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Monday, November 19, 2018

Another Stitchery Block completed

I’ve just completed my pohutukawa stitchery block, number six of the nine New Zealand botanical blocks I’m making.  These designs by Jenny Hunter were published in New Zealand Quilter magazine as applique blocks, and I enlarged them a little, and traced them to work as stitcheries.

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With it’s glossy green leaves and crimson spiky stamens topped with yellow, these coastal trees really make a statement when they are in flower over Christmas.  Known as the New Zealand Christmas Tree, they are an iconic part of a Kiwi summer.

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The pohutukawa grows up to 25 metres (82 ft) high, with a spreading, dome-like form. It usually grows as a multi-trunked spreading tree.  The tree flowers from November to January with a peak in mid to late December (the Southern Hemisphere summer), with brilliant crimson flowers covering the tree, hence the nickname New Zealand Christmas tree.

7 comments:

Janice said...

I love your latest block. Thanks for giving the info on the tree.

Carla A Few Of My Favorite Things said...

What a gorgeous tree and your block is gorgeous too

Nancy J said...

Love the block. Cold here in the Manawatu, back to winter merino clothing again!!!

Kim said...

How pretty your pohutukawa stitchery block is. I love those sweet flowers you have stitched. How wonderful to see the Pohutukawa tree at this time of the year. It would certainly add a brilliant dose of crimson colour to the landscape.

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

very pretty design and I love that tree - it is huge

Michelle Ridgway said...

Beautiful trees and your pretty stitchery is a wonderful tribute x

Karen S said...

Lovely work on your block. I enjoy seeing each one as it is finished.
The trees do look stunning. How special to have them bloom at Christmas time.