The Water's Edge

A riverbank full of wildlife: a kingfisher on a blossom branch, a heron standing in the shallows, an otter with her cubs, a small bird and two mice among water lilies and reeds. Hannah Dale's watercolour style is carried by the speckled background already printed on the fabric, which stands in for sky and water, so only the animals are stitched and there is no solid background to fill.

The design is worked from the chart in counted cross stitch, with back stitch for the outlines and French knots for the details. Threads, needle, chart and instructions are all in the box; you only need to add a hoop or frame and small scissors. A picture frame is not included, but the finished piece laces neatly over board for framing.