Finished it Friday

This is done!  It's big at 8x10".

It's framed - now it's 13 x 16 inches.  

And, it's ...        sold.  

Yup.  Quick as a wink.  Maybe even quicker than that.  (thank you!!)  To top off my excitement, it's like it sold twice I suppose, as a friend from my highschool days just commissioned me to make a similar one for her.  That's incredible!  That's all because of Facebook.  It's my best gallery shop, hands down.

I enjoyed stitching this so much.  The repetitive motion for the entire scene was very enjoyable.  I didn't have to think to hard, though it was a long time in the creation phase.  If you go back to the top photo, you should be able to click on it to view it larger.  Would you believe it was all self-directed free motion stitches?  No zigzag was used.  When I I started it, I was expecting to be able to zigzag that whole thing, but it was ridiculous looking.  So I ended up 'drawing' the pine needled branches out all manually (if that makes any sense).

I sold the crocuses in spring embroidery and a canola  on the first day also.  I have this available as well - you've seen it before.  I've been holding on to this for the Gardenscape sale.

Deep Into Autumn, 2015 (sold)

This was my first time in 5 years I was able to spend the first day of Gardenscape working the floor.  The kids regularly have that Friday off for parent teacher interviews on this last weekend of March, so I never make it.  This year, my husband took over those duties and I luckily got to meet some of my 'regular' and out-of-town shoppers who come to Gardenscape first thing.  It was awesome.  I got to see so many of my 'guildees' too from the Saskatoon Quilt Guild and the Bridge City NeedleArts Guild.  Hugs and laughter and lots catch-up conversation left me feeling pretty grounded.

Available at SK Craft Council Boutique, 813 Broadway Ave in Saskatoon (excuse the glass glare)

Oh, and I have to tell you about this.  I had such a wonderful experience connecting with the half dozen or so very elderly people in wheelchairs pushed by loved ones through the areas to enjoy the flowers and art.  *** I have not met an elderly woman who hasn't sewn.***  Knowing this, whenever a caretaker parked a wheelchair near my area, I would take an embroidery off of my display wall and hold nearer so they could view the art more easily.  Some of the woman weren't able to speak.  But I would say, "look!  It's all sewing.  It's prairies in thread!"  Each woman, regardless of ability, would break into a moment of smile and twinkle in her eyes.  I would hold it still for them until they were ready to move on and then I would hang it back up on the wall.  Over and over, the opportunity presented itself.  I was doing it for them... but oh my gosh it felt so special for me too.  I loved those connections.  I bet it's been a long time since they've been out of the city to see the prairie too.  It was bittersweet.

(woah, pass the tissues!  aaah it's good to cry over happy things though, right?)

Saturday - I have a day of Badminton with a bunch of 10 year olds.  Ha!  Talk about switching gears.  Sunday, I will be back at Gardenscape to see what's left.  If you interested in any art while you are there, simply approach any of the volunteers and they should be able to help you.  If you see a red dot, it's sold.

Have a great weekend and enjoy Spring.  I'm pretty busy for the weekend but I'll try to catch up with you all on Tuesday.