Lavender: a timeless and versatile flower

What first comes to mind when you think of lavender? Maybe lavender scented lotion or soap? Maybe it's the essential oil that you use to help calm yourself after a long and exhausting day?

How we use lavender

We use lavender as a way to calm our anxieties and sometimes even in cooking. I did actually make a lavender chicken one time. For some reason I thought that the lavender was actually rosemary and didn't even try to smell it. Oops. Chicken tasted great though!

Brief history of the uses of lavender

Lavender has been grown and used for thousands of years as a way to help people ease the effects of insomnia, anxiety, and even digestive issues.  This fragrant plant is native to the Mediterranean region and many civilizations, from the ancient Egyptians to the Greeks and Romans to even Queen Elizabeth I of England, have benefitted from this miraculous plant.

The ancient Egyptians used lavender in the mummification process and as a perfume. The Greeks and Romans used it for bathing, cooking, and for its healing properties. During the Middle Ages, people started using lavender to repel insects and to add a sweet and fresh aroma to their homes, which then turned into a widely popular perfume.

Today, lavender is still widely used for its medicinal and therapeutic properties. It is used to help treat anxiety, depression, insomnia, and headaches. Lavender essential oil is also used in aromatherapy and as a natural insect repellent. In the culinary world, lavender is used to flavor baked goods, teas, and desserts. It is also used in soaps, lotions, and other beauty products for its fragrance and soothing properties. And, in some cases, it is used to flavor chicken.

Overall, lavender has a rich and varied history, and its many uses have been appreciated for centuries. From ancient Egypt to modern times, lavender continues to be a beloved herb for its beauty, fragrance, and therapeutic properties.

Florals for Quilt Block Mania

As the fragrant flower of rest and relaxation, I've chosen lavender as my quilt block for the March 2023 collection of Quilt Block Mania. I love not only the timelessness of lavender, but also the warming and inviting scent it offers.

 The Lavender quilt block is a zoomed in view of the top of the lavender plant, which has 3 flowers. Use this block in a sampler quilt, as a focus block in a medallion quilt, or even as a small pillow.

Now that Quilt Block Mania has passed, the quilt block is no longer available as a free pattern. However, join my email list (you can sign up at the bottom of the page) to be the first to know when it will be available again.

Don't forget to check out all the amazing quilt blocks this month. You can find links to the other designers who are also exploring the theme of Floral for Quilt Blocks Mania this month.

Chubby Daisy Quilt block by Carolina Moore
Violet by Inquiring Quilter
Dahlia by Inflorescence Designs
Poppy by Boberry Design Co
Summer Poppies
Coronation Bloomd
Rose of Sharon by QuiltFabrication
Irises by Paleofish Designs
Lavender by Palm Creations
Crocuses at Patti's Patchwork
Tulip by Penny Spool Quilts
Improv Pansy at Lovingly, Lissa
Daisy by Appliques Quilts and More
Cone Flower
Summer Flower by Crafty Staci
Mother Nature's Memos
Kaye Collins- Big Blossom
Flower Shop
Star Flower Quilt Block
FPP Flower at The (not so) Dramatic Life
Spring Tulip by Around the Bobbin
Pretty Pot
Happy Sunflowers by Blue Bear Quilts
Poppy by Sallys' Sewing Circle
Reversible Flower Block | Happy Hippie Studio
Primrose Pinwheels by A Piece of Quiet Quilts
Flower power