New York City, USA

A New York side street in full spring bloom, with pink magnolias, flowering climbers and skyscrapers rising at the end of the road. The kit holds everything needed to stitch the picture: you count from the colour chart, and the backstitch outlines define branches, railings and the shape of the bicycle.

It is a project of middling difficulty: the many shades of pink and green call for care when changing colours, though the piece stays small and 16-count Aida has an even, easy-to-follow weave. A hoop or frame and good light make the work more comfortable; the picture frame is not included, and the fabric leaves enough margin around the design for framing.