IDAHO - Syringa

 
Here we have the next addition to the State Flower Quilt.  One by one they are getting done! At the moment, there's a gale blowing in--I'm stitching, and storm watching (simultaneously), and dreaming about spring, when flowers like this one will be in bloom once again. 

For Idaho, it's the lovely Syringa (Philadelphus lewisii), which is actually from the hydrangea family.  The white flowers are fragrant and similar to that of an orange blossom, earning it the nickname of "mock orange".  I mentioned a bit of a dilemma in my last post regarding this flower.  What happened was, when I began researching it (to make sure I got the colors right this time), I noticed the flower heads consisted of only four petals, which is one of the things that make it particularly unique.  However, the original state flower block had tiny clusters of five-petaled flowers.  That seemed odd to me, so upon closer investigation, I discovered that a lilac of a similar name (syringia) may have been confused with syringa.  It did sort of look like a lilac.  (Click on image to see larger).

So---it was back to the drawing board. 

 
And here's the new block.  You can print it out and trace it, or send me a self-addressed stamped envelope (email me for the PatternBee address) and I'll send you the updated hot-iron transfer for it.  I've read that there is a fifth petal occasionally, so the old design is not entirely off.  But I do like the new version a lot better as far as accuracy goes, which I'm sure will be important to, and especially appreciated by our Idaho people out there who are stitching along, and know first-hand what the flower actually looks like!  

COLORS:  As always, are your choice--what I used for the petals was a pale yellow, DMC #3823; (also used this for the hawthorn) to depict white flowers on the white back-ground.  Stamens; yellow DMC #743.  To add color and "freshness", I used J&P Coats varigated green cotton floss.  Three strands were used throughout, with 2 strands for French Knots.    

Interesting facts about Syringa:  After the state of Idaho entered the union, representatives began the business of choosing a state flower.  The syringa had already been named as the floral emblem--and was the flower chosen to represent the state at the 1893 World's Expo in Chicago.  However, it wasn't officially designated until 1931.  Syringa has a wide growing range, and can be found in northern California, western Montana, parts of British Columbia, as well as in Idaho where they flourish in the central and northern part of the state, where moist soil found along streams, dry ravines, rocky areas and canyons contribute to its cultivation.  Native American Indians used the bark and branches of the woody shrub, which can reach a height of nine feet tall, for pipes, arrows, combs, and snowshoes.  The bark and leaves were also used to make soap.  Gee, who knew?

UPDATED 2/18---I forgot to mention that the State Flower Quilt pattern sold on the website will no longer include the old block--but the updated Syringa flower block.

Comments

[Sarah]

I have wanted to learn how to embroider for years. I inherited my Mom's embroidery supplies a few years ago and have tried to teach myself a few times but never stuck with it. Thanks to you, I want a State Flower Quilt...I'm going to learn how to embroider!

I haven't read all of the comments on the flower squares, so someone may have already suggested this: Write a book on the quilt! Your stories behind the flowers are as lovley as the flowers themselves.

Thank you!

[Muriel]

merci de france pour vos modeles amitiees

[Account Deleted]

I have a mock orange in my garden, that I planted because I love my friend Nancy's. Mine has never bloomed! I don't know why. I need to study up on it. Nancy brings me big bunches that she cuts from her bush, and the smell is heavenly. I can't think of anything that smells quite like it.

Lilacs though, are one of my favorite flowers, and a favorite scent. It's the scent I wear from time to time.

This quilt is going to be a real treasure Vicki. So much work as gone into it, and your chronicle of making it, will make it even more special.