Aunt Joan's sampler is finished

I'm pleased to say I've finished Aunt Joan's sampler.  This image shows it laid out, prior to hemming. As usual the final additions - the central section with the pattern pieces - did not take very long to stitch.  It is always the border that takes the longest.  Because I know what size I want the embroidery to be, I mark out the border first.  Also, I had the ideas for what the border would be (inspired by Sissinghurst), what the alphabet at the top would be (styled from her handwriting), examples of her style of embroidery (all counted work, carefully executed) and the description of what her values were (researched from my cousins).  It took me a lot longer to come up with the idea of using dress making and glove making patterns to show the depth and breadth of her skills, yet this bit was the quickest to stitch.

Portrait of Aunt Joan

I've been galvanised into action to prepare for the Private View at Dundas Street Gallery in Edinburgh, where my Self Portrait will be shown as part of the Women's History Month exhibition.  I've booked my flights and hotel.  I'm losing weight to get into my 1960s shift dress (3lbs so far!) - I need to lose half a stone by 6 March.

I went to my art class, and took some invitations for the Private View.  I felt really self conscious.  I very much wanted someone to come to the PV, but it's a long way to go to Edinburgh, would require an overnight stay, and would involve a fair bit of spending for anyone to attend, what with flights or trains, and accommodation.  To my utter astonishment, 3 people wanted to come!  Lori and her husband love Edinburgh, and this will give them a reason for a trip to Scotland.  Karin and Sheila also want to support me and my work, and would enjoy a trip away, and would take in some galleries too!  How good is that!

I've started trying out different images for a new business card - I think this might be the image, but I'm struggling to get it right in all the details.  This might be unconventional, but I think it will be great for the above event, as it is a section from my sampler.  I've taken about a dozen shots on my camera phone, in different lights, and with varying degrees of ironing and pressing.  But only the first 2 shots are appearing on My Photos from iCloud.  Still working on this one.

Potential business card image.