First of all I love the name Gillyflower - it’s kind of generic term used for several  different flowers such as Carnations, Sweet William, Pinks, and Clove Pink.  It’s been said that the word Gillyflower derived from the French word “juillet” meaning July as these flowers mainly bloomed, of course, in the month of July.  Carnations were historically grown in the 17th century Tudor gardens for their spicy scent and most often could be seen growing in pots. 

 The Gillyflower signified admiration, hope and joy.  It also has been used to symbolize the Virgin Mary.  There is a beautiful painting by Raphael called the “Madonna of the Pinks”

 I really enjoyed designing and stitching the Gillyflower scissors keep and fob in this month’s issue of The Gift of Stitching so much that I am working on designing a sampler with a similar theme. 

I also fell in love with the Regency Lady design by Barbara Westhoven of West Wind Cross Stitch and had to print the chart out right away.