Here in the Pacific Northwest near my home, wild daisies are a sure sign that summer has arrived, with fields full of leggy, billowing tufts of white flowers with their characteristic yellow centers. These herbaceous perennials are relatively drought resistant, and is attractive to bees, birds and butterflies.
The daisies found in my area are usually Chrysanthemum Leucanthemum, and are considered a noxious weed in spite of their beauty. These flowers are common to all parts of the United States and Canada, as well as Europe and Asia. These camomile-like flowers are edible, and are often used in summer teas.
Like most flowers, daisies are also attached to folklore. During the Victorian era, daisies symbolized the virtues of innocence, gentleness and loyalty to one's love. They're also a classic garden plant, and many girls have plucked their petals while chanting, "he loves me, he loves me not..." during daisy season.
This pattern for a FREE Daisy Chain design is worked in cross stitch is a perfect summer project to bring a bit of the meadow indoors. It is worked using an assortment of variegated and over-dyed embroidery floss, and the different colors and tones in these flosses add depth and shading to an otherwise plain design. The solid black background adds drama.
Finished Size of Stitched Area:5 x 5 inches square
Materials Needed for an 8 x 8 Project:
• one skein each of DMC 6-Strand Embroidery Floss and DMC Color Variations Floss* in color numbers 4150* Desert Sand, 4073* Buttercup and 4140* Driftwood and 92 variegated green (4050* Roaming Pastures may be substituted). Note that * indicates a Color Variations color number
• one 12x12" piece of Charles Craft 14 count Aida fabric in black
• size 26 tapestry or cross stitch (blunt tipped) needle
• embroidery scissors
• 10" embroidery hoop (optional)
• Water-soluble fabric marking pen