Flowers and Birds

A corner of flowering hedgerow by Marjolein Bastin, with wild roses, meadow plants and two little birds perched among the stems: plenty of soft shading in the greens and pinks, worked in counted cross stitch from the chart.

On evenweave the stitches are usually worked over two threads, so the number of crosses per centimetre is half the thread count; the result is finer and more subtly shaded than on Aida, and a frame plus good light make the work easier. The picture frame shown in the photo is not included: once finished, the piece can be professionally framed or mounted as a panel. A substantial project, best suited to stitchers with some experience of counted work.