Three field mice clamber over a terracotta pot of purple crocuses, a length of twine trailing between their paws: a Hannah Dale painting turned into cross stitch. The speckled fabric is part of the illustration, so the background is left unstitched around the design.
You work from a symbol chart, counting the stitches; fractional stitches, back stitch outlines and French knots finish the little faces and whiskers, which makes the kit easier going if you have a few projects behind you. Alongside the kit you will want a hoop or frame and small scissors; the frame is not included and can be chosen once the stitching is done.