I Wonder If Anyone Lives Down There?

A hedgerow scene taken from Jill Barklem's Brambly Hedge watercolours: a mouse peers into a burrow tucked under stems heavy with blackberries. The design is printed in full colour on the Aida, so you can see at a glance where each area goes, but the stitching is still counted cross stitch, with outlines and fine details worked in back stitch — a project for someone with a little experience.

The threads come ready sorted on the organiser, so there is nothing to prepare before you start. All you need to add is a hoop or frame and a sharp pair of embroidery scissors; a frame is not included and is best chosen once the piece is finished, allowing for the margin of fabric around the stitching.