Recently we were asked to join in a theme of spring flowers, we were given a flower and left to our own devices. I was given the beautiful daffodil. The daffodil symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings. It became associated with new beginnings (and the coming of spring) because it is one of the first perennials to bloom after the winter frost. … The Latin name for daffodil is Narcissus. It is believed to be named after the son of the river god from Greek mythology. Daffodils are said to symbolize friendship as well as new beginnings. They are one of the first signs of Spring and are also strongly associated with Easter because of this reason. In China, the daffodil symbolizes good fortune and they are the official Chinese New Year symbol.
Daffodils were introduced into gardens in about 300BC. The Greek botanist and philosopher Theophrastus listed and described many of the earliest known kinds of narcissus in his nine-volume ‘Enquiry into Plants’. Daffodils were brought to Britain by the Romans who thought that the sap from daffodils had healing powers.
I am collecting fabrics for a Victorian Christmas quilt which involves a lot of free motion sewing therefore I decided to attempt to free motion an image of daffodils. I found a design I could trace onto a piece of plain fabric, I added wadding and backing as I find this gives the piece a bit of stability. I lowered the feed dogs, attached the free motion foot and threaded the machine in grey. I gain courage and put on the quilting gloves to give a little extra grip. Then I went for it, I work in small sections at a time, I try to keep an even speed going to ensure even stitches. I remember one of the workshop angels from festival of quilts a few years ago reminding me to put my shoulders back and breathe, I find this useful advice.
I will add borders to this and make it into a mat or a table runner. I encourage everyone to have a play at free motion sewing, remember to practice, maybe start with your name.
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