Some upcoming classes at various seminars, retreats and shops in the not-too-far-away future

May 2 - 11

Off for a fantastic week with my daughter/partner for relaxing, brainstorming, color selecting, stitch selecting, etc.!  We try to do this a couple times a year but are not always successful!

May 16-20.  Stitch-Stash 

A delightful weekend sharing the fabulous Flags of Glory with my East Coasterners (new word?).

Additionally, I'm introducing a new techniques class called Conventional Techniques with Unconventional Resources.  OMGoodness!  Does this sound out of the box or what?

August 15-19  ANG National Seminar - Houston, TX

Have you registered yet?   Better hop to it!  I am teaching 3 classes.  First up is the Bluebonnet Boot Vase on 8-15/16

We have ribbon, beads, buttons, metallics, etc., etc.

Next up is a half-day class Personalized Plaid Snap Tray on 8-17.

You have your color choice of 4 leather tray colors and choose from a selection of pearl cotton threads for the plaid.

The last two days - 8-18/19 - involve the Winter Cardinal - a handpainted canvas from Maggie Designs.

October 24 - November 6

CRUISIN' AND STITCHIN' on the Mediterranean

You can come too!  While the actual cruise trip is October 26-November 4, we chose to do a couple extra days on each end:  2 more in Rome and 2 more in Barcelona.

We'll have a structured class night in a convention room at the hotel before we embark on the fabulous Azamara Pursuit.  And, in addition to stitching here and there we also have a full day at sea. Plus - those who know me - we will probably have a few surprise projects along the way.

This is the 'optional' class project:

If you would like to join us just email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com and I'll provide you with all the details.

Now to pique your interest a little you need to start thinking about 2020.

February         , 2020 BBST

We are scheduled to teach 2 classes at this fun event in Houston, TX.

Check out their classes at

March 20-24, 2020 NAN Assembly

Here's a little teaser to get you thinking for next year.

https://
/2019/04/assembly-2020-class-descriptions-and-teacher-bios-v5-with-photos.pdf

April 16-20, 2020 Tulip Time

Hectic Weekend so short blog

Just popping in to let you all know all is well at Arthur Acres.

Now that the Spring Market is over and we are looking at Dallas, we are auditioning new pieces for our upcoming Online Mystery Classes. Send me an email as you see pieces that you are interested in doing with us.  duodesignsinc@yahoo.com

Shared lessons this past week for the Online Mystery Classes.

Dana from Penny MacLeod had more or her border done and we included all the stars in the sky.

The Lily Wreath from Raymond Crawford had some new fun ornaments added this month.

Spooky Tags from Strictly Christmas joined us this month for their first appearance. We worked in a darning pattern background from an older Halloween design stitched several years ago.

Compensation was a bit of a headache on this one but the results were worth it.

You still have time to join this class if you would like to.  The 6 lesson packet is $150 and we post one lesson a month.  Just email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.  And canvases are available too.

The next new class is Gossips from Strictly Christmas.  Be sure to register right away as the first lesson is scheduled to be posted mid-May.

This design will be offered in 7 lessons - same price.  So if you want to join just email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.  The 7-lesson packet is still $150 for this first trial run of spreading out the techniques.

Registration is also in progress for the next canvas by Strictly Christmas - Santa Tags.  These are such happy and fun pieces. The first lesson for this is scheduled for mid-June.

Gonna be several surprises on this one. Can't wait to share with you.  Just let us know if you want to be included.

Lots of activity going on over at Needles 'N Fins Stitching Adventures.  You may join this Facebook page and follow along if you like.  We're auditioning our upcoming stitching cruising/adventures - come give us your feedback too.  All suggestions/ideas welcome.

There is still some room on the Azamara Pursuit for the Mediterranean Stitching Adventure this October if contact Liz our agent at lwolak@vikingtvl.com or me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com for more details.  Here is a picture of the optional class for this journey.  Those who are familiar with my work know this is not going to be a simple basketweave rendering - lol! 

And, of course, there are some surprises I have up my sleeves too.  This trip we have a full day at sea to play!

Have a great holiday weekend however you choose to celebrate.

ONLINE MYSTERY CLASSES

April has us sharing a new design.  Registration is still processing. This is a design from Strictly Christmas.

First lesson will be posted  in the upcoming week or so.  For those needing assistance with thread/embellishment kit, contact me and I will put in touch with shop(s) that are or will kit for you following the stitch guide suggestions. This will be a 6-month class with one lesson a month being posted around mid-month. The 6-lesson packet is $150. To register send email to duodesignsinc@yahoo.com

As with most of my classes, we usually begin with the background.  This gives those who are turbo stitchers some area to work on while awaiting the next month's session.

We have a new Butterfly Quickie session this month as well.  Details will be forwarded to those that have asked to be put on the notification list.

Quickie projects vary.  This group is a one shot deal.  You get the handpainted canvas, threads, embellishments - all the bling - and stitching instructions for one price and sent in one package.  We are stitching eight of the numerous designs from Burnett and Bradley.  So colorful and fun.  Email if you want to be notified - duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.

Beginning mid-May will be the Gossips.  Also from Strictly Christmas (I just noticed that these were all from the same distributor - lol - guess I like their stuff huh?)

When I saw this design featured it just made me smile and gave me a happy feeling.  So I felt I just had to add it.  This will be a little different.  It will be a 7-month packet - still $150.  I just wanted to spread it out a little more.  Look at those beaks (tongues) awaggin'.  Wonder what they are talking about?  If you'd like to join us just send me an email.  If you would like assistance with obtaining the materials, send me an email and I'll put you in touch with shop(s) who are or are willing to kit for you.  email:  duodesignsinc@yahoo.com

Santa Tags will be our June introduction - yes, also from Strictly Christmas.

The same details apply as for the Spooky Tags class.  Just email to join duodesignsinc@yahoo.com

I just returned from teaching three days of technique classes at Rittenhouse in Philadelphia.  What a delight.  And WOW what a shop!  It is a thread hoarders dream!  You must stop by and see their fabulous collection.  Oh yes, they have plenty of canvases and accessories as well but the threads will blow you away.  They also have an in-house painting and finishing service.

My next stop is at Stitch-Stash in DE.  I will be teaching the beautiful Flags of Glory. May 17 and 18th.

I love this piece.  Ribbon, beads, fun threads and lots of techniques.  Patti is also hosting a one-day techniques class entitled Conventional Techniques Using Unconventional Resources.  Doesn't that sound crazy?  So contact Stitch-Stash to get signed up right away.  Address: 102 N 1st St, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971  Phone: (302) 569-0063

And, of course, registration is open for the ANG Seminar in Houston, TX in August!  Go have a look see at all the classes being offered.  I am fortunate to be teaching 3 classes.

Winter Cardinal from Maggie Designs is a favorite.  This class covers a multitude of techniques including plaids, dimensional work and thread painting to name a few.

The Texas BlueBonnet Boot Vase is another fun class.  This too has ribbons, beads and embellishments with which to play.

And the third class is the Personal Plaid tray insert.

Participants have their selection for Lee leather tray color and will pick from a supply of threads for their plaid creations.

So head over to needlepoint.org and sign up for lots of classes and be ready to have a great time in Houston!

And, of course, be sure to join Needles 'N Fins Stitching Adventures Facebook page to keep up with our stitching cruises and travels.  We would love to have you join us.  Still plenty of time to come along the Mediterranean Stitching Cruise with us this October - would love to have you.  We have approximately 45 at last count - and most of them are stitchers!  YAY!

APRIL IS STARTING WITH MY DOING WHAT I LOVE - TEACHING!

             NOTE:  Info on Spooky Class Kits has been posted and invoices emailed.

Today I am at Rittenhouse in Philadelphia!  This is the first time I've seen this new location.  WOW!  As a fellow teacher/Lexingtonian said last week - if they don't have the thread you are looking for then it is likely that you don't need it.  What an inventory!  The selection is fantastic!  And they continue to add more.  I have taught in a lot of shops over the years and I do not believe I have seen any that can match the inventory here at Rittenhouse.  And it doesn't stop at threads!  Oh my!  Canvases and accessories galore.  Frames, bags, needles, scissors, magnets, beads and of course canvases.

We have played with hair on Thursday.  That a was a fun way to start off the 3 days of technique classes.

Then Friday we worked on Beading on Needlework.

Saturday we worked with ribbons.

I head home today and have lots more fun things lined up right away.  I will be teaching next at Stitch-Stash in DE beginning May 16.

Flags of Glory is a beautiful new patriotic project that I loved stitching.  It has it all. Beads, ribbon, Straw Silk.  Lots of fun threads and fantastic techniques.  Please try to join us for the class.

We will also be introducing our new technique class - Conventional Techniques Using Unconventional Resources.  Doesn't that sound intriguing?

Still receiving registrations for the Mediterranean Stitching Cruise - we are so pumped up for this.

So off to the airport. . . .

SAYING GOODBYE TO MARCH!

I am amazed at how quickly time goes by.  Amazed.

Next week I will be teaching in Philadelphia at Rittenhouse.  I am really looking forward to it.  We will be working on several technique classes. Come by and visit if you are in the area.

I decided that I would make another post covering some of my 'trinkets'.

Needles run the gamut of what is available and what they can be used for.  I am sharing my personal use here, not making an advertisement of which needles are the best, most expensive, break the easiest, etc.  It is just my sharing with you what I use.

Needle use has changed over the years for me because they have become more difficult for me to thread and I never think to use a needle threader - mainly because I never know where I put them.  Because of this I tend to favor size 22 needles in the tapestry line.  They seem to work perfectly for me.  Most threads that I use work well in them - Pepper Pot Silk, Vineyard Silk, Kreinik sizes 8 and 12, some ribbons, straw silk and of course, most all stranded threads such as silks and cottons.

I do change needles as required of course.  I will use a much larger needle when the thread calls for same.  For instance when I use a boucle' I would use a size 20 to help enlarge the canvas hole to make passage of the thread easier.  There are many threads that need this assistance.  Velvet is another one. There are even a few threads that require size 18 needle.  When one chooses to use these threads it is sometimes better to couch them in place instead of trying to stitch with them.

Another stitching needle that I use is the beading needle.  For me I normally use a size 11 chenille needle.  I still manage to thread them most of the time and they will pass through most beads that I use.  The reason I prefer chenille is because I do most of my  beading on needlework and I prefer the stability of these.  If I am beading in the traditional sense - peyote, etc - then of course the long thin beading needle is required and much more suited for the technique.

There are needles that we don't often think of that are utilized more in other stitching arenas such as quilting, traditional embroidery, etc, that come in quite handy at times.

One such needle is the bullion needle.  There is now available a tapestry bullion needle.  When used for Brazilian embroidery the chenille is more popular.  For us in the needlepoint world, the tapestry needle works much better.

Another needle I find handy to have in my arsenal is the curved quilting needles.  These are wonderful in some instances where we choose to wrap our stitches but it is very tedious to do so.  These little guys just slip right under those threads and are up and away from other stitches allowing us to grasp the needle and continue on.  (There are also curved beading needles but I'd still be trying to thread them.)

One more needle that might not readily come to mind is a huck embroidery needle.  See the one on the right in the picture below?  This needle is perfect for weaving - you know those baskets where we go over and under, in and out, etc.  This little curved tip is perfect for that technique.

Of course there are lots more needles in my toys - punch needles, felting needles, knitting needles, crocheting needles, and many more - to many to go on and on about here.  I just wanted to point out a couple that I think you might find useful and that you may not have thought of before if you had never taken one of my classes.

So have a great weekend and we'll visit after I return from my wonderful classes at Rittenhouse.

Beautiful day in Kentucky - Sunny but crispy cool!  Has an edge.

I thought I'd share a few of my favorite toys with you this posting.  I have not done that in a while.

You know how big the fad is for needle minders.  There are clubs and fun competitions amongst members of various groups, etc.  There are all kinds of themed ones, ones with sayings, pictures of project one is working on, travel ones, plastic, metal, wood,  etc.  While I too have a collection, it has no theme.  I do try to get a magnet from each shop where I teach as a reminder of great memories.  Sometimes I pick up some where I travel.  But most of these are on my magnet board.

The toys I like to work with have a totally different purpose, including my needle minders.  Some of my most favorite and practical toys come from Merry L. Needlework Accessories.  My first introduction to Ellen's fabulous fun things were her Cozy Needle Minders. How can you not be happy when stitching with one of these colorful beauties on your canvas?

 Then I discovered that there is also a larger version.  This picture shows how the needles can be held by the magnets, laid inside against the bottom and even stuck through the felt.

Additionally she has fobs of all kinds.  Holiday fobs, fobs that match beaded minders, etc. for scissors, zipper tabs, and more.

 

Another innovative item Ellen came up with was to magnetize the end of a laying tool!  This allows us to keep track of where our laying tool is at all times by laying it against our magnet so it stays right on top of our work.

Lanyards are another of her wonderful products.  In fact, she generously helped me put together make-your-own-kits for one of my stitching cruises so I could surprise my participants.  That was much fun - and much work on her part.

This is a pic of the lady herself setting up her trunk show and you can get a small glimpse of her creativity.

Another producer of some of my favorite toys is Accoutrement Designs.  Lisa comes up with some of the cutest magnets.  These can be beautifully painted enamels or encrusted in bling gems!

Some of my very - mostest!- favorites are the beading and/or needle cases.  These are just perfect for working with beads on your canvas.  She makes them with all sorts of cute sayings, wonderful characters on top, etc. And you can put together sets.

Here is a picture of my personal case (it has a horse on top) that I use when beading on canvas.  Notice how it can be held in place on the canvas. I use magnets to hold on top.

There is also a case that does not have the sticky mat on the bottom but another magnet and it is used for needles and pin.

Another real plus for this beading tray is that it is shallow and you can access your beads without flipping them all over the place while trying to get them on the needle.

I have tons more favorites but these are two of my tops that I will share with you this week.  I'll try to remember to throw some of these types posts in from time to time.

Have a great weekend!