Green Pastures

A flock at pasture with a pheasant perched on the dry stone wall, taken from Hannah Dale's watercolours. The background is already printed on the fabric, so you only stitch the animals and the details: the work grows quickly and sits on soft, washy colour that plain white Aida could never give.

Alongside cross stitch you will use back stitch for the outlines and French knots for small details, two stitches that are easy to pick up even if you have never tried them. A hoop or frame and a sharp pair of embroidery scissors make the stitching easier; framing is not included, so choose a moulding and a pale mount once the piece is finished.