Apricot blossom

A quiet still life: apricot branches full of white blossom and, below, ripe fruit with one apricot cut in half. The soft shading of the petals and the light on the skin come from the many thread colours, while the backstitch outlines define branches and details at the end of the work.

Everything needed for stitching is included, but not the frame; a hoop or stretcher frame and a small pair of sharp scissors are worth adding. The fabric leaves a generous margin around the design, so the finished piece is easy to mount and frame. With 43 colours and gradual shading, it suits stitchers with some counted cross stitch practice and good light.