Poise

A stag facing forward, antlers branching out and its coat shading from pink to yellow and blue against a soft pastel sky: a design by Rachel Froud from The Menagerie range. The Aida is printed in full colour across the whole surface, so the background is already there and the stitching concentrates on the animal, following the chart stitch by stitch.

The work is done in cross stitch, with a little back stitch to outline the eyes, muzzle and antlers; the stranded cottons come pre-sorted and ready to use. A hoop or frame and a small pair of scissors make the work easier. A picture frame is not included: the square finished piece lends itself well to framing.