Blue Tits & Blossoms

A long, narrow panel showing a group of blue tits perched among apple blossom, designed by Marjolein Bastin: leaves, pink buds and soft blue feathers are built up from subtle shades, so good light and a chart close at hand both help. The long stitches and back stitch outline twigs and details and are worked at the very end.

The horizontal format suits a frame above a sofa or a sideboard: the frame is not included, and neither are a hoop or scissors. With a piece of fabric this size, a scroll frame or a large hoop moved along as you go makes the work easier to handle.