Vision

A close-up portrait of a macaw: flame-red plumage, a yellow eye and a large pale beak against a green, forest-like background. The design belongs to The Menagerie range of animal portraits, taken from original artwork by Rachel Froud.

It is worked mainly in cross stitch, with a little back stitch to sharpen the outlines; the full-colour printing under the stitches makes it easy to keep your place, and the threads come already sorted by shade. All you need to add is a hoop or frame and a small pair of scissors. The many tones in the feathers mean frequent colour changes, so it suits stitchers with some experience. A picture frame is not included.