women of a certain age are like sunflowers; they know how to turn their faces to the sun.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Garden Variety

"Babylon drizzle: it's a crying shame.

Watching the skies and praying for rain...

Could you be the answer to the world in need?

Waiting for somebody to plant the seed.

Soul Hands..."

-Garden Variety



Sunflower Designs announces:


The Garden Variety Collection

An original series of beaded lace scarf and "shawlette" patterns, inspired by Nature in one of her most magnificent and varied manifestations:

The flower.

Beginning with Crocus Pocus in April, and Hydrangea in May/June, patterns will be released every 4-6 weeks throughout the summer and fall of 2008.

******

Designs will use seasilk by Handmaiden, a light fingering blend of silk and seacell, suitable for year round wear, in even the warmest climates.

Most, if not all, will be one-skein projects. Some will be triangular, some rectangular and some half circles, depending upon the design. All will reflect the shape and nature of the flower in color and design.


They will also include a brief description and history of the flower and the personality associated with it.

Initial plans call for:





Crocus Pocus (Dandelion sea silk)






Hydrangea (Wildflowers sea silk)








Iris (Amethyst seasilk)







Damask Rose (Rose Garden or Rose seasilk)






Bluebells (Periwinkle seasilk)





Baby’s Breath (Ivory seasilk)








Zinnia (Origin seasilk)






Sunflower (Straw or Tiger seasilk)








Chrysanthemum (Indian Summer seasilk)







Poinsettia (Sangria seasilk)



Patterns will be available on my website. I am currently exploring options for a seasilk retailer to offer kits. I am also mulling over the option of offering a discount if you "subscribe" to the entire series.

My favorite kind of garden has always been the English garden, where a profusion of bountiful blooms intermingle in a seemingly haphazard manner. The beauty of it lies in its apparent randomness, yet it is actually quite well planned in order to present a harmonious whole.

It takes all kinds to make a garden. It takes all kinds to make a world.

And we are all master gardeners in this life. If we give things the proper attention they both need and deserve, we are privileged to watch them blossom under our care: flowers, children, shawls, friends, food, music, love...

Above all, love!

The Sunflower Society on Ravelry ( a group for middle aged women who turn their faces to the sun) has a thread called, “What botanical are you?” It has been great fun to see how people identify with the different blooms. Some are pansies; some snapdragons;some daisies (the friendliest flower, as Meg Ryan christened them.)

And all of us grow in the light of God's love.

You know, the term "garden variety" has often been construed to mean "common". And we are that. We use "common" sense (hopefully!) We live "common"- place lives.

But a "commons" in a village or town means a place to meet; a place to celebrate; a place to come together. "Common" is the root of the word communion, and communion is a miraculous thing.

We are as many and as varied as the blooms in any English Garden. And we are all...

beautiful.

I hope you will embrace this new project as so many of you have taken my eastern-inspired designs into your heart and home. And I hope you will be reminded, while you work on them, of how lucky we are...

to walk in the garden.

19 comments:

Phoebe said...

Worth the wait...exciting news!

Anonymous said...

Lovely pictures and a fun idea!

Kristina B said...

What an interesting project. And sea silk... good call!

fleegle said...

Oh my--what a lovely club indeed! I will check back when you have some pricing :)

Rachel said...

Wow--you do like to give yourself challenges! Though when I read this post, I immediately thought back to your post on balance...and your 15 unfinished designs and saying enough is enough. Hmmmm. :)

I am, however, looking forward to seeing these designs take shape! I'm sure they will be beautiful!

Unknown said...

I love this. The English garden and common explanations are thoughtful and meaningful. I do want to walk in this garden.

Anonymous said...

You had me until "God's love". Blech.

Donna Lee said...

You are truly inspired. I think I could come to love shawl or shawlettes in those beautiful colors. I could become a shawl wearing knitting 50 year old lady! Not such a bad thing to be. I always have thought of my self as a lily of the valley. They are simple and fragrant and spread quietly throughout their space.

La Cabeza Grande said...

What a fabulous idea! Truly inspired, my dear.

Bea said...

Love this idea. Such fun!

Anonymous said...

How fun! I just purchased 13 skeins of Sea Silk on ebay. I'm ready!

Megan said...

oh it was so worth the wait!!! I LOVE english gardens and I love your flower selections. I'm so excited!!! As always you inspire me! =) megan

Carie @ Space for the Butterflies said...

What a realy lovely idea - I'm looking forward to walking through your garden!

Maybe you should think about doing a book of the garden patterns when you are complete?

Lucia said...

Great idea!

As for my floral identity, I think it depends on the season...

Ann said...

Such a lovely idea & I love it. The flowers you have chosen are some of my favorites & I will love to walk in that garden although it's autumn/winter here but those flowers will bring the colors to my life. Thank you & can't wait for more details.

Anonymous said...

Gosh, I was excited to think this might be Drizzle, but these sound great and I'm interested, definitely.

Anonymous said...

Drizzle, Drizzle, Drizzle...

Waiting and hoping.

KPG

Kristy said...

I'm very excited for your new club designs! You are sooooo talented!

Ronni said...

I love this idea. I would totally buy a subscription in order to be sure of not missing one. I adore SeaSilk so it would be wonderful to have an excuse to buy more. Looking forward to hearing more about this in the fullness of time.