Thank you for all the lovely comments--and Lena for remembering Miss Rumphius! (We actually have that book around here somewhere--an inspirational read at any age.) One thing I forgot to mention in my last post--as I sat and sighed, and contemplated the white garden, is that it is also Lily's final resting place. Actually, I didn't make the connection between white flowers and our beloved white cat immediately, rather it was a slow and serendipitous dawning; as these things sometimes are, bringing us an unexpected blessing. In my heart from now on, white lupine will always be Lily's flower.
And speaking of white gardens...ready or not, here comes another gorgeous white one, this time for the state of North Carolina. It is the second block for Dogwood, the other one represents Virginia. The designs are slightly different, but I used the same colors because I really liked how that first block turned out. They are listed below, but as always, feel free to "paint" your flowers any way you wish.
My trusty research assistant (aka Miss Ginger), has gathered a few facts for me to share. By the way, I'm loving this arrangement. I give her a flower card and she returns it all filled out. It's a wonderful way to learn and she's helping me at the same time. Anyway, the dogwood (cornus florida), blossoms in early spring and into summer, so many of you are most likely already enjoying the blooms, as they grow almost everywhere including the mountains and the coast. It was so common in North Carolina, growing throughout the state, that it was adopted on March 15, 1941 as the official flower.
COLORS: outside flower petals--cream #3823; pink #356; flower centers-- yellow #744; stems/leaves--green #988 & #989; letters--smoke gray #645.
So that's it for today. Have fun stitching until we meet again . . .
LOVE this. As they would say in North Carolina (my son lives there)...that is real purty, darlin.
xo, Cheryl
Posted by: Whosyergurl | June 14, 2011 at 11:48 AM
Miss Rumphius is one of my favorite books. I've given it as gifts many times, and it always becomes a favorite it seems. The story and illustrations are lovely, and so is this square. I love dogwood trees. I have a pink one, but the white ones are my favorites.
xo
Posted by: Account Deleted | June 14, 2011 at 12:33 PM
I thought we had just seen this flower.
The story about Lily and your lupine/white garden just makes me smile. How very special.
Posted by: Vee | June 14, 2011 at 05:43 PM
Oh Vicki, I am so sorry to hear about your beautiful Lily. I remember being so taken with her beautiful eyes and am so happy to have recreated her in cross stitch for you.
My heart is with you and your family.
Hugs, Pam
Posted by: Pam Kellogg | June 16, 2011 at 03:42 AM
Thank you Pam, I am also very grateful to have her immortalized in stitch! I'm sending you a hug back. :o)
As a matter of fact, we were just talking about that pillow/pattern recently and how neat is was that we have it. Lily was such a big part of our family and we miss her terribly--still. I appreciate your kindness!
xox
Vicki
Posted by: vicki haninger | June 17, 2011 at 09:55 AM
I just came across your blog looking for a hibiscus pattern. I realized this state quilt pattern is one that my late grandmother must have used to create a beautiful state flower quilt for my mother. I am writing my mother to see if I can get a photo of it (complete with 'prairie rose' spelled wrong!) and will share it with you when I get it. I am so excited to have come across this. Thanks!
Posted by: Jen | June 20, 2011 at 02:51 AM
Excellent! I look forward to seeing it. I've also heard from a few others whose moms, aunts, and grandmothers made this quilt back in the day!
VH
Posted by: vicki haninger | June 20, 2011 at 06:46 AM
I'm glad I was able to do that for you Vicki. I confess, my heart is still broken. I was just so taken with her beauty and it was so obvious how much you loved her. She was such a beautiful kitty.
Hugs, Pam
Posted by: Pam Kellogg | June 21, 2011 at 04:50 AM