Oops!  I did not realize  it was Saturday!

I almost missed it.  Today I had to get my class pieces mailed off to NAN to be exhibited for the 2020 Class Selections.  I became so involved in getting them ready and out the door that I almost missed Saturday.

We had exciting news this week.  Our travel agent Liz posted the brochure for our next stitching adventure.  Tulip Time Along the Rhine Stitching Cruise!

Wow!  How exciting.  All the color!  There are 11 wonderful days scheduled for this adventure.  We will spend the first 2 nights in Amsterdam prior to boarding our fabulous ship the S.S. Antoinette for 7 nights of cruising.

The trip begins April 16 in Amsterdam and will end on April 26, 2020 in Basel - unless you choose to extend your stay a few days in Basel and Lake Lucerne.  Lake Lucerne  is one of my favorites. I have my breath taken away when I go visit the Dying Lion of Lucerne.  For some reason it is very emotional for me.  So beautiful and serene.

Go to Needles 'N Fins Stitching Adventures and download the brochure for all the details.  Registrations are already very active.  So wonderful.  Email Liz at lwolak@vikingtvl.com for travel details or me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com for general questions.  The mind is already going crazy with ideas for our stitching adventure.

We continue to work on adding more stitch guides to our Etsy Shop - DuoDesignsbySandra.  Check in often and be sure to list as a favorite.

In the meanwhile, stitching continues for the Online Mystery Classes.  I will cut this weeks post short and get the needles flying so as not to disappoint my fabulous students (who keep me on my toes)!

Have a great weekend.

THIS SATURDAY IS MID-MONTH!  We know what that means don't we - - -

Lessons for our Online Mystery Classes were posted yesterday.

We are stitching the last reindeer in the series of Raymond Crawford that we are doing currently.  This 4th Reindeer is the one with the poinsettia blanket.  The Second Session has us working on the reindeer and his antlers.

Our fun Dana from Penny MacLeod has its Second Session posted as well.  During

this Session we deal with some of the borders.

And sadly we said goodbye to our fun, fun Every Bunny Needs SomeBunny design from JP Designs.

I hated to see this one go!

In our Quickie Series, we sent out the second of Burnett and Bradley's Butterflies.

I am anxious to get this mounted on the custom ornament stand designed by Deux Bijoux Bijoux!

Your LNS can order these for you - we did not request an exclusive so all could enjoy the bright, happy colors.

ETSY SHOP.  -- DuoDesignsbySandra

We continue to add a few items as time permits.  We added a couple more stitch guides this past week.  I think we also added a couple of surplus class canvases as well. Go over and check it out.  

MEDITERRANEAN STITCHING MEMORIES 2019

Registrations continue to build for our wonderful trip.  We have the canvas off to the painters and are anxious to start adding all the fun techniques and embellishments that are typical for me.  We are also designing some other possibilities if time permits.  

Additionally, our sights are set on the Netherlands for April 2020!  Tulips!  Tulips!  Tulips!  Our travel agent Liz is working feverously to get information out to you for this colorful adventure.  Be sure to follow over on Needles 'N Fins Stitching Adventures to learn details as they develop.

We will be doing our favorite riverboat cruise again and the boat looks fantastic.  I understand there is a special time sensitive discount so be sure to get all the details when they are posted!  Wanna be sure to take advantage of all discounts in order to keep as much souvenir funds available as possible!

S.S. Antionette

Isn't she pretty!  I love the intimacy we enjoy on our riverboats and smaller ships.  Our Azamara Pursuit for the Mediterranean holds approximately 690 passengers.  Larger than the riverboats 'cause she has a big Sea to navigate but still small enough to develop friendships and strike up conversations.

Face to Face

I'm busy finishing stitch guides for the upcoming NeedleNook of LaJolla's Annual Retreat.  So many great canvases to work with.  I am blessed.

Have a great weekend and check back next weekend.  Meanwhile run over to the Etsy Shop and shop and check in to the Needles 'N Fins Stitching Adventures facebook page to follow our stitching cruises.

CLASSES!  CLASSES!  CLASSES!

We are off to a grand start for 2019! The second in the Butterfly Quickie Series is getting ready to ship and is sold out.  We are trying to get a few more for those who still want to join.  Let me know if you are one - otherwise we will be closing down the registration.  Invoices have been forwarded for those who have indicated they want the class.  email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com

Before sending off to the finisher I wanted to show you some choices you can make.  If you look at the left wing you notice the large flower in the center has less light pink and the outside of the flower petals are more prominent.  If you look at the right side you see that the light pink is prominent and the dark recedes.  These are personal choices for the individual.

While it is fresh on my mind I want to remind you that each butterfly is an individual class - you do not need to commit to every butterfly in the series in order to participate.  

We have also mailed invoices to those indicating an interest in the upcoming Lily Wreath from Raymond Crawford.  This class will begin mid-March

Boy, there is a lot going on here.  The bling and the huge number of threads in the kit are amazing!  But that's part of what makes it so much fun though. Look at that cute Seahorse, the Flamingo, what about the ice cream cones, and on and on.  Come on over and join us if you wish.  The shop that is kitting this for us has worked up the necessary materials and getting the canvases so you will be ready to go soon! Just email for details at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com

Ready to go Cruising?

Check out the activity at Needles 'N Fins Stitching Adventures facebook page!  We have so much planned.

We are getting ready for our Mediterranean Stitching Adventure that will be in late October. October 24 -November 4 with optional extras on each end. Since we are on the Mediterranean Sea we will be on a slightly larger ship than our normal riverboats but still not too large.  Less than 700 passengers!  YAY!

Look at all the ports we will visit.  So much to see and something for every individual taste.  Add to that we will have fantastic stitching time together as well!

If you want you can take an optional excursion to Pompeii, how about Capri?  So much to choose from.  I'm especially excited about Malta - Valletta - and Sardinia!  While I would love to do Pompeii I am afraid mobility issues will prevent hubby and me from that adventure.  But never fear because there is plenty more offered to afford us the opportunity to get into some kind of trouble.

Go check out the brochure over at Needles 'N Fins Stitching Adventures.  If you can't find it just email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com or our agent Liz at lwolak@vikingtvl.com.

Next up will be a wonderful Tulip holiday in April!  Details will be posted soon on Needles 'N Fins page.  Watch for it!

ETSY SHOP SHOPPING!

We continue to add more stitch guides and surplus canvases to our Etsy shop at DuoDesignsbySandra.  Check back often!

Large Easter Rabbit by Brenda Stofft

Fortune Teller by Brenda Stofft

FRIGID WEATHER PRODUCTIVITY MOTIVATION = ZERO!

Man I gotta do something to kick this production into gear!  I cannot fall behind!  I have so much to do and I enjoy doing it - I just can't seem to actually do it!  I am sitting in my recliner with lots of projects around me - as one friend says "Sandy, it looks like needlepoint threw up in your house!"  So it's not like there is nothing to do nor that it needs to be dug out from somewhere.  I'm just in a blah mood.

One positive thing, however, is that I have a beautiful wood burning fire going 24/7.  Hubby drags out into the cold to make sure the wood is close by handy and keeps the supply ready to throw on as needed.

I never was a fan of cold weather.  I think snow is beautiful as long as I don't have to go out in it! Being raised in the mountains of West Virginia Appalachia we certainly had our share of cold weather.  And having livestock to tend we never had the option to just snuggle in the house around the warm morning stove.  Doesn't matter - I still never learned to like this type weather.

We are blessed though as what we have is nothing in comparison to many of you a little further north and west.  I admire their grit and know that I am being a wimpy old lady.

On a more pleasant side, we were able to get all our ducks in a row in preparation for our upcoming classes in Philly at Rittenhouse and in DE at Stitch-Stash.  Rittenhouse has all the information they need from me and they are ready to take registrations.  I have been receiving some nice notes from students letting me know they will see me there.  We are doing several techniques classes there.

One class covers beading on needlework.

Another features different hairdos for needlepoint.

And a third is on What to do with Ribbons and Such.

Rittenhouse Needlepoint

New Address:

1216 Arch St #2A

Phila., PA 19107

215-563-4566

Just a couple hours away at Stitch-Stash in Rehoboth, DE we will share this wonderful red-white-blue basket.  I love this piece and am enjoying stitching it.

Additionally we will be doing a pilot class (condensed version) of an upcoming class called Conventional Techniques Using Unconventional Resources.  Quite fun.  

For Details - Call Patti at 302-569-0063

MEDITERRANEAN STITCHING MEMORIES 2019

My, my!  This stitching cruise is going full steam ahead.  We are thrilled with the number of participants coming with us.  Why don't you review the brochure and also join us.  I know there are still some staterooms available so check with our agent Liz at lwolak@vikingtvl.com and see if there is one that will suit you.  The hotel has long sold out and they are scrambling getting others for our use while we are in Rome since some of us are doing extra days - a good problem I think (agents might not think so from the standpoint of work - lol).  

Every day that I pick up the brochure I see something else that I think I might want to experience.  So many choices.  As I said earlier though, Hubby and I are perfectly content to just enjoy the ship and the adventures that are in a leisurely walk from the docking area.  There is so much that is available for us.  I have never been down in the Mediterranean other than in Rome, and he was there in the early 50's while serving during the Korean Conflict.  Things might have changed a little!

ONLINE MYSTERY CLASSES.

Registration is ongoing for any and all of the 2019 Online Mystery Classes.  Next up will be the second of the Butterfly Quickie Series.

We are in the process of finalizing the prices and then we will share the kit costs to those who have indicated an interest in the class.  There is still time to join us.  We will continue to take registrations until we deplete our limited number of canvases.  Email at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com

ETSY Shop (DuoDesignsbySandra)

We recently added a new Stitch Guide to our Etsy Shop.  Glamour from Penny MacLeod.  Oh the bling!  I know she will be fun to stitch.  Hop over and look over the various stitch guides that we have posted.  We also feature surplus canvases from various classes.  

We try to add new stuff weekly but so far I am falling down on the job!  Hopefully I'll get better.

I think I'll hang it up for this week.  Stay safe and warm.  Until next time . . . . 

FACE 2 FACE APPEARANCES

The time for us to make some visits to shops for teaching assignments in 2019 is fast approaching.

March 6-12  we'll be visiting NeedleNook of LaJolla. We have been fortunate to teach embellishments classes at their retreat there for several years and always look forward to it.  Very excited as always.  A good time is had by all.

April 4-5-6 we'll be at Rittenhouse in Philadelphia PA.

We are teaching 3 separate workshops.  One day we will be teaching our Can Do Hairdos.  Such fun executing the various techniques featured in our Pocketbook Series Can Do Hairdos. 

Additional workshops will be conducted on Beading on Needlework and What to do with Ribbons and Such.




Contact the shop for information about registering.

Rittenhouse Needlepoint

New Address:

1216 Arch St #2A

Phila., PA 19107

215-563-4566

Full Service Needlepoint shop with finishers and painters on staff
Large online needlepoint web store
www.MyNeedlepoint.com 

Hours: 

M-Sat 10:30-5:30pm

Wednesdays till 7:30pm

closed Sundays 

On April 7-8-9 we will go visit Stitch-Stash in Rehoboth, DE.  There we will be teaching the 2-day class on the colorful Flags of Glory.

We will also be teaching our Conventional Techniques using Unconventional Resources.  

June 7-8-9 we are returning to Winterthur Museum in Winterthur, DE  to teach.  I will be teaching the  Vessels design.

Here's a before picture so you can see what a difference stitches and beautiful threads can make.

This wonderful piece gives the student enough area to really learn the execution of the stitch.  It shows how to add interest through movement of stitches and shadows.  

Teresa Kinberger will be teaching this whimsical Snowman in a Top Hat.

This piece is an introduction to needle felting on canvas.  Additionally the student will apply needle weaving techniques, rushing, and shading to name a few of the stitches covered.  

We'll share WIP pictures of this cutie in a little bit.

Here's some contact information on how to register for the Event.  AND notice there is a discount if paid in a certain timeframe!  Don't miss it!  Also when emailing or phoning in , you will receive an additional 10% discount if you mention my name for registering for these two classes by the end of February.

I'm off to stitching.  I just read that you cannot stitch all day if you do not start in the morning.  I messed up today I guess - oh well - as Scarlet would say . . . . .

ANOTHER WEEKEND!

I am at a stitch away so this will be very short!  This past week we shared some of the lessons of our Online Mystery Class.

We introduced Dana by Penny MacLeod.

This session involved mostly background areas.

Then we did our Every Bunny Loves Some Bunny.  We had 2 guys to share this month.

We had Tiger Bunny:

And, Miss Bashful

The first session of the Reindeer with the Poinsettia Blanket was next in queue

Lot of background work on this guy!

Then we shared our first Butterfly of the Butterfly Quickie Series from Burnett and Bradford

MEDITERRANEAN STITCHING MEMORIES 2019

We are so excited because our Optional Class Project will be on its way to the painters on Tuesday!  Hope to be able to share with you in a week or so!  It is so FUN!.

We don't want you to miss out on this fun adventure.  Be sure to join us over on Needles 'N Fins Stitching Adventures to keep up with all the excitement planned on our stitching cruises.  Also be sure to download the brochure of all the fun packed possibilities on this upcoming adventure in late October!  Hope you can join us.

Well it is snowing here and I am off to the stitching room!  More later!

A COLD ONE HERE LOCALLY- SNOW!

NOTICE:  Butterfly Quickie Kits have been mailed!  Keep a watch for yours to arrive soon.

I don't know if any of you have picked up on it or not but I am not a fan of cold weather.  Beautiful snow is fine as long as I do not have to go out in it. I do also have the luxury of a fantastic fireplace that hubby keeps going (his full time job is to keep firewood cut and hauled in). I always say I was supposed to be a Polynesian Princess but my mother goofed up along the way.  But all in all it hasn't been too bad. Here on our 'baby farm' as the realtor called it almost 40 years ago (excuse to charge $$$$ for an extra large yard) we have the luxury of having our snow left pristine.  We can watch or see where bunnies have played, squirrels are hopping around, the raccoons, opossums, and an occasional fox come to play. The cardinals are storybook pretty on the fence.  What I don't like is when it starts to get dirty and muddy - ugh!  But that come with it - right?

New introductions in our Etsy Shop - one new stitch guide and one new extra canvas.

PLEASE MARK OUR SHOP AS A FAVORITE.  I believe it assists in moving us up in the search que. Thanks!  Shop at Etsy.com.   DuoDesignsbySandra

Catitudes stitch guide is for a JP Needlepoint design that was an Online Mystery Class that just finished up this past summer.  It kinda fudged ahead because of special requests for the guide.  This is a 22 page guide and is a digital download - buyers will download a pdf from which to print the pages. You'll find this stitch guide under "Stitch Guides" in our Etsy Shop.  See other offerings as well at our shop - DuoDesignsbySandra at etsy.com (I think you need to go there first then search for the shop name).

Also added is this oldie.  I loved this Maggie piece and purchased it to do at a class.  As fate would have it something else caught my eye along the way and this ended up in the bottom of a drawer.  Just found it while looking for something else.  (Of course that has never happened to you before I bet.)  The Santa design is approximately 10.5" x 15" and handpainted on 18ct canvas. You will find this canvas under 'Canvases' section in our Etsy Shop.

Now isn't this a happy piece!  You have to smile the whole time you are working on it. So bright and colorful.  Please come get it before I change my mind and pull it.

I will try to add at least one new item each week.

FACE-2-FACE CLASSES - Look at all these great offers - I'm excited - Great start 2019!

Needle Nook of LaJolla will be here before we know it.  This retreat is embellishment projects and is generally sold out right away.  It never hurts to check, however, because life always gets in the way and maybe this is your year.  Just give the gals a call and check the status - there are 5 teachers so maybe there will be a slot in one of them.  

                                                                               Needle Nook of La Jolla
                                                           7715 & 7719 Fay Ave
                                                           La Jolla, Ca 92037
                                                           ndlpoint@needlenook.com
                                                           www.needlenook.com

Then, the first week in April - 4-5-6 - I get to play at Rittenhouse in Philadelphia!  I haven't taught there in their new location so I'm very excited.  They are hosting three (3) one-day techniques classes.
One will be on hair dos - and we'll use the Can Do Hairdos book as our stitch guide.

The second one-day class is Beading on Needlework.  We will work with all types of beads.  Various ways to attach beads will be discussed and done.  We'll talk about some do's and don'ts. How to determine whether to double the beading thread or leave single.  Various threads and their uses. There will be some manipulation of various techniques as well.  And I might have a surprise or two thrown in.

Sneak peek at some Beading Exercises

 The third one-day class with be What to do with Ribbons and Such.  This is always a fun class as we work with ribbons, wire, sequins, specialty threads  and who knows what else I find in the kitchen. These are all fun classes and result in much laughter and giggles.

This is a clip from a sample board of a class we did about 7 or 8 years ago.  The first picture shows working with wired ribbon - I think it was called Wonder Ribbon back then.  The second clip shows working with Sparkles from Sundance.  This will be updated for the new sample board.

Contact Russell or Stephen at Rittenhouse to be able to join us.  We will have so much fun!  Would love to see you there.  Email:  stephen@rittenhouseneedlepoint.com.  Better yet, if you're like me, you can call the store @315-563-4566.  AND even better, they are also running a promotion for 2019 “Bring a friend and get 50% off second enrollment”. I'm not quite sure how they can do that but hey you'll come out smelling like a rose!

Right after Rittenhouse in Philly, we will scoot over to Stitch-Stash in DE. We will be teaching there on April 7, 8, and 9, 2019.  Look at this wonderful project we will be doing.

This colorful piece by Paul Brent is entitled Petunias and Flags.  Well, you know me, I couldn't handle that.  So, I have named my class Flags of Glory. I just couldn't help it. That's what I saw when I saw the canvas.

We'll also have a 1 day techniques class.  Be sure too check with Patti to get all the details at stitch-stash@hotmail.com or phone 302-569-0063. And guess what? She will take ghosts for projects class - ask for details!

Winterthur June 7, 8, 9 - 

This will be a special assignment to me because my partner of Duo Designs, Teresa, will also be teaching.  She has not been able to travel with me for teaching for quite some time.  I'm excited.  Not only is she the other half of Duo Designs she is my daughter as well.  We can't show you the full pictures at this time but she is doing the cutest Snowman and I am doing some wonderful pots.  Can't wait to share more details with you.

Okay that's it for today.  Got lots I want to accomplish today!  Have a great and safe weekend!