Merry Music Makers

A little woodland Christmas concert: three mice in scarves and hats play and sing on a snowy stone. The background of golden branches and snowflakes is already printed on the fabric, so only the characters are stitched — the work grows quickly and the finished piece still has depth and atmosphere.

As well as cross stitch, the design uses back stitch outlines, lazy daisies and French knots, all explained in the chart, so a little practice with decorative stitches helps. Threads, needle and fabric are all in the box; a hoop or frame, scissors and a picture frame are bought separately. Finished, it makes a small picture to hang up every December.