Variety Of Life

A row of birds from the largest to the smallest, from barn owl to sparrow, taken from an original watercolour by Hannah Dale for Wrendale Designs. The speckled background is already printed on the fabric, so only the birds are stitched and the work grows quickly despite the long, narrow format.

As well as cross stitch, the design uses back stitch for the outlines and a few French knots, so it suits stitchers with a little experience. The frame is not included: the panoramic shape works well in a landscape frame above a door or on a shelf. A hoop or frame and a small pair of embroidery scissors make the stitching easier.