Pumpkin Pie Chase

A sugary little scene, with small animals busy among cakes, whipped cream and fruit, set against a checked background dotted with hearts. The kit holds everything needed for counted cross stitch: you follow the chart square by square, usually with two strands of stranded cotton on the 16 count Aida, which gives small, crisply defined stitches.

The even weave of Aida keeps counting straightforward even with little experience, while the 38 shades and soft pinks make the scene grow quickly under the needle. A hoop or frame is handy while stitching, and the picture frame is not included: the finished piece can be framed or made into a decorative panel for a kitchen or a child's room.