salad, deviled eggs, green beans - cooked and also casserole, homemade pumpkin pie, etc., etc.  Now it seems the norm for our age group is to have dinner out as family is so scattered and schedules are so varied and full that is the most convenient option for all involved. We were blessed to have both our children with us, however, and thankful for that special gift.

ONLINE CLASSES    

This past week we posted the mid-month lessons for the Groups.

Sea Shells on the Shore had its final session.  Finishing up were the two starfish.

French knots were the main feature of one of the starfish and students who stayed with it should be French knot experts!

A second ornament was shared with the group in Ornaments Galore from JP Needlepoint designs.

Additionally the Three Wisemen - Encore had another part of this fabulous piece to stitch.

We are currently auditioning designs to consider for future online classes.  Your input is welcomed.  Just email your request to duodesignsinc@gmail.com.

Etsy Shop - duodesignsbySandra

So excited to announce that the popular To The Beach,  Cruisin' Stitchers and Hawaii  handpainted canvases are back in stock over in our Etsy shop.  Hop over and take a look.  Digital stitch guides are also available for instant download.

Remember also there is still time to join the JP Needlepoint Ornaments Galore class and there are a few canvases readily available.

Until next time . . . 

 ALMOST NORMAL ROUTINE!

We seem to be settling in pretty well here in our new Abode. We are slowly but surely adding hubby's specialists as they can work in new patients.  The drive is becoming more comfortable for me as it is becoming more familiar and not too bad.  We have avoided rush hours so that might help.

It is becoming very busy around here as the snowbirds are flocking down. I don't even know the full timers like ourselves much less those who just come down part time.  This will ease up as time goes on and we intermingle more.  It amazes me how much people go in and out - seems like constantly.

ONLINE CLASSES

This area of our lives seems to be starting to fall back into place - thank goodness.  This coming week we will be sharing the final session of Sea Shells on the Shore by JP Needlepoint. Unbeknownst to me at the beginning of this class selection, I will have a new piece of needlework to display in our new Abode.

We will be sharing the second session of the Ornaments Galore class as well. Christmas pieces always are special to me as I find they provide an outlet for sharing many techniques, special threads and fun embellishments.  You could still join this class if you would like.  Just email us at duodesignsinc@gmail.com for details.

The Three Wisemen Encore class will also have its next lesson posted to the group!

ETSY shop - duodesignsbySandra

Our Etsy shop is your place to find most of our instant downloadable stitch guides.  We don't have all of them listed so if there is one you are seeking just ask and we'll let you know if we have it. We also list surplus class canvases heere as well as our own designs.

Now, you are the first to know of a special we are hosting.  Since our address has changed all our book covers now have the old address.  This is not a critical difference but one we will be changing as we deplete our inventory.  One step we are taking to help with this depletion is running specials through the end of the year.  Our first special involves our first set of books - Shapes of Needlepoint.  This is a series of 4 books.  The books have received the prestigious Literary Award twice from the American Needlepoint Guild - once for the publication of the first 2 Series and then again for the last 2 Series.  Series I covers Circles, Squares, Triangles and Rectangles; Series II covers Diamonds Hearts, Octagons and Stars; Series III covers Corners, Hexagons, Ovals and Parallelograms; and, Series 4 covers Diagonals, Horizontals and Verticals. Currently the set of the 4 Shapes of Needlepoint retail in our Etsy Shop at $200 plus S/H.  Our special offers the set of 4 at $150 plus S/H ($20- US shipping only). This price will be honored through the end of 2023 or until the current inventory is depleted.  Email us at duodesignsinc@gmail.com to order and we will send a Paypal invoice right away.

That's it for this week folks - remember to Stich with a Smile!

HAPPY!  HAPPY!  HAPPY!

Our snowbird kids - Teresa and Mark have arrived for the winter!  We are so excited.  Things are really buzzing around here as more and more snowbirders arrive daily - it is almost like grand central station! 

Although we have activities year round here, it moves to a whole different level when the winter residents arrive. A party-type atmosphere vibe sorta moves in!  Woo Hoo! 

Stitching around and on the Greek Isles!

Teresa and Bill on Water Taxi on the Grand Canal going to hotel in Venice

Top priority - Gelato!

On the ship and working!

There is a large screen for students to view if desired.

Students at work!

Class is in session.

Teresa intensely working on her mosaic at Mykonos Greece.

Teresa creating Windmill Mosaic on Mykonos Island of Greece

I chose the very 'exciting' interpretation of the oldest cathedral on the island for my mosaic.

Reminded me of kindergarten  days.

A few didn't make it for the group photo.

To enjoy the sites and beautiful scenes of this cruise be sure to go to the group Stitching and Needlework Events https://www.facebook.com/groups/748907069549635. - Bruce Hart generously shared the trip through the lense of his camera and as always he did not disappoint.

Next stop - USA!

While the trip was great and the company even greater, it is always wonderful to get back home.

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.