SUNSHINE IS MARVELOUS!

We are loving our new environment.  I am currently working on starting to do some beginner needlepoint classes here at the clubhouse for the elders (of which I think I am the eldest!)

We'll see if it goes through. 

DUO DESIGNS STITCHING RETREAT 2024

The poll seems to be pointing towards the beach (even though more $$$$) and hopefully close to a needlepoint shop.  We have sent out inquiries and made phone calls.  We are gathering information in order to move forward to making some definite plans - stay tuned!

The format for this event was chosen by past participants who have taken several sessions of the Uniquely Yours online classes.  They are always fun and exciting.We look forward to sharing the same concept in person.  The event is tentatively scheduled for late fall (September-October) before the holidays.  Be sure to provide your thoughts and input in the Group.

ONLINE CLASSES

Registration is open for the next Online Class that will be starting mid-May 2024.  Memories of Hawaii has a plethora of techniques that we will be sharing.  Review the previous post for more details.  Email us at duodesignsinc@gmail.com with questions and to register.  

                    Invoices are going out currently for the deposit segment.  Balance due May 1 - will invoice                         separately.

More later . . . 

 Way Behind!

Where is the time flying off to?  This retirement stuff in Florida is making the days just whiz by.  I'm not complaining but cannot believe how I lose track of the day of the week.  Each day has something going on either Bunco, Mah Jongg, Bingo two days a week, Shuffleboard, Hand in Foot cards, and somewhere along the way I should do chores!

ONLINE CLASSES

Our online classses continue to move along - that's one thing that does not slip my mind though I may be tardy occasionally.

Speaking of Online Classes we are getting ready to introduce a new class.  The class will be conducted over 6 months with one lesson posted about mid-month for each session.  This piece will be the Memories of Hawaii.  

Hand Painted Needlepoint design on 18 ct Monocanvas. The design area is approximately 10" x 11". The cut canvas size is approximately 15" x 16" leaving ample room for strecher bars and doodle space.

If you have been to Hawaii you will readily recognize the beautiful icons of great memories on the Hawaiian Islands.You can’t think Hawaii and not see visions of sand, water, swaying palm trees and the lovely hibiscus and plumerias.

Class is limited to the number of handpainted canvases that are available.  Class fee (including handpainted canvas) is $450.  Participants will provide their own threads.  A list of threads used will be posted in the private group so participants can begin gathering their threads for the class.  Most threads are easily available and/or substituted. 

Class will begin May 15, 2014.  A non-refundable deposit of $150 will be needed to reserve your canvas.  The balance of $300 will be due May 1st and canvas released at that time to participants.  To reserve your spot send email to duodesignsinc@gmail.com.  Once received you will get a PayPal invoice for the non-refundable deposit.

Well I'm off to ride my trike and enjoy this beautiful day!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!    

I think most of us are ready to move on to 2024! The past year brought many changes in our lives and we are now ready to move forward and embrace our adjustments as needed.  Still need to be assigned a couple specialists but the critical ones are in place and working,

A little cool here by southern FL standards - 63 deg. - but very manageable,  We played shuffleboard this morning so couldn't be all that bad.

ONLINE CLASSES

Nothing new to report as yet. We're working on a possible Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring geometric series that is aimed more toward the student that is intimidated by specialty stitches and is seeking more of the beginning stitch types . We'll work on shading and compensating. Each season will be an individual class project. Students will have choice of the Twisted Diamond or the Twisted Square.

If these classes are of interest to you email us at duodesignsinc@gmail.com to be added to the list of potentials.  

 MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

Enjoy the holiday season and we'll check back in next year.

In the meanwhile be sure to check out our Etsy Shop - duodesignsbySandra.  We have in stock the hand painted Stitching Girl Canvases of Stitching Girl with her Horse and Boss Lady.

CRUISING ALONG THE COAST!

This week we went to Punta Gorda to enjoy the Sunset and Christmas Lights Cruise. This took place at Fishermen's Village.The sunset was beyond stunning! It went on forever - well worth the trip.

The Christmas lights on the canal were beautiful and very diverse.  Several different themes, etc.  I am sorry but I was unable to get any pictures.

Following the cruise we went inside Fishermen's Village restaurant and had a wonderful dinner.

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ONLINE CLASSES

This week we shared our mid-month lessons for our Online Classes.

Session VII for the Three Wisemen Encore class has been posted.  We continued the finishing touches for one of the cloaks!

An additional ornament joined the others this week also on the Ornaments Galore canvas from JP Needlepoint.

We are moving right along on this one.

ETSY SHOP - duodesignsbySandra

Books seem to be very popular this month - maybe being shared as gifts. 

As you may recall, we had an exclusive design created for Duo Designs by Gayla Elliott in the Stitching Girl Series.  This design was used to launch our annual Retreat held in General Butler Resort State Park in Northern Kentucky.  Since Kentucky is the Horse Capital we asked for a horse themed design.  Stitching Girl with her Horse was created, 

We are now releasing this design in our Etsy Shop for the enjoyment of others.  There is also available for purchase a stitch guide that one can follow. Email us at duodesignsinc@gmail.com for inquiries.

Be sure to check out other Stitch Guides for instant download,

Okay - today is Saturday and also Shuffleboard day!  Gotta get that upper body exercise going as well.,

 COMMUNITY STUFF

We have learned when Bingo nights or days are that are workable for us so that has become a regular activity.  This week I attended my first Ladies Luncheon.  That involves a bunch of us getting together and going to a local or close by facility and enjoy each other's company.  Next up for us is to get back to the shuffleboard court.  Which we did yesterday.  Finally, I am being taught how to play Hand and Foot and am on the substitute list.

On Sunday, hubby's birthday, the kids took us to lunch and we drove around and stopped at a lake.  Hubby saw his first up close alligator!

Now if this became a race who do you think would win?  No thank you - much too close and open for my comfort!

Daughter was thrilled at the chance addition to the lake shore and bonus birthday wish!

Although not a shopper, I managed to buy some yard art at a fantastic pottery complex while in Punta Gorda.  Oh dear!  Too much trouble to be had there.

Those who know me remember our precious Henry - I could not resist this guy in his honor.

He rocks back and forth in the wind and the glass just glistens!  I know, he probably only has a face a mother could love and I do love it.

Can hardly wait for plants to start filling out, etc.

Tomorrow we head out to a boat cruise to see the sunset and Christmas lights.  We will then eat dinner while we are still in town before heading home.

Later . . .

 CHRISTMAS IS IN THE AIR!    

Well Christmas will certainly be different for us this year that's for sure. It really is different weather and quite an attitude adjustment as well as physical adjustment for us to go from very cold, snow, heavy coats to sunny days, short sleeves, and shorts - but we'll manage 😊 . It would be nice if my waistline could shrink as well as our tree size did.  We have gone from an 11 ft tree to a 6.5 ft tree - but we surprisingly really like it.  It fits perfect where we are. 

 As far as decorating here, the park appears to have about every theme represented. Lots of cartoon characters, super heros, palm trees with full coastal flair, and what we call traditional of some beautiful religious displays and of course santa and reindeer.

Hubby has a birthday coming up tomorrow.  The kids got him a trike so we now can ride together.

ONLINE CLASSES

Posted a little surprise for my students this past week.  We shared another ornament in the Ornaments Galore class!  

This guy included some beads for bling.

People are still signing up for this class.  It has 20+ areas that are individually featured so it will take several months to cover.  The above photo is of only the third ornament so far.  Such fun!  If you would like to join just email us at duodesignsinc@gmail.com.  Canvases have been mailed for newcomers.

ETSY SHOP - duodesignsbySandra

Have you checked out the canvases that were extras from our previous classes?  Have a look see - there may be something that interests you.

We have the travel canvases back in stock now so check out those as well - Italy, The Danube, Netherlands (Tulips), Hawaii, Greece (Santorini)  - -

Until next time , , ,