Ol' St Nick

An old-fashioned Santa in a red coat flecked with snow, a green sack over his shoulder and a little fir tree in his hands, under the words «Merry Christmas» and among snow-covered pines. The light sage green of the Aida is left bare and stands in for a winter sky.

The design is counted: cross stitch for the filled areas, back stitch for the outlines and French knots for the details, using stranded cottons already sorted on the organiser, plus metallic threads for the glint of snow. You will also want a hoop or frame and good light; the picture frame is not included. Once finished, the piece can be framed or made up into a Christmas cushion.