Free from the birdcage

A garden still life: the cage stands open, the doves have settled among the flowerpots, and a pale blue folding chair sits between geraniums and a basket of lemons. The subtly printed background gives the scene depth before the first stitch goes in.

The design is worked in cross stitch over two threads of evenweave, with back stitch for the finer outlines. With this many shades it helps to sort the threads onto the organizer provided and work area by area. You will also need a hoop or frame and small scissors, which are not included, as is the frame for display. A pale mount suits the soft, sunny colours well.