Jane Austen

A true Austen sampler: dancing couples, country walks, horses and little dogs, ladies and gentlemen in Regency dress, with the titles of the six novels and the characters' names back stitched all around.

It is a demanding piece, both for its size and for the amount of detail: alongside full cross stitch there are fractional stitches for the faces and smaller figures, French knots and a good deal of fine lettering. A hoop or frame and good light make the work easier, and the lettering is best worked with a single strand where the chart calls for it. The frame is not included; mounted with a pale mount, the finished piece makes a lovely gift for a lover of English literature.