Forest of Dreams

A glowing clearing deep in the woods, with the animals gathering among the bluebells: the sleeping fawn in the foreground, the squirrel, the mouse, the weasel and the barn owl perched on its branch. The pale butterflies and the specks of light come from french knots and fine backstitch lines, worked last once all the cross stitch is finished.

The kit includes fabric, threads, needle and chart: you only need a hoop or frame, small scissors and good light. Fifty shades and a number of blended squares call for careful chart reading, so this is a project for stitchers with some experience behind them. The frame shown is not included.