Stitching Girl with Her Horse - 9/30/23

September 30, 2023--I recently took a few days of classes from Sandy Arthur of Duo Designs at a retreat in Kentucky to work on Gayla Elliott's Stitching Girl with Her Horse.   I love this project with all of its embellishments and variety of threads and stitches.  Sandy kept us very busy learning how and where to place stitches to bring this canvas to life.   We had a choice of two Stitching Girl canvases, and I chose this one because of the horse boarding stables behind my property.

Stitching Girl with Her Horse Status as of 9-30-23

Here's the background.....when my husband and I moved to our new home in Delaware 13 years ago, there was a large farm located on the property in back of our house.  We knew living in an agricultural region would mean listening to tractor noises (tilling, planting, fertilizing, harvesting), crop duster planes, etc., and dealing with lots of flies--especially the little fruit flies that infest your home during harvest season, but we didn't realize how bad all of those flies would be.  Then a number of years ago the farm was sold to Windswept Stables, a horse boarding and riding instruction farm.   The only sounds we now hear are the neighing and whinnying of horses.  The house flies have disappeared because they prefer to be at the stables, and we no longer get the harvest fruit flies--YAY!  Sooooo....I'd like to name the horse Independence (the name of my community) and have the Stitching Girl needlepoint the name of the stables on the canvas she's working on (of course you will only see it in reverse).  Then I'll see if the stable owners would like to have this as a gift to hang in their home (or stables for that matter).  If not, it will be part of my guest room stitching gallery.

Stitching Girl with Her Horse Designed by Gayla Elliott, Stitched by Sandra Arthur of Duo Designs

I will post photos of my canvas in future blogs as I stitch it up.  Stay tuned.  

Retreat by Duo Designs in Kentucky - 9/28/23

September 28, 2023--I've recently returned from a two and a half-day retreat put on by Sandy Arthur and her daughter, Teresa Kinberger, of Duo Designs at General Butler State Resort Park in Carrollton, KY.   The location was beautiful with large rooms for classes and dining.  We were well taken care of from the time of arrival on Friday to Monday morning's departure.  This is my second retreat with Sandy Arthur (first one was a river boat cruise down the Rhine River last year) and she did not disappoint.

Lodge Mezzanine 

There was a choice of two projects to work on, Stitching Girl with Her Horse (specific for this retreat) and Boss Lady Stitching Girl--both designed by Gayla Elliott who happened to be at the opening reception on Friday afternoon.  I chose the Girl with Her Horse and what I will do with this will be discussed in a separate blog.

It was interesting to learn how Gayla developed her Stitching Girls.  There also was an Alice Peterson Trunk Show while at the retreat to drool over.  I also came home with a swap meet project designed by Susan Portra that was partially stitched in gorgeous colors of blueish purple.

Stitching Girl with Her Horse Designed by Gayla Elliott, Stitched by Sandra Arthur

In addition to receiving a full kit for this wonderful piece (instruction book, threads, embellishments, painted canvas mounted on stretcher bars), Sandy also gave us lots of goodies, listed below:

·            ·        Coffee/Water Tall Mug Personalized with first name and “Queen of the Needle” title.  Special crown top added (photos below).  All done by Sandy Arthur.

·        Balls of perle 8 thread (2), one in a plastic protector with a hole for pulling out thread—nice to keep thread clean.

·        Beading Pad

·        Booklet Treasured Techniques by Sandra Arthur of Duo Designs

·        Charm 2023

·        Canvases Painted, 2 small

·        Cuticle Cream

·        Darning needle set

·        Fluff-It Velcro type brush to use in lieu of a bunka brush designed by Duo Designs

·        Kentucky shaped thread holder

·        Leather thimble pads for finger tips (set of 12)

·        Magnetic Clip by Oliblok to hold items to canvas/stretcher bars

·        Magnetic scissor/laying tool/pen flexible holder

·        Nail file

·        Plastic paper clips, large, for securing items together

·        Pouch with various threads

·        Project “Kentucky State Ornament” with stretcher bars, canvas, instructions, threads all in a  “Duo Designs Stitching Retreat 2023” project bag

·        Project “Flower Basket” painted canvas, threads and River Silk ribbon in a Duo Design project bag (we learned how to work up two types of miniature roses)

·        Scissor or Stitching Tool Fob, beaded with charms

·        Ruler 6” Clear

·        Stitch Marker with beads and a horse charm at the end

·        Stitch Notes Booklet

·        SuperSnip scissors

·        The Collection DSQ-26 Bar Sequins in various colors

·        Tiny, teeny, teensiest threader (works great for beading thread in a size 28 needle)         

·        Wonder clips, small size, in various colors

·        AND…. a large project bag to keep it all in.

Personalized with my name

Yup, that's me--Queen of the Needle

An additional crown topper 

It was an intensive retreat with two days of classes running from 8:30 am to almost 9:00 pm each day, snack and meal breaks included.   Sandy's imagination was on full display with how she embellished this canvas using a variety of stitches, threads and charms.  Can't wait to continue working on this now that I'm home.

Tulip Time Rhine River Needlepoint Cruise - Updated 4/18/22

April 18, 2022--I've returned from one of the most eventful trips I've ever taken and after a week of recovering from a horrific cold, days full of catching up at home, hosting a wine club event, doctor visits, financial meetings, etc., etc., etc., I'm finally able to sit and write about the experience.

Firstly, the Rhine River Cruise by Uniworld is definitely first class all the way.  From the beautiful riverboat with well-appointed rooms to the delicious meals with unlimited wine, friendly and efficient service, well designed tours, etc., I lacked for nothing.   I met some wonderful fellow stitchers with whom I shared meals and touring adventures--the best part of the trip for sure (a shout out to Nancy, Charlotte, Melanie, Mike, Deedee, Sue and Ellen).  I didn't take many photos because a few fellow travelers (Bruce Hart in particular) posted lots of gorgeous shots on the Tulip Time Facebook page set up by our host, Sandy Arthur, a fantabulous needlepoint designer and instructor.

Lunch in Amsterdam

Bruce and Ginger Hart (the taker of marvelous photos throughout the trip), Ellen, me and Liz, our travel agent)

Our Amsterdam canal cruise boat.

Photos from the Keukenhof Gardens:

Sue (Sandy's co-host), me, Deedee and Ellen)

Yes, it was friggin' cold!

My room on the riverboat, the S.S. Antoinnette

Three riverboats tied together (my boat is in the middle) at a dock with limited space.

Menu for the last dinner on board.  Delicious offerings.

And speaking of Sandy Arthur--we managed to get in some stitching classes given by her with a few surprises and goodies.   At our first class while still in Amsterdam, we received the stitch guide to the Tulip Time canvas designed specifically for this trip (windmill project photo is below).  As usual, the stitches are imaginative and perfect for the project.   Then at other stitching events during the week, Sandy surprised us with a tulip themed eyeglass case kit with canvas, threads and stitch guide; instructions to put together a peyote beaded needle case (my favorite which I will write about in a future blog); and lots of adorable charms handed out each day to place on a chain.  Each charm relates to various tours and places visited along the Rhine.  I won a few prizes too--a beautiful painted canvas from Duo Designs and two beautiful, zippered needlepoint tool bags from an anonymous donor.  

Eyeglass Case Project Photo

Peyote Beaded Needle Case Project Photo

Charms:  2022, Tulip, Stein, Bicycle, Bar(?), Castle, Laraly Rock, Diary of Ann Frank, Germany, Riverboat, Wooden Shoe, Windmill, Cuckoo Clock, Fleur de Lis, Airplane

Below is a brief itinerary we followed:

Amsterdam for 2 nights to visit the Rijksmuseum, go on a canal cruise, and walk the Keukenhof Gardens.

Then 7 days aboard the S.S. Antoinette riverboat to cruise the Rhine River from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland.  Even though we traveled south along the river, the river flows north from the Alps to the Netherlands, causing us to travel "up river".  We had the pleasure of visiting the city of Cologne, walking tours of the towns of Koblenz and Boppard, wine tasting at Castle Vollards in Rudesheim, a Mannheim vineyard tour and tasting, viewing many ancient castles situated along the river,  Strasbourg panoramic tour, and finally a visit to two Alsatian villages.  There were additional tours and trips available for the more adventuresome among us, but not for me.

OK, there was a downside--the flight home.  I got up at 3 am on Sunday, April 10th to get my suitcase outside of my room by 3:30 am, then prepared for the transfer to the Basel airport for a 7:15 am flight to London.  After a six hour layover, I boarded my 2:00 pm flight home to the Philadelphia International Airport, arriving at 5 pm (11 pm Amsterdam time).   By the time I got home and into bed, I had been up for over 24 hours (and didn't get much sleep the night before).  The walking that was required in both airports definitely put my back out of whack and I believe that's where I caught the nasty cold that laid me up for a week when I got home (two COVID tests were negative)😰.  To top it off, I lost my iPhone when my husband picked me up at the airport.  I thought I had securely placed the phone in my purse, but somehow it fell out and was picked up by someone who took it to San Francisco with them (I could see this using my "Find My Devices" app).  A new one was ordered but doing without a phone for a few days is an eye opener as to how dependent we are on the darned things.

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March 18, 2022--I am so excited to be going on the March 31 to April 10, 2022, Uniworld Tulip Time Rhine River Needlepoint Cruise hosted by the famed designer and instructor Sandy Arthur.  I've been eyeing her trips for a number of years now and am finally able to do one.   The cruise starts in Amsterdam, Netherlands and goes down to Basel, Switzerland along the Rhine River.  Two days in Amsterdam and seven days on the river boat.  Wonderful!

Now, I've been to Europe before (granted, my past four trips were over 20 years ago) but I have never had the amount of paperwork to do as I've had for this trip.  There are volumes of contracts to read and tons of economic issues to contend with that I should get collegiate credit for dealing with it all.

I comprised the below list of everything that needs to be taken care of.  The last few items are tongue-in-cheek and I'm sure I'll have more before I get on the plane.  How does your list compare?

Tulip Time Rhine River Cruise Preparations

• Read all available literature about the tour, ship, etc.
• Reserve room on the ship (fill out reservation form paperwork) and make airline reservations with travel agency
• Purchase travel insurance (17-page document)
• Pay for all of the above (ka-ching)
• Renew passport because it expired within six months of trip’s end (expired 9/22 and needs to expire no earlier than 10/22)
• Insert TSA KTN on tickets via airline website (unable to get global pre-check number—interviews not available locally and those at distant international airports were too busy—waste of $100 application fee)
• Read health requirements of Netherlands
• Fill out Netherlands Health Declaration for Travelers Intake Form
• Fill out Netherlands Vaccine Information Form
• Fill out Medical Information Form to give to travel agency
• Read Uniworld’s Cruise Companion
• Register on Uniworld's website and fill out personal information forms
• Review itinerary, docking information, etc.
• Read travel tips sent by travel agency
• Sign travel agency Terms and Conditions form
• Note:  Am concerned the name the travel agency is using for my airline reservation won’t match my passport (have been told if they don’t match, I won’t be able to get on the plane).
• Note:  Have questions about Uniworld cruise ticket/contract having items not covered by travel insurance—questions to travel agency
• Read IMO Athens Convention as it pertains to loss of luggage, life, limbs, etc. and amounts to be paid based on SDR as referenced in Uniworld’s Ticket/Contract document
• Order Passport holder with window pocket for vaccine card
• Put together packing list—what will go in checked luggage and what will be taken aboard the plane.  Place liquid items in separate, clear, one gallon zip lock bag
• Put together list of needlepoint stuff to bring
• Place cruise stitching project canvas (photo below) on stretcher bars
• Purchase TSA luggage locks
• Arrange for COVID PCR test to be administered 1 day before leaving
• Purchase travel purse with slash proof sides and straps.
• Find local bank that sells Euros, open account with said bank in order to purchase those Euros
• Call cell phone carrier to arrange for international calling and data plan
• Call credit card companies to put them on notice that cards will be used overseas
• Copy important documents (passport, KTN, driver’s license, COVID vaccination card, credit cards, etc., etc., and have available on iPhone.  Download for offline use on iPad.
• Setup WhatsApp on cell phone for communication with travel agency – review how to use it and test with husband
• Set up American Airlines Verifly App to confirm COVID vaccinations
• Download PressReader App for free access to international newspapers and magazines
• Show husband how to use clothes washer and dryer, dish washer, etc.
• Leave information for husband to deal with housekeeper
• Confirm that husband knows what to do when picking up my exhibits from Woodlawn at the beginning of April
• Worry about the effect COVID and Ukraine will have on the trip
• Learn to speak Dutch and German--ha, ha
• Build up leg muscles with an exercise program so the walking tours will be effortless--yep, well, it's going to take a lot of effort to do those tours.

OK, I'm all set to go now--I think.

Map of Rhine River Cruise from Amsterdam to Basel

Tulip Time on the Rhine Project Photo

May 26, 2021--I'm happy to report that I've signed up for the Tulip Time Along the Rhine Needlepoint River Cruise hosted by the wonderful Sandy Arthur of Duo Designs.  I've never done a river cruise and since I'm traveling alone (hubby hates cruising), doing one with a needlepoint bent is absolutely perfect!!  This cruise takes place in early April, 2022.  

Here's a photo of the project Sandy developed specifically for this trip.  Love it!

Additional information and lots more can be found on Sandy's blog at:

Sandy's Stitching (sandyarthur.blogspot.com)  

I'm so excited that I've already "packed" using my Stylebook app.  If you want more info about this app, let me know.  It's a really fun way to keep track of clothes you own and wear.  Here's my first stab at mix and match outfits for the trip.  The app migrates the pieces of clothing into a "packing list" for you--easy peasy.  Note:  I'm certainly not a style or clothing obsessed person, but after losing a lot of weight and buying new clothes--the app gives me a  lot of fun putting together "looks" and will show me what I wear a lot and what I'm not touching.  

My Stylebook of What to Wear Each Day on the Cruise

Stylebook Packing List

I'm not the best photographer of clothes, but the pictures are good enough for my purposes.  Can you imagine the possibilities of working with an app like this.  PS  I have no affiliation with Stylebook, just having fun with it.

Ocean City, MD Stitching Retreat with Checkerspot Stitchers - 4/18/19

April 18, 2019--Recently returned from a 3 day stitching retreat at the Dunes Manor Hotel in Ocean City, MD organized by the ANG Checkerspot Stitchers Chapter of Silver Spring, MD (of which I am a member).  This is my third year attending this wonderful event and, as in the past, enjoyed it tremendously.

Dunes Manor Hotel, Ocean City, MD

Arrived on Saturday morning to a room dedicated to stitching for the retreat's duration, and already filled with members working on a myriad of projects--some new, some WIPS.

One of the members, Jane B., gifted us with a leather, corked backed, coaster to insert a 3" x 3" piece of needlepoint (she gave us the canvas to stitch our own design).  I chose the navy blue color thinking it would work nice with the (Oliver Twist) teal, navy, green threads I brought with me from my stash. I found a free, easy to stitch square on the Rainbow Gallery website called Mystical Stairs and have already completed one-quarter of the design.  Debbie F. also found an RG bargello design which looks like hearts, and was able to finish her project.  It looks great in her red coaster.

Navy Leather Coaster with Cork Backing (Blank)

Oliver Twist Threads

RG Mystical Stairs Free Pattern One-Quarter Completed

The weather in Ocean City, for the most part, was all fog, fog, fog.  Didn't see the Ocean for 2 days.  On Sunday night, in the wee morning hours, a horrifying storm came through the Eastern Seaboard causing tornado warnings to hit our cell phones.  I must admit to being quite frightened and found myself sitting in the bathroom during the storm's worst winds (to be away from windows).  I swear I felt the hotel sway.

But with the daylight came beautiful views of the Atlantic.  Still lots of wind, but the day turned out balmy and sunny.

Thank you Barbara E. for organizing this wonderful retreat.  Looking forward to attending next year.

Checkerspot Stitchers Name Tag

Stitching Retreat in Ocean City, MD - 4/17/18

April 17, 2018--Just returned from a four day stitching retreat in Ocean City, MD put on by the ANG Checkerspot Chapter of Silver Spring, MD.  This is my second year in attendance and, as I did last year, had a wonderful time.  We stayed at the Dunes Manor Hotel, an old but well maintained and renovated charming spot in the heart of Ocean City.   The package included two breakfasts and one night's dinner in the dining room, and the food was delicious!  Our stitching room was bright, large and comfortable with a view of the sea.

Dunes Manor Hotel in Ocean City, MD

The weather, though cold, rainy and VERY windy, enhanced our delight at being able to stay in and stitch, stitch, stitch.  Barbara E. surprised us with three little projects.  The first consisted of two button forms sold by Toni Gerdes.  The buttons come with 64 pre-drilled holes you fill in with needlepoint.  Here's what I came up with though I may redo them later with fancier threads.

Button Forms by Toni Gerdes

The second project was a bookmark.  Barbara had the cutest designs and I chose the Scandinavian looking one.  Didn't have the right threads to stich it while at the retreat, so took a few hours this morning to whip it up.  Think I'll remove the canvas from the green felt and turn it into a luggage tag or a label.

Bookmark Closeup

Bookmark

The third project is my favorite and one that I will teach to my local ANG chapter if they'd like to learn how to do it.  It's a tassel that has 3 beads at the end of each loop taught to us by Debbie L.  Easy to do and the results are beautiful.  This is the first time I've every made a tassel, and now that I know how, I see lots of tassels in my future.   The thread and beads were also supplied by Barbara.  She thought of everything.

Tassel with Beaded Ends Side View

Tassel with Beaded Ends Top View

I did manage to work on a large project I took with me, but didn't finish it as I had hoped.   But the time spent on these fun surprises, stitching and talking with wonderful fellow chapter mates, and in a very nice environment means I'll be there again next year for sure.  Thank you Barbara E. and Checkerspot for hosting this event.

Winterthur, Delaware Retreat by Art Needlepoint - Updated 3/28/18

March 28, 2018--Have returned from this wonderful stitching retreat at Winterthur in Delaware and couldn't wait to write about it.

Firstly, I must talk about the class--Tree of Life.  This was a two-day class taught by Elizabeth Bozievich, the Editor of Needlepoint Now Magazine, who stepped in to replace the woman who originally stitched this piece for us (from the Royal School of Needlework).  Even though Elizabeth did not write the stitch guide, she did a great job teaching us the stitches used, and there are soooo many of them.   I took lots of close up photos of the stitched piece to help me in the execution of all those wonderful stitches.    

There were many other classes offered at this event and I wish I could have taken them all.

Tree of Life as Originally Embroidered - on Exhibit at Winterthur

Tree of Life Stitched Needlepoint Interpretation Project Photo

Now to talk about the schedule.  Below is a copy of the itinerary and there aren't enough superlatives to describe how well we were taken care of--from the beautiful accommodations at Hotel Dupont, to the tours and lectures at Winterthur, to the dining experiences.

Itinerary Page 1

Itinerary Page 2

Lastly, the retreat participants....I met many wonderful stitchers who came from near and far.  There were a few of us from Delaware, but most came from elsewhere.   I've requested a Facebook page be set up for those of us stitching the Tree of Life so we can encourage each other as we work on this piece.

If Doreen Finkel of Art Needlepoint Company does this again, consider it a must do retreat.


May 18, 2018--I just learned that Art Needlepoint is hosting a fabulous retreat at Winterthur Museum in Delaware from March 23 to 25, 2018. 

The initial brochure for this event can be found by clicking here.  I'm told there's a 5% discount for ANG and/or Winterthur members.  Of course, you can save a whopping 10% by registering and paying in full by July 15, 2017. 

I'm personally excited about this event because of

1) the venue
2) the techniques to be taught
3) the beautiful canvases to be offered
4) the lectures and tours

More information regarding kits, teachers and accommodations will be available shortly.  Feel free to contact Doreen at Art Needlepoint (contact information on the last page of the brochure)

It promises to be a full weekend filled with fun and information, and let's face it--anytime you can stitch with like minded spirits is a very, very good thing.

Click here to access Art Needlepoint website.

Tree of Life from Art Needlepoint

NJ Needle Festival 6th Annual - 4/17/16

April 17, 2016--On Saturday, April 16th, I attended the 6th Annual New Jersey Needle Festival put together by Susan Hoekstra, and had a blast.  This is a one day retreat type of event with lots of vendors and every type of stitching you can imagine.  This is the second time I've attended and it was wonderful to catch up with friends from last year and make new ones this year.   Of course, I didn't just drive up for the day (it's a long 3.5 hours away).  Instead, I stayed over Friday night, enjoying a delicious dinner at the Red Oak Grill in Bedminster, NJ with many who were also attending the festival.

There were lots of us stitching the beautiful ANG Stitch-of-the Month (SOTM) project designed by Susan Hoekstra and it was fun to see all the different colorways as shown in one of the photos below (courtesy of Rosi).

Table 1 from L to R:
(back row) Ginny, Buff, Margaret
(front row) Sylvia, Rona, Melita, me, Lori

ANG SOTM Different Colorways