Christmas Garden

A robin has landed on the snow-covered handle of a garden tool, surrounded by holly branches heavy with red berries and a sprig of pine. The winter blue fabric is left partly unstitched and lights up the design, which makes a seasonal piece worth bringing out year after year.

The work is counted from the chart, as the Aida is not printed. The threads come already sorted by colour, so stitching can start straight away; you only need a small pair of scissors and, if you like the fabric taut, a hoop or frame. The frame shown is not included: once finished, the piece can be framed or made into a cushion.