San Diego American Needlepoint Guild Workshops
Good morning! What a beautiful morning we have here in central Kentucky today!
I just returned from a wonderful teaching weekend in glorious San Diego/LaJolla, California. The SD ANG Chapter hosted me and they were delightful!
We had the first class in a gorgeous church. The lighting was great, there was lots of room – and, even better, there was a kitchen and food!
Diamonds and Rubies Needlepoint Workshop
Diamonds and Rubies was the project for this workshop. The ladies were stitching this 3-D ornament in their choice of one of three colorways – red, blue or gold.
Once we got past the crescent stitched center of the medallion area, they were fine. I think there may have been a few choice names for me until we got through that section – lol! But it was a challenge, they were great stitchers, and they got through it. It was fun doing something a little more challenging than the basketweave or Scotch stitch. And the end results were going to be beautiful!
Diamonds and Rubies
Lunch was brought in and they had the biggest sandwiches on land! I even had a little difficulty with biting into it! And homemade cookies – oh my gosh – my mouth is still watering from them. They were soooo scrumptious!
Silver and Pearls Workshop
The next class was held in a home of one of the members. Now, because I said home, don’t get the wrong idea! This was a very roomy, long sunroom that overlooked the ocean and the mountains! It was hard for me to concentrate for wanting to look at the beauty all around.
Silver and Pearls Needlepoint Ornament
Sally was a most gracious hostess and the accommodations were perfect for a chapter workshop. We did Silver and Pearls ornament at this get together. It was not quite as challenging as the Diamond and Rubies ornament of the day before. We had such fun and great friendship and sharing all around!
Needless to say, the visit was way to short, but after all, I was working ??? right? The little time I had there was great – great friends, great food and great scenery – what more could one want? Can’t wait to go back!
Thanks San Diego Chapter of ANG for your hospitality!
Stitch with a Smile!
Sandy
Sandy’s Report on the TNNA Show, June 2011
Finished FlipSwaps Needlepoint Sandals
Good morning! It is a beautiful, glorious morning. We’ve been so busy on the website adding new products such as the FlipSWAPS and Stirling Totes that I am just now getting around to sharing my adventures at TNNA in Columbus, Ohio.
I am always blown away by all the wonderful, new, colorful and exciting new designs offered by the various vendors. The creativity is so inspiring and invigorating.
This trip, however, was even more great fun for me because I had new stuff to discuss with my peers, friends, new friends, etc.
I had a lovely long, detailed chat with Suzy Murphy (SuZy’s Stitches). We compared Apple App notes and we thoroughly enjoyed talking with someone who was dealing with the same exact issues and share notes and suggestions. She informed me that I had just missed Ruth Schmuff , and I am sad that I did not get to visit with her face-to-face also.
Another long visit I had was with Jill Rigoli (Danji Designs). She is a wonderful cheerleader for my first book and Apple App Shapes of Needlepoint – Series I, and is chomping at the bit for Series II – which is scheduled for release August 15 – just around the corner. And, of course, I couldn’t resist those wonderful designs posted in her booth.
I got to meet Fay Bullitt from Needle Nook of LaJolla on a more personal basis while in class. We had lunch together and she is great fun to chat with. Her friend, Donna, joined her and we discussed such things as human resources, employees, etc. Just everyday life. It was a delightful lunch.
I visited briefly with Nandra at Sundance Beads and her mother, Cassie Prescott. I have the privilege of staying with Cassie in August when I go to San Diego to teach at the chapter annual fundraiser workshop and also at the Chapter for a one-day class.
A quick lunch on Saturday included chatting with Sandy Rodgers, Janet Zigler Casey, Mary Alice Sinton, and Jill Rabius-McGrath. It was fun talking about upcoming events, past events and what is going on in the industry in general. How can you not have fun around Janet?
It is always so nice to visit with friends even though it is so, so briefly. Chatting with shop owners as our paths crossed in the various aisles and booths is always nice too.
However, today I must get back to reality and get to work on kits, exhibits, and pulling weeds. Somehow those seem to conflict but that’s my life.
Have a great week and stitch with a smile!
Sandy
Got that new pedicure getting ready for the summer sandals? Well, what better way to show off that pedicure than to slip on a pair of wonderful FlipSWAPS stitched by you?
Finished FlipSwaps Needlepoint Sandals
Check out our wonderful variety of designs. They stitch up quickly and you can even finish some yourself (depending on the style of shoe you are using as a base.) We used SwitchFlops
Some designs even have their own downloadable stitch guides available as a separate purchase.
All FlipSWAPS come with button accents to stitch on the center for that little bit of splash!
Go get yours now so that you can have them finished in plenty of time to enjoy the summer fashions!
Sandy is the Guest in this week’s Podcast from Gone Stitching
Good morning everybody. Well the sun is shining here in Central Kentucky! YEAH! (However, we did have an ugly thunderstorm and hard rain last night, but we won’t dwell on that.)
I was honored to be this weeks guest on Gone Stitching’s weekly needlepoint Blogcast. I had a blast and I hope you will too, while you listen in. And, I have a surprise…
Wanna chance to win a free copy of Shapes of Needlepoint – Series I and a wonderful sturdy, clear vinyl 16″ wide x 14″ high project tote?
Go the the podcast on Gone Stitching’s website (info is on the right side bar) – here’s the link -
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gone-stitching
and listen to the show for the secret word. Follow the instructions of how to enter.
They have a new contest weekly, so don’t miss out on this opportunity.
This week they interviewed me and last week they interviewed Brett of K’s Creations.
The Gone Stitching Podcasts are a great way to hear about new toys out there for us to add to our stash.
Go get your name in the pot!
Stitch with a Smile!
Sandy
Hi everybody! I warned you I was new at this blogging stuff so hang on and I’ll get it right before it is all over.
This time I’m trying to attach a direct link to the new product page that will appear on the email that gets sent out!
I want to make it as easy as possible for you to see the great new project totes we are offering.
Go have a look see!
Sandy
WOW! My webmaster has been burning the midnight oil and has managed to set up a products page for your convenience. Now you can order my book(s),and other products as we add them, directly from the website and pay through PayPal.
Check out Sandy Arthur’s newest Needlework products HERE.
Additionally, we now have wonderful, strong, tote bags for carrying your projects back and forth to those chapter meetings and stitch-ins.
Needlework Project Totes - Four sizes shown
They also are fantastic storage devices, keeping your projects clean and in full view.
I have shown one tote holding 4 sets of stretcher bars and if you look closely you will see there is ample room for still more “stuff” such as stitch guides, threads, etc.
I am using the smaller 9.5 inch x 11 inch tote to carry my sock knitting supplies and scarf knitting supplies, which I knit on when traveling.
The much larger tote – 20 inch high x 27 inch wide – is great for my needlepoint stocking projects which I have on scroll bars due to their size.
You will want several of these for your stash!
IMPORTANT NOTE – We offer deep shipping discounts if you order more than one but you need to contact Sandy directly. Please feel free to use the Contact Sandy form at then bottom of this post!
They also make fabulous gifts for those special friends.
I know you will enjoy them as much as we do!
As always, thanks for your support and Stitch with a Smile,
Sandy
Contact Sandy about Reduced Shipping on the Totes!
Needles and Fins 2012 Needlework Cruise
Well, it is official for us! We just made our first deposit for the Needles and Fins 5-day Cruise.
For me, that makes it more real. Now, I have more time to save up for the balance. I know, it isn’t due until December, but I don’t want to wait and have it creep up on me. This way, I get it out of the way before heavy summer expenses start hitting us.
For those of you who are stitchers, my fingers are flying away working on the optional one-day needlepoint class. I think you are going to like it. It is meant to be a memento of the cruise.
Also, as we are working to update our web page so be sure to go to the homepage and look at the email notice sign up area on the left so you won’t miss any notices that we might send out.
Important (and I cannot stress this enough): You do need your passport for this trip.
Check it now to make sure it is current. If you do not have a passport now is the time to run over to the post office, travel agent, etc., and get one processed. I’ll probably repeat this more than once throughout the next few months ahead.
Until next time,
Stitch with a Smile,
Sandy
Shapes of Needlepoint – Series II
Well, it is official! Shapes of Needlepoint – Series II is scheduled for shipping mid-August. It will make its official debut at the ANG National Seminar in San Antonio, TX, August 25, 2011 (or whatever day the book store opens).
We are already getting pre-orders for the book and no one has even seen it. If you liked the first one, I think you will love the second one.
Shapes of Needlepoint – Series II: Diamonds*Hearts*Octagons*Stars, is chock full of diagrams.
The book is laid out exactly the same as the first. It is indexed by shape and by thread count. There are more pages than the first book, although I tried to keep it about the same. Honestly, I had to just make myself quit drawing diagrams! It gets addictive.
This book, too, is printed single-sided. While the printer can certainly make the pages two-sided, this was a deliberate decision on my part. The majority of users seem to prefer this method when using the book as a stitching resource. While it makes the book thicker, it also makes it easier to read and use when open on a tabletop, lap, etc. One is not distracted by what is going on with the opposite page.
Oh, for those who enjoy this, the spiral binding is purple!
I can’t wait for you to see it and I am anxious for your feedback!
More later,
Stitch with a Smile,
Sandy
Stitching Cruise Updates from Duo Designs
I am starting to get inquiries about more specifics of the cruise. Right now, it is too early to have some of the info but I can provide answers to some questions.
First off, the cruise is open to everyone!
As I stated, bring your own party. The stitching room (once is it determined the times, place, etc., that the ship will provide) will be open to all – needlepointers, beaders, knitters, etc.
On my previous cruise, the room was not secured so we all took our treasures with us each evening.
There is so much going on during the cruise that you need to work to be bored. There are shows, games, dancing and much more. And, unfortunately, there is a gym so if you are inclined to exercise you have everything right at hand, or there is plenty of equipment to make you feel guilty because you choose not to do so during this relaxing time (me!).
Each evening the ship provides a daily activity sheet of all the event happenings for the next day so you won’t miss anything.
Once in international waters, gambling and drinking begins. Need I say more?
Important (and I cannot stress this enough): You do need your passport for this trip.
Check it now to make sure it is current. If you do not have a passport now is the time to run over to the post office, travel agent, etc., and get one processed. I’ll probably repeat this more than once throughout the next few months ahead.
Keep those questions coming my way and if I don’t have the answer I’ll try to find one, or worse yet, I’ll just make one up.
More later,
Stitch with a Smile,
Sandy
Apple App – Shapes of Needlepoint Series 2 Available October 1, 2011
Thank you so much for joining us as we share the happenings involving Duo Designs, Inc.
We will be discussing the availability of various publications of Duo Designs, Inc. as an Apple application for iPod, iPhone and iPad for now.
You can purchase the Shapes of Needlepoint Series 1 App here.
Shapes of Needlepoint – Series 2 will soon be joining its predecessor, Series 1, as an Apple App.
Apple App Series II, like the book, will follow Shapes of Needlepoint – Series II, Diamonds, Hearts, Octagons, and Stars. It, too, will have indices by shape, thread count and name. Each diagram will be on an individual page, clearly numbered and additional text where needed to clarify unique processes.
Apple App Series II is scheduled for release on October 1, 2011. Don’t miss the excitement. Follow along as we await that magic day!
Apple App – Shapes of Needlepoint Series 1
Our first Apple App is for Shapes of Needlepoint Series I. This on-the-go application provides the busy stitcher the opportunity to carry a well-illustrated reference resource.
You can purchase the Shapes of Needlepoint Series 1 App here.
Numbered diagrams are large, clear, easy to read and make it easy to follow the stitching path. This new approach provides familiar and not-so-familiar stitches indexed by shapes – circles, squares, triangles and rectangles – as well as by thread count – 2×4, 8×8, 12×14, etc.
See example images below. Please note that these are NOT life size. They have been reduced for loading speed!
Sundry tips are also sprinkled throughout the app.
Stitches can be searched by name, shape or thread count. The search capability is helpful for comparing various stitches that are available for the area or shape desired.
If a space 6×8 threads is being considered, a search will reveal all the stitches diagrammed for that thread count.
This app provides ready reference for those creating stitch guides, working on a painted canvas, or doing counted canvas work.
We welcome your comments, questions and input. We look forward to chatting with you in the weeks to come.
Stitch with a Smile!
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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