TIME OUT!

Is this Great-Grandma's buttons popping or what?  Those of you who are members of the American Needlepoint Guild and who receive the NeedlePointers Magazine - do not miss page 37!  A posting that I had shared on this very blog was picked up and used for Chapter News.  

Yummy!  Okay, I'll come down now and get back to business.

COMING SOON!

Yes!  Here we are in August.  That means I will be invoicing for the 6-lesson packet for the fun, fun, happy, colorful Santa Wreath Ornament from Raymond Crawford!  I am so enjoying stitching this happy piece.  In case you have not come to that conclusion, I love happy, colorful pieces!

Have your LNS order your canvas right away if you have not already done so.  First lesson is only a short 6 weeks away!  Unbelievable.  If you need assistance in getting your canvas or supplies just email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.  Invoices for the lessons have been sent.  If you did not receive yours be sure to email me right away.  For those needing assistance, the canvas is $100 and the thread/embellishment kit is $234.85 plus $16 S/H.  Email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.

QUICKIE SERIES

Registration is ongoing for the next Quickie project - the Uncle Sam - an exclusive design by Pepperberry.

I hope to share a picture of this completed before too much longer!  The class - which includes everything but tools - handprinted canvas, threads/embellishments, 2 lessons, and S/H is $135.  Email me if you would like to join the group.  duodesignsinc@yahoo.com We should be starting before too much longer.  

ANY INTEREST?

Look what is going to be in the horizon for our Online Mystery Classes!

Aren't these Raymond Crawford Reindeer fabulous?  There are four in the series.  They are approximately 14" tall.

Maybe start the first of the year?  Maybe do a lesson every other month?

I think it goes without saying that there will be beads!  Maybe some beautiful tassels, or nue` perhaps?  Embellishments - screams for embellishments.  

Email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com is you would like to be on the notification list for these classes.  The class fee will be $150 for the lessons.  These may be 4 lessons since I will be breaking them down every other month instead of every month.  More information as I determine the amount of interest.

Stitch Review

I have a student having difficulty with the buttonhole stitch. So here is how I try to explain it my way.  It is always so much easier to do face-to-face but not all have that luxury.

To begin this stitch you have a couple options.  The way I originally learned to do this stitch was what was called a 'J' stitch.  Your brought your thread to the front (1 on the diagram), moved it over a canvas thread and away 3 or 4 or whatever length needed, sink the thread (2 on the diagram), and brought the needle back up next to the first part but inside the thread (3 on the diagram).

Can you see the 'J'?  When the stitches lay next to each other very closely, like above, it is referred to as a buttonhole stitch.  When they are spread apart it is referred to as a blanket stitch.  We used the blanket stitch when I was a youngster back home when we quilted.  This stitch was used to appliqué items.

Another method to begin the buttonholes stitch that some students find easier to use is to begin the process with a lazy daisy stitch.

Now, here's the kicker.   Do not complete stitch 3/4 as shown on the traditional lazy daisy stitch diagram.  Instead, the 3 becomes the 3 as shown above but the 4 becomes the 4 as shown on the diagram to the right - in other words it becomes the new 'J'.

So basically, 3 is inside the first loop, then 5 comes up in the loop, etc. These loops are the outside 'bumpy' edge created by the buttonhole stitch.





RETREATS REVIEW

(I'll highlight a different retreat next weekend.)

One of my upcoming retreats is teaching at the Winterthur Museum in March 23-25, 2018 in Delaware.

  

When I was approached and asked if I would teach at Winterthur Museum, the carrot for me was that youngsters from 10-18 could attend the retreat at no cost and could learn along with their attending adult.  To me, this was HUGE!  If you are a parent of a youngster in this age range, how could you not take advantage of this opportunity.  We need to get our youngsters more involved in our passion for this art and what better way than create a memory of attending a retreat with Mommy or Daddy? This retreat is embracing all skill levels. 

I will be teaching the class for Fruit and Flowers.  We will be doing techniques such as thread painting, reverse chain, round Rhodes, stem stitch, buttonhole, Cashmere, leaf stitch, and many, many more.  Design is stitched using beautiful silks.  I am sharing a sneak peak of one of several flowers showcased on the canvas.  

                                           

For details visit:

This Retreat is hosted by Art Needlepoint.  I was attracted to this venue when invited because of the inclusion of our youth.  The brochure states that participants may bring a youngster between the ages of 10 and 18 free of charge to attend class with them.  And the youngster will be given a canvas upon which they may try stitches to learn as we go.  Isn't that fantastic?  For more details check out the various links that are available.
http://artneedlepoint.com/art-needlepoint-winterthur-needle…
Here's an early registration link:
https://artneedlepoint.worldsecuresystems.com/new-arrivals/winterthur-retreat-full-registration-10-off
Contact Art Needlepoint right away to make your reservation.  And even more exciting plan to bring a youngster along to share the experience.


Have a great weekend/week and remember to Stitch with a Smile!

WOW!  Look at all these scrumptious threads!  I can spend so much time just looking at them and feeling them.  I know.  I'm somewhat sick that way.  I love beautiful threads.  I believe that might be why I like to knit.  It gives me an excuse to buy these beyond lovely threads that may or may not make it into a knitted something someday.  But I digress.

We are going to play with and experience using so many lovely things in this upcoming class. Look at the silks, wools, cottons, ribbon, metallics, rayons and on an on.  Can't wait to share them with the students.  The first Session is scheduled to be posted August 15 - are you ready?

Those who ordered thread/embellishment kits through my source, they have been mailed and you should look for them in next week's mail.  If you think you ordered the kit, email me right away so we can see what the status is -  duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.  I am assuming you have all ordered your canvas and are ready to go!  Too fun as always.

Registration is underway for our next ONLINE MYSTERY - Santa Wreath Ornament by Raymond Crawford.

This guy is so jolly that you can't help but enjoy stitching each and every one of the 25 or so ornaments that make up his wreath - not to mention the Jolly Guy himself!

The class is scheduled to begin mid-September.  It is a 6-month class.  The class is conducted in a secret Facebook Page.  The 6-lesson packet is $150.  Order your canvas right away from your Local Needlepoint Shop.  If you do not have a LNS contact us as duodesignsinc@yahoo.com and we will help you with your materials for the class.  Invoices for the lessons will be processed around the first of August.  Come join the fun!  It will be delightful.  Look at all the bling!

November will be introducing the first lesson of the Gingerbread House from Rebecca Wood.

This large canvas makes up into a 3-D Gingerbread House approximately 9" in size.  Remember to order your canvas right away!  If you need assistance just email at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com  

First Session is scheduled for November.

QUICKIE SERIES - EAGLE STAR

All the kits have been mailed for the Eagle Star in the Quickie Series. 
 If you think you have registered for this QUICKIE class email me right away at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.  The first lesson will be mailed out this weekend so watch your mailboxes.






What's up next you ask?  Why Uncle Sam of course.

Registration for this Exclusive Pepperberry Designs class is going quite well.  We have reordered the canvases. Remember class kits are limited so when these are gone they are gone.  The all-inclusive class is $135 for the hand-painted exclusive design, threads/embellishments, 2 lessons provided in a pdf format and shipping.  If you want to join us just email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com and we will start the process.

And wait until you see the future QUICKIES!  They are all going to be such a joy to stitch and add to our 'bouquet' of red-white-blue pieces.

ONLINE MYSTERY CLASSES

There are several very active classes taking place in this grouping.  And they are all fun and at various stages of their cycle.  Students interact, ask additional questions, request clarification, request substitutes, etc.  I thought I might, from time to time, share some of these questions with you as possible tips.

Today someone was being stumped while we were stitching a circle.  I offered several alternatives to the stitch that was in the stitching lesson.  One suggestion was to fill the circle (or in this case a half-circle) with satin stitches.  Here's how I approach circles. 

First, I mark the circle into quadrants.  If doing a half circle mark in the center.

Now we have 4 pieces of a pie - N-S-E-W.  

When stitching rounded areas it is generally best to begin in the center and work out to an edge.  In this case work from N to W or N to E.  When you get to the edge, return to the center and finish the circle in the other direction.

Illustration shows stitching from the center of a semi-circle to the West of the first quadrant. Return to the center and complete this quadrant over to the East portion.  You have completed a half-circle.

Turn canvas upside down and repeat to go a full circle.

NOTE:  On the inside area (the smaller circle side) you will need to share holes as you progress around the area.  

Hope this was helpful to some when approaching stitching a circle.

QUICKIE SERIES:  EAGLE STAR

The Eagle Star kits for the next Quickie Series have gone out this past week.  If you think you had enrolled in the class or if you have sent payment and have not received a kit in a few days, be sure to contact me right away at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com

Watch your mail for the first of two lessons to be posted soon.  I will also announce on my FB page when that lesson has been sent.

Next up is the fantastic Uncle Sam.  Registration will be closing soon on this guy.  Remember there are a limited number of kits and once they are gone, they are gone.  

As with all our QUICKIES, Uncle Sam is quite manageable.  He is on a cut canvas size of 8" x 9", design area approximately 4" x 5.25" on 18ct canvas. The all-inclusive exclusive kit is $135; hand-painted canvas, threads/embellishments, 2 lessons in pdf format and shipping/handling.  Just email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com if you would like to join us!

Busily working on upcoming retreat pieces and hope to share some pictures with you next weekend.  Stay tuned!

MID-MONTH !  YAY!  

Whatever does that mean you say?  Well those of you who participate in any of my Online Mystery Classes know exactly what that means!  It means new lesson postings. I have been very fortunate in that I have not had to miss a posting in these years of hosting these classes.  I've had a few close calls but I don't think I have every let my students down.

Floating out there in cyberspace (isn't it wonderful that we have this capability) are the following:

Steampunk Fox - Session 6

This is another boo-hoo class.  We bid this dapper fellow adieu as he is now ready for the finisher - be he a picture, stand up, or whatever our fancy.

He was a lot of fun and we hope he provided some challenges, introduced new threads, and a trick or two.  

Menorah - Session 5

We finished two more candles on this gem for July.

Won't be long until this piece is completed!

Songbirds - Session 3

Such colors in this magnificent piece from Danji of the Laurel Burch Songbirds. Even threw in a few crystals.

Cupcakes - Session 1

And when we bid one farewell, we get to welcome another.  So introducing Session 1 for the Cupcakes.

We focused on the border and 'baked' a couple of Cupcakes along the way.

So, as you can see we are busily stitching right along.  But, whatever is next in store you ask?

Why none other than STEAMPUNK CAT!  

Invoices have been mailed and are in the processing stage.  Participants are checking with their LNS to see if they have a canvas for them, and we are busily working on getting thread/embellishment kits for those who need them.  Remaining invoices will be processed for those next week. There is still time to join us.  Email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com for information and to get in the group!

   NOTE:  To see our scheduled Online Mystery Classes jump down to mid-December and there is a listing for the full year - although we did add a couple along the way.

And, never fear - we may even get a stitch or two out for our No Stress, No Schedule class, the Nutty Professor from JP Needlepoint - Love Juli's designs too!

Stay tuned in to see what we have in store for this fantastic guy!

QUICKIE SERIES

The first of our Series - the USA Star - is now history.  Soon to be shipped are the kits for this fantastic breed - the Eagle Star by Raymond Crawford.

Clock is ticking so if you want to join the class you must notify me right away.  These classes are limited in number and when the kits are gone, they are gone.  Email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com to join in this fun class with a quick turnaround.  The all-inclusive kit is $125 - painted canvas, thread/embellishments, two lessons in pdf format and shipping.  We'd love to have you join us.  After the kits are distributed the first lesson will be published.

And . . . . registration is in full force on the next online QUICKIE - an exclusive from Pepperberry -  Uncle Sam. 

To be included on the notification list for this upcoming cutie, just email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com. The all-inclusive exclusive kit is $135; hand-painted canvas, threads/embellishments, 2 lessons in pdf format and shipping/handling.  Always fun to work on this QUICKIES!

As many of you realize, the major cost of most classes is the canvas.  One of my goals for the QUICKIE SERIES is to try and keep the costs as reasonable as possible so more may join in the fun.  The second major cost is generally the thread.  Here I have a little control.  Keeping my goal in mind, I have been providing portions for certain threads instead of a full skein or card if appropriate.  For instance, if only 2 strands of a black thread is needed, that is all that I provide instead of creating a charge for a full skein or card.

A second goal of the QUICKIE SERIES is to find canvases that will provide the opportunity for a quick turnaround - thus 'quickie'.  I have gone gung-ho on the red-white-blue theme because there are so many occasions these can be used.

And my third goal is to try and find designs that are a little unique or that have not over-saturated the market as yet.  Some are fantastic standards that the designers have agreed to make a few changes on for our benefit.  Everyone has been wonderful to work with and are very gracious to try and accommodate what I ask them for. I try to introduce my students to some of the newer designers out there and to provide more exposure to those 'new kids (no matter the age) on the block' designers as well.

Also, as you generally can tell, I like happy, colorful designs.  I want you to have fun in the process of learning and I work very hard to try to keep everyone upbeat, even through a technique that some may have difficulty grasping at first.  We do not give up!  Not an option - LOL.

There is the challenge of what to do next, so keep those suggestions coming to me via email at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com. We'd love to hear from your.

RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY . . .

Maybe it is just me but it seems we have had an awful lot of rain lately.  No so much that you can't get out in between showers, but raining off and on nonetheless.  Well the plants are happy and that is a critical need.  But I wouldn't mind have a couple days of just sunshine.  Well, today is a pretty sunshiny day - rained pretty hard here last night.

NOTE:  Invoices have been sent to those who indicated an interest in the upcoming QUICKIE SERIES Eagle Star by Raymond Crawford.  If you think that you have signed up and did not get an invoice, email me right away.  Also if you would like to join us there is still time.  It will be another week or so before the first lesson.  The full kit is $125.  email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com
The kit has the handpainted canvas, all the threads, embellishments, two lessons sent via pdf and shipping/handling.  All you need is a needle and scissor and you are ready to roll!

I must say he was quite smashing for the 4th July festivities.  And he is now experienced and ready to represent his breed in many more patriotic events: Memorial Day, Presidents Day, Flag Day, Armed Forces Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Patriot Day, Columbus Day, Veteran's Day.

Following this handsome guy will be another charming fellow that has a fantastic American presence:  Uncle Sam. 

This is an exclusive from Pepperberry Designs.  Don't have the kit costs figured as yet as I just began stitching him.  I will post as soon as that is available.  In the meanwhile, if you want to join us just send your email address to me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.  I will put you on the no obligation notification list so you won't miss out on any of the mailings. As with all the QUICKIE SERIES this will be an all inclusive kit.

ONLINE MYSTERY CLASSES

I have been busy tidying up the classes to be posted for the Online Mystery Classes due to be posted about the 15th!  Just around the corner.   So anxiously await these postings - others say - oh gosh, I haven't finished the last lesson.  Hey!  It is not a race nor a contest.  That is one of the major beauties of the Online Classes - you stitch at your own pace.  We will be here for you!

Well, as usual Saturday crept up on me so this is all I have for the moment.  Stay tuned - working on retreat pieces and I'll share pics as soon as I can!

Have a great weekend and remember to stitch with a smile!

ODDS AND ENDS

I can't believe it is Saturday already - and it is almost over too before I realized it.

This week I was able to share another lesson with the humongous Arctic Parade by Brenda Stofft.  We had stitched the face earlier which is on 24 count fabric.  Now we appliquéd it to the main canvas.

I really like how he turned out!  Who knows what section we'll do next?

Busily, busily working on the class postings for mid-July.  People, I'm sorry, but I am just having the greatest time with these!  Stay tuned to see what we came up with for our first lesson of the Cupcakes.  There is still time to join us if you wish.  Just email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.

Look who is moving up fast on our QUICKIE SERIES schedule!  Yep the wonderful Eagle Star from Raymond Crawford is next up.

We plan to do this guy within the next month.

Registration is now open.  Just email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com if you would like to join the class. Complete kit - painted canvas, threads/embellishments if applicable, two lessons in pdf format and shipping/handling - $125.

The canvases are in for the too cute designs by JP Needlepoint - Catitudes and Dog Gone Good.  We are currently taking registration for those classes.

First class for these cuties is March - if we can work it in earlier we will.

Not far behind will be Dog Gone Good in May.  Oh dear!  Oh dear!  What trouble will I get into on these?  Let me know if you want to join us - just email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com
 6-LessonPacket is $150.  Order canvases from your LNS right away.  If you need assistance we will be happy to help.  More later on thread/embellishment kits.

Off to working on some the Italy stuff for our fantastic stitching riverboat cruise - Party on the Po.  Also working on some of the lessons for the middle of the month still.

Hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Holiday Weekend, etc.  And Happy Birthday CANADA!

QUICKIES ARE JUST THAT!  QUICK!

Our first Quickie is history and hopefully I learned some things from the experience as well.  We did Raymond Crawford's USA Star.

I am super pleased with how it turned out.  My problem is me.  Yep - me!  In my haste to share with the participants I did a couple things wrong.  First I included the incorrect sized beads.  The stitch guide referred to the correct size but I grabbed the wrong ones.  So, that necessitated a second mailing - my cost of course - and the beads were not needed until the second session so no harm. Then, I decided that I needed a little more glitz so I added another Silk Lame` that was not in the original mailing.  So another mailing - my cost of course - again.   Then I learned that I accidentally sent the draft Session 2 instead of the correct one.  So that was corrected.  This just wasn't my week on this one.  So hopefully everyone is having smooth sailing on their end for this guy.  It was definitely worth all the headaches I caused myself!  You may still get this complete kit, you will just need to wait until the canvases get in.

JUST WAIT UNTIL YOU SEE QUICKIE NO. 2 - THE EAGLE STAR!

Okay, I just had to share.  He was too cool to keep under wraps.

These guys are way too much fun - and quick!
       QUICK! - get it?  I know it does not take              much to entertain me.







If you want to join us for the QUICKIE Eagle Star from Raymond Crawford Designs, just email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.  Registration is going on now for this upcoming class.  The all-inclusive class - hand-painted canvas, threads and embellishments, two lesson packet sent via pdf  and shipping/handling is $125.  Classes will be starting sometime in July.

And whatever do we have in line after this fantastic guy?  Well, Uncle Sam of course!  Uncle Sam is an exclusive design from Pepperberry for our use in the QUICKIE SERIES.  He is approximately 4.25 x 5.25" in design area on 18ct. mono canvas.

Can't wait for him to join our other two patriotic ornaments.  Again, if you would like to be on the notification list just send email to duodesignsinc@yahoo.com and we'll keep you informed as specifics develop.   And . . . there are others on the horizon.

I have been busy finishing Captain Blackbeak's Wench canvas from JP Needlepoint.  This fun piece is being sent off for consideration as a class in an upcoming retreat.  Fingers crossed! She is jam packed with fun techniques and threads!

She is at the finishers so that she can be completed just like her 'fellow' .

Won't they be a lovely pair?

ONLINE MYSTERY CLASS UPDATES:

As stated last week, lessons are being posted as scheduled for the various classes that are in progress.

Creeping up quickly are some of the other exciting pieces!  If you are taking any of these classes be sure to get your canvas on order early.  We are available for assistance for those who do not have a local needlepoint shop.  

First lesson for Steampunk Cat is August 15.  Invoicing will be July 1st.  OMG the number of threads and embellishments this guy required from my perspective.  I think it is well over 50+ items.

Right behind him will be the fun Santa Ornament Wreath from Raymond Crawford Designs.

The first lesson is scheduled for September 15.  Invoicing will be August 1st.

November will bring on our first lesson for the Gingerbread House from Rebecca Wood.  Some had this lesson forwarded to them early so they could do some of the tedious background work.  Invoicing will be mailed October 1.

I love this picture!  It is so deceptively small in appearance - LOL. This guy is 33" long and 14" high. 

That pretty much does it for 2017.  And oh my - what a lineup we have for 2018:

Moon Gazer

Snow Happy Trio

Catitudes

Dog Gone Good

And sprinkled in between will be the Arctic Parade sessions, Nutty Professor Hooter and the Quickie Series.

Scroll down to last week's post for a reminder of upcoming Retreats too.

Email me with questions about any of the upcoming classes at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.  We would love to have you join us!

So, as you can see we don't have to worry about boredom at Arthur Acres.

Have a great weekend! It has been pouring the rain here!