BACK HOME AND INTO HEAVY STITCHING!

Sharing some pictures from the second class taught at Stitch-Stash at Rehoboth, DE. What a fantastic group of ladies!

They treated me like a queen so here I am on my throne!

Demonstrating some of the secrets of unconventional resources.

A small glimpse of such a delightful, cute shop. Bright and happy!  You have a feel-good feeling when you walk in the door.  Great thread selection, nice diverse display of canvases and trunk shows to boot!  Patti does a wonderful job in customer service also. The walk in traffic was amazing.

Had to have a photo of my town buddies from the group - thanks Nancy, Rhonda, MaryJo and Kelli for taking time from your vacation to spend in a class with me.  I had such fun! That's Patti on the right end being a gracious hostess.

I fell in love with this little town.  It is truly filled with hospitality and you can tell they want you to have a good time and enjoy your visit with them.  It is wonderful to treated with respect and courtesies of old.  The ladies at the hotel desk called me 'Mom' - did you have a good day Mom? - get a good night's rest Mom - let us know if you need anything, etc.  I was getting in the car one day and a young family was passing by on the sidewalk and the father of the group came over and closed the car door for me - totally unexpected.  The young man at a hotel desk brought me cookies from their nightly offering.  Just little things that make you feel very welcome and cared for.

Patti and her hubby Andy were so good to me.  I was well fed and my comforts were taken care of.  Andy even gave up putting down the top on the convertible because it made me uncomfortable.  I felt a little guilty because it was an absolutely perfect evening for the drive by the ocean with the top down and I know he would have loved it.

ONLINE MYSTERY CLASSES

Last week we shared some lessons for the current Online Mystery Classes.

Dana had Session V already!  We worked on her dress this month.

The girl has some bling going on here.

Spooky Tags - Session II - we worked on the tags and letters this month

Lily Wreath - Session.    added 4 more ornaments to the mix.

Gossips - this is a new class and this was our Session I for this whimsical group!  We had a surprise background as most people were expecting blue I think.

Arctic Parade -- finally!  I was able to fit in the balance of the antlers for this handsome guy!  I just love him!

ANG SEMINAR - HOUSTON, TX

There is still time to register for classes at the 2019 Seminar being held in Houston.  I would love to have you join me in any or all 3 of the classes that I am fortunate enough to be teaching.

Winter Cardinal is a 2-day class - this Maggie Design is one of my favorite finishes.

 Bluebonnet Boot is a 2-day class and souvenir all rolled into one.

Personalized Plaid is a half-day class (color options available).  A fun class and a useful tray when finished.  Totally self finishing I might add.

The Mediterranean is calling and the sound is getting stronger and stronger.  We are less than 6 months away!

We are very busy at Arthur Acres putting together 'stuff'.  Those who have cruised with me before know what I mean.   Also busily stitching away on the Optional Project - Cruisin' Stitchers -  hope to share with you soon!

Hmmm - friends, stitching, cruising, chatting and cocktails - what else is needed?

In the meanwhile we would love for you to join us and come hopping around the Mediterranean from Rome to Barcelona!  Contact Liz our agent at lwolak@vikingtvl.com for details.  I believe she has only a few slots left designated for our group.  If you want to review the brochure you may also email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com as Liz keeps office hours - I don't!

Till next week!  Have a safe Holiday Weekend and thank you to all who served and grateful memories for those who made the ultimate sacrifice and who we honor this weekend.  

My family is rich with military veterans including hubby!  It was the Marine uniform - I swear! Well, he's kinda handsome too!

GOOD MORNING!

Okay I'm lagging again.  Another quickie post.  I am in beautiful, fun Rehoboth, DE teaching a delightful group of ladies.

We are doing the Flags of Glory first as a 2-day class.  I love watching as people execute my vision on a canvas.  And it is wonderful getting feedback questions because that always helps me understand how others perceive what I'm trying to get across.

Look at the wall behind me - a small sample of the canvases that are displayed here at Stitch-Stash.  There are 2 trunk shows and I am trying very hard to resist!

Normally I don't get out much when I travel to teach.  But last night our restaurant was only a half block from the ocean and we were able to walk over and enjoy the calmness of the water and the wonderful soothing, soft breeze.  Weather and temperatures were absolutely perfect!

My students and hostess (Patti of Stitch-Stash) have been wonderful.  I am having the best time!  Looking forward to returning.

During class I received a call but could not take it until last night.  Wonderful news!  All 3 of my classes made for the ANG Seminar in Houston this August.  YAY - can't wait to share with all of you.

Reservations are up to 44-45 on the Mediterranean Stitching Cruise.  Still time to join us if you would like.  There are so many wonderful stitching ladies joining us and many of them are multi-repeaters!  Would love to have you come along.  

Send email with questions and for a copy of the brochure to duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.

Gotta go as it is time for my ride to pick me up for another day of grueling work - LOL.  It is such a blessing to be able to work at what you love to do - TEACH!

Until next time remember to Stitch with a Smile!

May is in full force and moving forward at a great pace!

I am flying home today so not much to share with you.

Had a wonderful time in FL with my daughter and friends.  I managed to do my walk every day.  Reluctantly I might add!  My daughter is a pusher when it came to getting our walk in.  In fact one day Disney park hosted a Run for Fun at the Old Key West resort and for some reason daughter seemed to think we needed to participate.

Afterwards we had planned to spend the day visiting the local needlepoint shops.

Our first shop was The Black Sheep.  Anne and her staff were so welcoming and made us feel right at home.  Just mention a thread and they were right on it.  The shop is lovely and has lots of fun selections of canvases and great threads.

Unfortunately Anne is the one taking the picture so she is not present.  Teresa is missing because she was dropped off at the outlet mall to get in a little more shopping.  Stay tuned for details of an upcoming fun class at The Black Sheep.  Hoping to get a June date in 2020.

Next we visited Needle Orts.  Again Debby and her staff were delightful.  Lots of fun stuff here as well.  We didn't get a photo at this shop. We had some excitement watching them open their new shipments and seeing the fun things as they opened them.  Always like Christmas!  

Be sure to stop in each of these fabulous shops when you are in the area. 

Next week will be time for the Sessions of the Online Mystery Classes.  Guess who is behind?

We are starting to get the ornament stands for the Butterfly Series designs and will be notifying each of you in the order we received your requests.  Stay tuned for that.  After these stands we should start hearing about the wonderful trays too so hang in there.  Remember they are all hand painted and take time.

We are off again this coming week.  We are heading to Stitch-Stash in DE to teach two classes.  You can sign up to ghost them if you are not in the area.  Give Patti a call and she will fix you up!

Cruising and Stitching!

If you have any interest in following our cruise stitching adventures be sure to join our Facebook Page - Needles 'N Fins Stitching Adventures.  We have general discussions on this site and explore suggestions for upcoming stitching adventures.  Currently we have a Mediterranean lass looking for a roommate so if you are contemplating the journey check in with our agent Liz at lwolak@vikingtvl.com

Until next week enjoy your days as you are blessed with each and every one of them.

Sunny Weather always makes me happy!

Oops!  I let Saturday slip right past me.  Well, I was busy on our annual Mother/Daughter runaway in Orlando.  We are at the Wyndham which means we are within walking distance of Disney Springs.  Those who know my daughter know that she loves to shop.  Me?  Not so much.  But I did walk with her and each day I have gotten a rare 10,000+ steps in.

While she was shopping I would find a nice shady spot, comfy chair (as outside chairs go), and people watch.  They are so entertaining.

In between I had my small stitching projects.  Of course I did!

And I did actually manage to shop a little.  I did not overdo however - lol.

All in all the weather has been great.  It did rain yesterday afternoon and evening.  She will be hitting the Springs again this morning and then it is hang out around the pool if not raining.  I'll enjoy the pool lounge with my needlework.

I'll be stitching on our fun project for the Mediterranean - the Cruisin'  Stitchers.

This optional project is a whimsical one this year and has so many fun embellishments to share. I'll share some pictures after I get one of the gals finished so you can laugh and enjoy with me.  I have too much fun!

There is still time to join us for this excursion. This trip is October 24-Nov.4, 2019 with optional extra days in Rome and Barcelona.  Email me for details - duodesignsinc@yahoo.com

We are also working on our Tulip Time Riverboat Stitching Cruise project. Creative juices are flowing! This cruise is going to be so beautiful.  We do the Rhine.  April 16-26, 2020.

For more information email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com and I can send you a full brochure with all the details.  It will be a wonderful, serene adventure with beautiful companions of common interest.  What better love than needlework and flowers?

I just saw this picture from the Spring Market and I think it would make a great Online Mystery Class.  If there is enough interest we might add it to the late 2020 Itinerary.  Email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com if you are interested.

Okay, gotta go and enjoy the beautiful weather!

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.