Poppy Eyes

A black cat with amber eyes peers out from a dense bed of poppies: red and pink blooms fill the whole square and the face sits right at the centre. The 35 colours are mostly there for the shading of the petals and the fur, so the piece asks for some care when changing threads, though the chart is straightforward to follow.

On 16 count Aida the cross stitches are usually worked with two strands of stranded cotton; a hoop or frame makes the work easier and is not part of the kit, nor is the frame for display. Once finished, the square can be framed or made up into a cushion.