I so do love these quaint, old Ingall's motifs from the late 1800's. A bit of a Valentine's theme, or something straight out of a Jane Austen novel. Perhaps it's Miss Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy strollling along arm in arm. Doves cooing softly overhead. Feel free to copy and trace if you wish.
This sweet motif reminds me of my wedding day. A pair of doves appeared (for the first time ever) in a tree outside my window. I marveled at that, counted it as a good omen and tucked the memory away. A few years later, after moving to a new home in another town, doves visited again and actually roosted near the front door. A house blessing! We lived in that house for 12 years, and I only saw them one other time, right after the birth of our third child, seven years later when a gray pair perched outside the nursery room window on a vine-covered wall. I watched them resting there for about ten minutes before they flew off.
That beautiful moment is still so clear in my mind. We've since moved a thousand miles north and I've only seen them twice. Once at the last house and again after moving out here to our "country house". A small flock landed in a tree near the back porch. I guess they were making up for lost time. Enjoy the free pattern. May it bring a little love to your neck of the woods.
What lovely memories, and comforting images.
It makes me happy for you that you have enjoyed these gentle symbols of happiness and peace at key moments in your life.
Posted by: Natalie VV | January 10, 2012 at 10:56 AM
A sweet memory you have here! Do you mind I download it and do a little embroidery? I am ready for some embroidery in this new year~
Posted by: Chase | January 10, 2012 at 01:30 PM
A beautiful pattern and a lovely story Vicki! Several years ago, we had a pair of Turtle Doves. They stayed for the Summer months and left and I haven't seem them since. They're a bit different than the Mourning Doves that we have. They were white and so beautiful!
Thank you for the pattern! It's gorgeous! And thank you for the extra. (You know what I mean!) I love my little pink kitty so much!!! Please tell the girls! I left them some very nice feedback at Etsy! I'm keeping my eyeballs open for more little kitties! I have a friend who would love to have one!
Hugs, Pam
Posted by: Pam Kellogg | January 10, 2012 at 02:46 PM
Yes, that is exactly what they are to me!
Posted by: vicki haninger | January 11, 2012 at 08:30 AM
Sure, feel free to use the pattern!
Posted by: vicki haninger | January 11, 2012 at 08:31 AM
Perfect for Valentine's Day!
Posted by: Mom Wald | January 11, 2012 at 10:38 AM
Many Thanks for the embroidery pattern! I love these designs as well; they have such an old-fashioned appeal.
Posted by: Debra Wortman | January 11, 2012 at 06:35 PM
Thank you for the pattern and for shareing your prescious memories. I too love Jane Austen, and thought of the same book. I wish you and your family many more prescious memories in the new year.
Posted by: Velma | January 12, 2012 at 11:14 AM
This is perfect for Valentine's Day! I love embroidery and have always wanted to try some redwork. Maybe this is the right time! Thank you for sharing this pattern.
Posted by: Betsy Thompson | January 13, 2012 at 02:48 PM
Isn't that interesting, about the doves? I wonder at those sorts of "signs". I have a friend who has a butterfly visit her at such times, and she finds that a comfort, as she equates it with her grandmother. It often appears at times when she needs to know that things will be okay.
I love these kinds of old redwork patterns. This one is perfect for Valentine's Day. Thank you for sharing it Vicki.
Posted by: Lena | January 15, 2012 at 11:18 AM