CONNECTICUT--Mt. Laurel

 
Today we have the second block for Mountain Laurel.  This flower was introduced back here, as it is also chosen for the state of Pennsylvania.  (There are a lot more details about it in that post.)  Both blocks are stitched in slightly different colors.  This one has more color shades in the flowers; the other has more contrast in the leaves.  I'm forever experimenting it seems--but I do like them equally well.  You can follow my examples, or choose the color combinations that appeal to you. 

Here's a little more about this beautiful flower.  The Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia), has fragrant, pink and white blossoms that bloom in May and June along roadsides and in forests.  It is sometimes called, ivy bush, calico bush, spoonwood, and sheep laurel.  It is one of the most spectacular looking native American shrubs, although all parts of this plant are poisonous.  Because of its beauty alone, over 3,000 women urged the state legislature to adopt the mountain laurel as Connecticut's state flower, even though not everyone was fond of the idea.  But supportive lawmakers received sprigs of mountain laurel on their desks, and so it was adopted on April 17, 1907.

 

COLORS:  petals--light pink #761, and medium pink #768; buds--dark pink #899; flower centers--white; leaves #367; letters--smoke gray #645.

So, next we have block number 49--for Nebraska.  (Get ready for French Knots galore!)

Comments

[Teresa Kasner]

That is so pretty, I've seen that flower and was blow away by it. I need one for my garden!
((hugs)), Teresa :-)

[Vee]

Very pretty! I like it very much. I'll probably do some for my daughter on pillowcases, too. My quilt folder is very full so I know that we are nearing the end. I've also been looking at directions and thoughts for putting these together. I don't think mine will be a quilt. I think it'll be a wall hanging and I do believe that I'll use one piece of fabric for the embroidery portions. I may separate each "block" with some embroidery stitch, but anytime I can avoid sewing on the machine is a good thing. Then I'll find some sort of backing. I'm up for suggestions, too. Thanks so much for all you have done on this project. And thanks, too, to your able assistant!