Shapes of Needlepoint Volume 3
Now HERE
Corners – Hexagons – Ovals – Parallelograms
Sandy has done it again!
Another MUST HAVE for any stitcher’s library.
Updates from Sandy Arthur and Duo Designs
Good Morning – and it is a perfectly beautiful morning here in Central Kentucky – a little cool for me but the sun is shining and it is a wonderful day.
Stitch Sample Notebook
There is lots and lots going on around here for Duo Designs. We just introduced our Stitch Sampler Notebook over on our blogspot
There is also a link to my Blog in the horizontal navigation bar across the top of this site. Go check it out to see if it is of interest to you.
Shapes of Needlepoint IV
We are putting the final touches on our fourth book in the series of Shapes of Needlepoint-Series IV. This is scheduled for release in mid-August 2013.
And we are getting ready for several classes that you might want to check into.
Upcoming F2F Needlepoint Classes
The Village Sampler
The Village Sampler in St. Albans, WV is hosting an embellishment class on May 4 and 5.
Contact Pat at (304) 722-0123 for details. We have several fun canvases that I am currently reviewing for our fun shopping of pulling threads and selecting stitches.
Sandy Arthur – Needlepoint Canvas Collage
The Needle Works
Next on the calendar is a great long weekend with Colleen at The Needle Works in Austin, TX. We’ll be there teaching Desert Garden by Sundance and a crow series of Night Cap, Squashed and Fast Friends by Leigh Designs. Contact Colleen at (512) 451-6931 for availability.
Desert Garden – Stitch Guide by Sandy Arthur
Squashed Canvas Stitch Guide by Sandy Arthur
Night Cap by Sandy Arthur
Fast Friends Stitch Guide by Sandy Arthur
San Bernardino, CA
Then we are off to San Bernadino CA to teach Witch on The Town June 26 thru July 1.
Check with Pat Corez at egangcorre @ aol . com (remove spaces) for availability.
Witch on the Town by Sandy Arthur
For more future workshops checkout the F2F Classes in the drop down menu above.
ANG SEMINAR – ANAHEIM, CA AUGUST 23-30, 2013
It is almost that time of year again – SEMINAR! Gosh, it doesn’t seem possible. Weren’t we just in Philadelphia last month or so?
Most of you should have your Seminar Brochures by now. A cup of coffee (or tea), a cozy chair to snuggle in and a little time is needed to sit back and really enjoy going through this fun vessel of class offerings.
Pinkletoes – Jointed Needlepoint Rabbit designed by Sandy Arthur
We are fortunate enough to be on the very first page of the four-day classes on page 11. Pinkletoes! She’s almost like a little baby that you want to reach over and pinch her cheeks.
Pinkletoes – Designed by Sandy Arthur
Pinkletoes is stitched on five pieces of line-drawn Congress cloth. She has one piece of size 18 Aida cloth for her tail. Students have a choice of selecting a kit that includes floss or a kit that includes Soie d’Alger.
Other luscious threads include Wisper, Petite Sparkle Rays, Kreinik, Sulky and Fuzzy Stuff. Also included are some wonderful silk ribbons and beads.
We will be doing stitches for Miss Pinkletoes that include lots of combination stitches, triple feather, encroaching Gobelin, Milanese, cast on, woven, several hearts, Alicia’s lace, rapid stitch, and others.
Techniques will cover darning, ribbon embroidery, and Turkey work as well as other traditional methods.
When finished), Pinkletoes will have beautiful eyes and movable joints (we will provide contact information for the finisher of our model).
Although tempting, Pinkletoes is not a toy for play but a wonderful way to display your beautiful stitching skills and provide pleasure for the eyes.
California Poppy Teacup Treasures – Three Dimensional Needlepoint Designed by Sandy Arthur
Further through the book on page 33 is shown our one-day class Teacup Treasures – California Poppy.
California Poppy – Teacup Treasures by Sandy Arthur
This piece is one of a series. A beautiful dimensional poppy (stumpwork) representing one of a species of the California poppy is exhibited atop a field of green Lugana fabric. It is accompanied by lovely beaded leaves.
Stitches that will be covered include leaf stitches, Gobelin variations and stem stitch.
Techniques covered include needlewoven leaves, couching wire, buttonhole edging and needle painting. We will be stitching on one piece of fabric and applying the finished stitching to a second piece of fabric.
While the model is displayed on a ‘treasured’ family tea cup, the design is just as much at home on a lovely box top to hold those little treasures.
There is lots to enjoy at seminar so be sure to have a good look at all the classes as well as extra activities that are happening on-site as well as off.
Hope to see you there.
Stitch with a Smile!
Sandy
Sandy Arthur’s Needlepoint Design, Hearts from A to Z Stitch Guide
Hearts from A to Z is a stitch sampler of over 26 stitches. Each letter of the alphabet is represented by a stitch. This design can be utilized in many ways. This piece is a great educational tool. The design purpose is to educate and provide the student with sundry stitching techniques. Compensation is clearly explained and illustrated. Students are provided a wide variety of threads to experience how they feel and lay on a canvas. And, additionally, the design is fun to work and each stitch can be completed in a reasonable amount of time thereby providing a sense of accomplishment and achievement to the student. It can be set up as a sampler as indicated in the photograph, as a picture, pillow, tray insert, etc. It is a wonderful reference source for various stitches. And, the needleworker can stitch each heart separately for use in a stitched sample manual.
Hearts from A to Z (Detail) by Sandy Arthur
Hearts from A to Z (Full) by Sandy Arthur
Each heart is illustrated on an individual page devoted to the stitch that it represents. The stitch is illustrated in well marked and numbered step-by-step progression so the needleworker can see the technique used for that particular stitch. Additionally, there is an illustration showing each stitch as it is placed within the heart outline for the sampler as well as all the compensation stitches where applicable. It will not be necessary to guess at the compensation as it is fully diagrammed for each stitch. Stitch Guide is 34 pages.
Stitch Guide: PDF Format (purchaser prints own copy)
Stitch Guide: PDF Format (purchaser prints own copy)
Sandy will be at the National NeedleArts Association
Mercy! Where has time gone? It is hard to believe it is time to head for TNNA Long Beach market already.
I am busily putting the finishing touches on various kits for classes that I will be teaching there.
First on the calendar is Sweetest Tree for Sundance Designs. This is scheduled on Thursday afternoon from 12 noon until 2 pm. A delicate little design with loads of personality – beads, stumpwork, unique stitches and more.
Sweetest Tree by Sandy Arthur
Next up is Heart for Sundance Designs. This is scheduled for Thursday late afternoon from 3:30 pm until 6:30 pm.
This piece has a lot going on. We’ll be doing pulled work, ruching, beading, laying threads, ribbon embroidery – as much as we can pack into 3 hours.
Heart by Sandy Arthur
Then, after a good night’s sleep, we will be teaching Night Cap from the Old Crow series for Leigh Designs.
This piece is quite an adventure and also fun to stitch. We’ll be doing ribbon embroidery, encroaching gobelin, beading, and some other surprises.
Night Cap by Sandy Arthur
From the registration information I have received so far, it looks like we are going to have a grand time in Long Beach!
If I don’t see you in the classroom, I hope to see you on the trade floor! Have a safe trip!
New Canvas and Stitch Guides Added
Delivering Dreams – Santa
A wonderful addition to your holiday decorations is this stand alone Santa. He is all prepared and ready to deliver gifts to fortunate recipients.
The kit for this designs includes a 12” x 14” size 18 count monocanvas which is line-drawn. Also included is a fully detailed and illustrated stitch guide containing easy to follow diagrams, a list of materials that were used in the model, and a legend identifying each stitched area of the design.
Be sure to check out “Sleigh Full of Dream” which is a wonderful companion piece and displays beautifully together.
The above kit is $70 plus S/H of $8.50 for a total of $78.50.
Delivering Dreams – Santa by Sandy Arthur
Check out the companion piece, “Sleigh Full of Dream.
S/H of $8.50.
Sleigh Full of Dreams
A wonderful addition to your holiday decorations is this stand alone Sleigh. It is filled to the brim and ready to deliver gifts to fortunate recipients.
The kit for this designs includes a 12” x 14” size 18 count monocanvas which is line-drawn. Also included is a fully detailed and illustrated stitch guide containing easy to follow diagrams, a list of materials that were used in the model, and a legend identifying each stitched area of the design.
Be sure to check out “Delivering Dreams – Santa” which is a wonderful companion piece and displays beautifully together.
The above kit is $70 plus S/H of $8.50 for a total of $78.50.
Sleigh Full of Dreams by Sandy Arthur
Check out the companion piece, “Delivering Dreams - Santa.
S/H of $8.50.
And a great time was had by all . . . .
At The Stitching Studio and Gift Boutique in Richmond, VA, that is. I was honored and privileged to be the first national teacher brought in to teach at this delightful shop. The shop is gorgeous! Threads are to die for. Fantastic canvases. All kinds of accessories. And, on and on.
Kathy Balthrop, shop owner extraordinaire, was my hostess. She and her daughter, Jennifer, the other half of The Stitching Studio, were wonderful. They were right on top of everything. Anything one of the students needed, they seemed to be able to provide for them right away. It was a great, positive experience.
We did a weekend workshop involving two popular classes – To The Beach and Ladybug Tea. The class ended up being equally divided, so it was no problem equally dividing the time. Everyone was quite wonderful. Those who “thought” they had problems soon learned that we could work through them. In this scenario, each side was able to “peek” and watch as unique stitches and techniques were demonstrated and discussed for the other group. Insightful planning by Kathy, I must add!
Jennifer provided the following photos she took during class for me to share with you. If you ever have the opportunity be sure to stop at The Stitching Studio and Gift Boutique, 5615 Patterson Ave., Richmond, VA (Ph: 804-269-0355). You’ll be happy you did.
Was it really that bad?
So serious!
Are you sure that’s right? Yes, I’m sure.
It really isn’t that difficult… when you know how.
Right there…
Great Shop and Fantastic Shop Owner 
The wonderful other half of The Stitching Studio
Phew! Everyone is still smiling and had a GREAT time!
See ya next time. (What a smile)
Sandy Arthur – Temari Projects
I recently returned from a week’s intense workshop with one of the top names in Temari, Barbara Suess. She conducted a class at the John C. Campbell Folk Art School in Brasstown, NC. What an adventure! We were told that they have approximately 800 classes a year in various fields of the arts. WOW! You might want to check out their website and request a catalog. They have everything from quilting, dyeing, gourd making, pottery – incld. Porcelain – woodworking, glass, basket weaving, music training, marbling, and on and on. It was wonderful.
Anyway, about my class. I teach introductory classes to Temari, so I had an intense interest in visiting with Barb face-to-face. What a delightful and generous lady. Our class had such fun. It was so bad that she would finally say at 8:45 pm – the lights are going off in 5 minutes! I don’t understand? We’d only been there since 9:00 am? What kind of teacher is that? LOL! A fantastic teacher that loves her art, that’s what kind.
I came away with a stronger love and appreciation of Temari and I also came away with a list of new friends. We even have our own Facebook now thanks to Karen.
Here is a sample of one of my designs for Introduction to Temari, which is a one-day class. It is called Golden Royale.
Golden Royale Temari by Sandy Arthur
Here is a design of Barbara Suess, which I teach as a one-day class with proper permission and purchase of the various guides. It is called Morning Glory.
Morning Glory Temari by Barbara Suess
If your interest is piqued go to
http://temarichallengegallery.org
and look at all the fantastic stuff that is going on. There is a fantastic gallery for all to view.
Well, gotta go get my ‘stuff’ together to teach at The Stitching Studio and Gift Boutique in Richmond, VA this weekend.
Have a great week and Stitch with a Smile!
Sandy
I’m home after a wonderful time teaching at ANG Seminar
Well, Seminar 2012 is over! Wow, what a great 40th anniversary celebration in Philadelphia. My classes were so much fun. I had several returning students and some new ones who braved a first-time adventure into one of my classes. I hope they enjoyed it as much as I do teaching.
We now have time to introduce a new teaching piece which will make its debut at Chandail in Houston, TX.
Crazy Needles Journey is one of a series of pieces based on grandma’s crazy quilts.
Crazy Needles Journey
They are designed to fit as a box top, picture, purse applique, or small pillow. The piece is fun to do and offers tons of stitches and techniques. Check out the class details on our f2f drop down above and visit Chandail for an opportunity to be one of the first stitching this exciting piece.
Sandy’s Latest Needlepoint Cyberclass
Gosh, August 27 is barely one a month away. Be sure to look at our CyberClass for Hearts from A to Z . This is an 8-lesson class and registration closes on August 27.
http://duodesignsinc.com/wpsite/cyber-class-hearts-from-a-to-z
It is a very busy time for me and Duo Designs this month. I recently attended a fantastic finishing class taught by Pat Mazu. I was able to finish a model for use in creating my teaching proposal for the coming year. This new design is Bright Holiday Tree. Bright comes from all the sparkle created by Sundance’s Sparkles, sequins, beads, and other metallics.
Bright Holiday Tree – Needlepoint Design by Sandy Arthur
Additionally, I was able to finish two personal items, a stocking cuff and a July 4th ornament. When given the opportunity you will definitely want to attend one of Pat’s finishing classes! She is great (and patient too!)
We are very excited to be working with Sundance Designs and Leigh Designs on some of their new designs to propose for teaching at TNNA Long Beach, CA in February. I can’t wait until I can share these with you. One of Leigh’s designs will be introduced in Baltimore at the upcoming TNNA.
More later and, as always,
Stitch with a Smile!
Sandy
Hearts A to Z Needlepoint Cyberclass will close in less than a month
It’s less than a month away until the registration for Hearts from A to Z cyberclass will close. This 8-lesson class will take you through a multitude of various stitches – well, from A to Z! plus more.
Hearts A to Z
The stitches work up quickly as each one occupies a mere 1” of space. Clear, well-numbered diagrams walk you through each stitch so you can quickly master each and every one. Diagrams also help with the compensation of each ‘heart’ area.
You will be using your own stash so the canvas size and color is your personal choice. The model was stitched on 18ct Zweigart monocanvas, white. You will have your very own Yahoo Group in which to communicate with other classmates.
Be sure to go to
http://duodesignsinc.com/wpsite/cyber-class-hearts-from-a-to-z
and sign up now before the hustle and bustle of summer gets in the way and the deadline passes.
The first class will be posted on September 3 and the last will be posted on October 22, 2012.
Happy Stitching,
Sandy
Our second book, Shapes of Needlepoint Series II: Diamond Hearts Octagon Stars
To purchase Shapes of Needlepoint - Series 2, please click HERE.
Our first book, Shapes of Needlepoint Series I: Circles Squares Triangles Rectangles
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