In the wind

A wide, horizontal floral composition: deep red blooms with petals that look suspended in mid-air, a design that works well above a sideboard or along a hallway wall. The kit comes with the DMC stranded cotton already sorted on the organiser, so you can start straight away by following the chart.

Linen of this count is usually worked over two threads with one strand of stranded cotton, for a fine, softly shaded result; two strands give fuller coverage. You will also want a hoop or frame and good lighting. The frame shown in the photo is not included: once finished, the piece looks its best mounted with a mount board that sets off the pale background.