“I would far rather have two or three lilies of the valley, gathered for me by a person I like, than the most expensive bouquet that could be bought.” I rather agree with Mrs Gibson, a character in Elizabeth Gaskell’s Wives and Daughters. There is something so touching about the delicate, waxy bells. I have planted a quantity of lily of the valley this year and hope that they will take to their new home and that next year I can pick my own posy. They are choosy little plants, so if they do settle I shall feel particularly blessed.

Anyone can tackle this design, inspired by a tiny, hand-painted illustration on an antique love letter I found at a brocante. it is a nice easy stitch, especially if you download my stitch cards, free of charge. The design is printed on a generous piece of linen, so you could make it into a needle case cover, or even make a cover for a little notebook.

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