Holly Jolly Amaryllis

A festive composition by Marjolein Bastin: pale hellebores, red berries and holly sprigs around a large amaryllis, with birch-bark vases adding depth. Much of the white ground is left bare, so the stitching seems to float on the fabric.

It is worked in counted cross stitch on evenweave, usually with two strands of stranded cotton over two fabric threads; the back stitch outlines and long stitches are added at the end to define petals and stems. Frame and hoop are not included: at this size a large frame or a sturdy hoop helps, along with good light for following the many shades of green and red.