Friday Feeling

Hannah Dale's dachshund comes bounding towards you, ears flying and red collar on show: a watercolour portrait translated into cross stitch, with the coat shaded by blending thread colours. The background is already printed with fine speckles, so only the dog is stitched and the work grows faster than the size suggests.

The stranded cottons come pre-sorted and numbered on a card organiser, which keeps the shades easy to follow. You will also want small scissors and, if you prefer the fabric held taut, a hoop or frame. A frame is not included: the finished piece can be mounted to measure or made up into a cushion.