MEDITERRANEAN STITCHING CRUISE 2019 IS FAST APPROACHING!

Finished the major stitching of the Optional Project for the upcoming cruise - Cruisin' Stitchers.

These girls have been so much fun to do. I can't wait to share the various techniques with the cruise participants.  We have a little bit of everything in this one - stump work, appliqué, detached buttonhole, beads, darning, split stitches, and on and on . . . 

Participants will not be lacking for things to do between excursions that's for sure.  

There is still time to join us if you wish.  Just email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com and we'll take it from there.

Speaking of stitching cruises, have you had a chance to review the brochure for Tulip Time down the Rhine that we are hosting this coming April 2020?  Check it out!  So much beauty to behold that time of year.  The garden promises to be breathtaking!  Check in with our agent Liz at lwolak@vikingtvl.com for details and to get a brochure. This is not Viking Cruises - we are cruising with UniWorld.  UniWorld has historically taken very good care of us and we look forward to another venture with them.  A brochure is posted in the files section of the FB page Needles 'N Fins Stitching Adventures - hop over and join that group if you are not already a member. We discuss upcoming stitching cruises and share ideas for possibilities.

ONLINE MYSTERY CLASSES:

Registration is active for Just A Sip that will begin mid-August.  This CBK Design is a hoot! 

I chuckle and smile as I work with each area.  I love happy pieces! Although not previously considered in the plan, we may do a second one so you can have a pair.  We'll see how it goes.

Back to work - have a great weekend and a safe Canada Day for our Canadian friends, and a happy and safe 4th July for all of us!  Please remember our Veterans and pets when considering fireworks!

Having so much fun working on the Mediterranean Stitching Cruise Optional Project!

I hope to share the results with you next week.

October 24, 2019 will be here before we know it! So excited at all the possibilities of adventure.  There is something for everyone on this one.  So many optional excursions that it is difficult to pick just one here and there!

Would you like to keep informed of what trips we are planning for our stitching adventures?  Come join our Facebook Page - Needles 'N Fins Stitching Adventures and don't miss a thing.  Here we discuss people's interest of future trips and share ideas for what to see when at certain places.

For instance when visiting Rome I'm sure we'll be stopping by the Trevi Fountain and dropping in our coins with a wish!

We're looking forward to our upcoming adventure on the Rhine with our Tulip Time on the Rhine also!  This will be upcoming in April 2020!  Email us for more details at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com

NOTICE!

Invoices for Just a Sip are being processed a little early.  My reasoning for doing this was that it will allow more time for those to get their canvases for the class.

The stitching that I have gotten accomplished is looking too cute!  You're gonna love the diamonds, the tub, the chandelier, the, the, the . . . . 

Also, those of you who paid your invoices already should have received an invitation to join the secret Facebook Group page.  There isn't anything in there except the rules and guidelines but at least you'll be there and start getting notices when things are posted.

BUTTERFLY QUICKIES!

No I haven't forgotten you!  I am just lagging behind on this one for some reason.  Hope to share the next one soon.

Okay!  I am playing here and need your input.  Let me know what you would like to see me share in our Online Mystery Classes - we're brainstorming here so there is no wrong answer.

On a more personal note, we welcomed our fourth great-grandchild to the family this past week!  Declan Arthur Kenner.  He is a clone of his older brother!  Too cute!  I can't wait to hold him - I think it will be tomorrow!

Declan Arthur Kenner

He weighed in at 8lbs 13 oz and is 21" long!  You should see his mother!  She' probably not 100 lbs. dripping wet!  But his older brother was no runt either.

Bentley weighed in at 9 lbs.  Don't they look like twins!  So proud!

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

ONLINE MYSTERY SESSIONS POSTED

I never tire of sharing what I do with my students and anyone else who will look. I so enjoy puttering around the canvas and seeing what develops.  Sometimes I can look at a canvas and know immediately what I want to do with it.  Other times I put it on stretcher bars, sit it on the mantle in front of me above the fireplace where I can look up and it see it, and think about it over a space of time.

Some designs I see one major something that just jumps out at me.  I know immediately what I want to do and I can't wait to start putting needle and thread to the canvas.  Sometimes once I get that spurt of enthusiasm over with I sit and look at the canvas and say to myself 'what next.'  Maybe the rest of the design doesn't speak to me as strongly.  I tend to think in terms of techniques and textures then figure out what threads might be available for me to use to accomplish what I see in my mind's eye.  Never a dull moment!

We won't discuss how much 'reverse' stitching I do.  And we won' t discuss the back of my work.  Those who purchase my stitched models must be content with what they see on the front - lol.

This month we say goodbye to Dana - Life of the Party from Penny MacLeod.

Her hair was a hoot!  Well pleased with how this lady turned out.

Session IV - Lily Wreath by Raymond Crawford

More ornaments finished and worked on this guy as well.

Session III - Spooky Tags from Strictly Christmas

There are so many items in this design.  Each one is almost a canvas in itself.  Here we share the cape for some lucky witch.  You cannot see the 'Glow in the Dark' threads used on this one in the picture.

Session II - Gossips from Strictly Christmas

Bodies are being stitched and tails and wings are being added!

Session I - Santa tags from Strictly Christmas

I created a tree darning pattern for the background of this design.  We also worked on the border to enclose it!

Invoicing will begin for Just a Sip from CBK.

This Online Mystery Class will begin mid-August.  Wonder wonder how each section will be approached?  Join us to find out.  So much texture!  How about bling?  And that chandelier!

Etsy Shop:  duodesignsbySandra

We continually add items to our Etsy Shop.  We added the digital stitch guide for Raymond Crawford's Reindeer with the Poinsettia Blanket.  Others will follow but this one was asked for several times so it moved to the top of the list.    I'm thinking of adding a section for stitched models for those who might be interested. Stay tuned.

Missing my father this Father's Day!

SATURDAY for sure?

Wow!  I just barely press the send button for my blog posting until it is time to do it again.

A heads up to all interested in the Santa Tags Online Mystery Class by Strictly Christmas - invoices have been sent and are being processed.  If you think you are registered for this class and have not received an invoice, email me right away at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.  All invoices that have been processed have been invited to the secret Facebook page - be sure to join for that is where the lessons will be posted.  Let me know if you did not receive your invitation.

For those of you who might be interested, there is still plenty of time to register.  Just send me an email to duodesignsinc@yahoo.com and we'll get you fixed right up!  Lots of fun stuff going on on this one.

Next week we will be posting the monthly lessons for those classes currently in session.  Stay tuned for some sneak peeks.

Are you registered for our new class to begin mid-August?  Just a Sip is going to be a hoot!

Do you think there might be some beads in this one?  How about ribbons?  Oh dear!  Again, just shoot off an email to duodesignsinc@yahoo.com if you would like to be added to the notification list.

I don't know what is going on out there in cyber space but for some reason we are getting an influx of orders for our Shapes of Needlepoint Books!  Not complaining mind you.  It just amazes me how sometimes things just go in spurts! These diagrams are suitable for counted and painted canvases.

Maybe it's the large, well-marked diagrams that are the draw.

Hop over to our Etsy Shop - duodesignsbySandra - and see the multiple purchase deal we have in place.

Don't forget there is still time to register for classes at the ANG Seminar being help in Houston this August.  Go have a look at the classes that are available.  We would love to see you there.  needlepoint.org - look under events and go from there.  You can register online.

Have a great weekend!

NEW UPCOMING CLASS IN THE ONLINE MYSTERY CLASSES!

Invoices have been sent for those indicating an interest in participating in our upcoming Online Mystery Class - Santa Tags - from Strictly Christmas.

It already screams of fun techniques, threads and embellishments!  I can't wait to share with you.

The first session is scheduled to be posted mid-June so there is still plenty of time to sign up and register. The classes are a total of $150 for 6 sessions - one posted a month.  If you would like to join us just email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.  We have quite a crowd so I know it is going to be such a great journey for us all.

We've had an unexpected cancellation on our Mediterranean Stitching Cruise due to health reasons.  There is still time to join us for this adventure!  We arrive in Rome on October 26, 2019.  Some of us are coming in a few days early to play around in Rome a little longer.  Wonder why?  The Vatican? Coliseum?  Trevi Fountain?  Shopping?  Museums?  Spanish Steps?

We will have our first structured class in Rome!  Doesn't that sound exciting.  It will be in the evening so you don't have to miss any of the wonderful sights during the day.

When we leave Rome we are in for so much eye candy.  We will go to Sorrento - and oh my gosh the much anticipated Amalfi Coast!  And on and on!  Look at all those gold dots - means golden memories!

So many places for us to get into trouble - I mean improve our culture!  

The cruise ends in Barcelona.  But so little time.  So guess what?  Many of us are staying over in Barcelona a couple days to get a good taste of the area.  Our agent has arranged for us to see Sagrada Familia. I understand this is a -not-so-easy- place to get tickets for so I am very excited about that.

We will be stitching here and there along the way and will have a couple of structured sessions as well.  This will need to be announced onboard as we are at the Captain's mercy.  

We also will be doing some heavy stitching on our day at sea - I have a few surprises for that day so please plan to join us.   I have a captive audience and I intend to take full advantage - lol.

Watch for postings of when we will be doing group pictures.  I believe there may be 2 separate times planned so that we can try to include everyone.

Keep in mind that you must attend the various stitching events to be eligible for the various giveaways that may be available.  We try to plan everything (other than full day at sea) after lunch so morning excursions can be enjoyed.   We want you to enjoy everything that is offered along the away and try to plan accordingly.  So the structured classes are planned to NOT interfere with your sightseeing and (most importantly to some) shopping!

Our ship looks lovely - the Azamara Pursuit! 

So contact Liz - our agent - lwolak@vikingtvl.com to arrange to join us!  

Here is a peek at the optional cruise project before any stitching.

It is back from the painters and I have put thread to canvas!  So anxious to get enough stitched to show you.  There are a limited number of canvases.  Once the price is determined and announced I would suggest you not hesitate too long if you want to play with these fun-loving gals!

Also remember that you are free to bring your own project to work on if the optional class is not your cup of tea.

For stitching questions email me at duodesignsinc@yahoo.com.

Join Needles 'N Fins Stitching Adventures FB group to keep up with what is going on in our world!

Only a few more days to sign up for classes at the ANG Seminar in Houston.  Check out the offerings at needlepoint.org under events.  Would love to have you in one of my f2f classes!

Have a great weekend and more later 

Sandy

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!