Savouring the Last
I can feel the pull of autumn, and see the signs of the shifting season. But something in me isn't quite ready to let go. It's the last flower on our Wild Irish Flora journey. The last days of summer. The last years of my children's childhood. And I find myself lingering. The culture is often to rush into the next thing. But what if the signs of the changing season aren't a bell telling us to move along, but a reminder to treasure the last. I'm holding on as long as I can and cherishing the last of these fleeting seasons I know won't last forever.
A Lifelong Friend
I've been chasing daisies...for a lifetime. In Ireland, we're graced with an abundance of Common Daisies. As a child I made bracelets with them, linking their stems. As a young girl, they'd tell me if he loved me (thankfully he loves me!). And as a young mum I'd spend hours playing daisy art with my little girl (by then with rings, necklaces and belts to match too!). Much like buttercups, daisies have kept me company my whole life...a little doorway on my doorstep to the natural world.
Our stunning coastline is dotted with another native daisy treasure...the Oxeye Daisy. And since we've travelled through forest, field and hedgerow on our Wild Irish journey...we thought it only right to take you to the Irish coast. It's blustery and rugged so wrap up and grab your walking shoes (make that wellies!).
Chasing Daisies on the North Coast
The North Coast near our home is breathtaking. It's also pretty treacherous in parts as I thought about where we could safely film. My friend Jane recommended Madman's Window just outside Glenarm. I've travelled this coastline endlessly since I was wee but somehow never stopped here. It's a fascinating rock formation tucked away from the road and reachable only by bum shuffling up and down a steep track. Picture the four of us like the Grand old Duke of York (and his 10,000 men) marching up and down bumpy cliffs, loaded up with filming equipment. We might have been mad ourselves but boy was it worth it.
The rocks form a giant window looking out over the Irish Sea. Legend has it a man lost his love and would sit at the window each day praying for her safe return. I got to sit there and stitch for a while, with the Scottish coastline framed in sight. Thankfully not mourning my lost love but waving to my friend Rachel in the Hebrides! (Hello my love!).
If there's anything the Irish coastline will deliver...it's stunning views, weather that will exfoliate your skin and an adventure you won't forget! In usual form, we made a family day (or two) of filming, packed a picnic and clothing for all four seasons and hit the road. We meandered along the winding coastline from ancient ruins to deserted beaches and hidden harbours. We found abundant pockets of Oxeye Daisies but somehow our eyes (and camera) were drawn to the breathtaking scenes on the horizon. We went looking for daisies and found adventure. Just like the rest of this embroidery collection, the journey has surprised me every time. Daisies once again kept me company as we savoured one last dance with summer to end this incredible wild adventure I know we will never forget.
Design Notes
Sometimes, as a designer, you can feel the weight of trying to capture something beautiful and iconic in nature. But
Daisies somehow gave me a lightness...a freedom to embrace simplicity. My heart leaned towards my beloved daisy chains, and my pencil followed the familiar weaving circle of daisy heads I remembered from childhood. The pattern is dainty to express their delicacy but equally dense to capture each flower's abundance of petals. I love the pattern worked in a tiny 4 inch hoop, clinging to the edges and filling the frame. Alternatively, it can be stitched in a 5 inch hoop if you prefer more negative space, or simply want a little more room while stitching before returning it to a 4 inch hoop for display.
Make it Yours
The daisy wreath sits beautifully framed in a hoop. It also makes the sweetest detail worked onto a drawstring gift bag. And I can just imagine it on clothing, stitched along a cuff or neckline...reminiscent of those childhood days of daisy jewellery.
I hope this pattern helps you linger, retrace the steps of childhood, savour one more dance with summer and treasure the art of the daisy.
If you'd like to stitch the Honeysuckle you'll find the pattern right here, and some FAQs below.
An Irish Goodbye
It's hard to believe our Wild Irish Flora journey is at its end. You can
retrace our steps here, where you'll find each chapter of our adventure. I'm so grateful for your company friend, as we've chased wildflowers across Ireland and captured them in thread.
Of course, while I say this is farewell to our
Wild Irish Flora, it's an Irish goodbye. If you've ever said goodbye to an Irish person, you'll know...there are at least 10 rounds of goodbyes, important news you can't possibly forget to share and another round for tea before you go! Let's call this our closing encore...I have a few wee surprises for you up my daisy-chained sleeve!
Let's linger and savour the last.
Much love and gratitude,
Lisa xx
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Daisies embroidery pattern suitable for beginners?
Yes. Daisies uses a small selection of traditional hand embroidery stitches and includes clear guidance to help you through the project. You'll also receive access to a video tutorial, making it a lovely pattern for newer embroiderers as well as more experienced stitchers looking for a simple project.
What size embroidery hoop do I need?
The Daisies wreath is designed to sit beautifully within a 4 inch (100 mm) embroidery hoop, where the flowers reach towards the edge of the frame. You can also stitch it in a 5 inch hoop if you'd prefer more negative space or simply a little more room while you work.
What fabric is best for the Daisies embroidery pattern?
A medium-weight woven fabric works beautifully. Cotton, linen and cotton-linen blends around 180–200 gsm are all good choices. The design can also be embroidered onto suitable woven clothing or added to a sewing project.
Can I use the Daisies embroidery design on clothing or sewing projects?
Absolutely. Although the wreath is lovely displayed in its hoop, it can also be used to embellish clothing, bags and other sewn projects. I particularly love the idea of adapting its little daisies around a cuff or neckline, reminiscent of the daisy chain jewellery of childhood.
How do I transfer the embroidery pattern onto fabric?
The design can be traced onto your fabric using a light box or a bright window and a suitable fabric marking tool. Full guidance for preparing your fabric, printing and transferring the design is included with the pattern.
Does the Daisies embroidery pattern include a video tutorial?
Yes. Your pattern includes the downloadable embroidery guide and pattern files, along with access to a video tutorial so you can stitch along with me. Additional beginner embroidery resources are also included.
