Winter

A robin among the red bracts of a poinsettia, from a design by Marjolein Bastin, the Dutch illustrator known for her nature subjects. It is worked in counted cross stitch on evenweave fabric, stitching over the threads of the ground, usually two at a time: the weave is finer than Aida and holds soft detail and shading, so it suits stitchers with a little experience.

Everything needed for the stitching is in the box, DMC threads included and already sorted on the organiser. You only need to add a hoop and a frame for finishing: once completed, the piece makes a picture to hang at Christmas or a handmade seasonal gift.