Velvet Hugs

A birth sampler in soft pinks, with teddy bears, balloons, a hot air balloon and a rainbow arranged around a panel left free for the baby's name and date of birth. There are few colours and the blocks of stitching are generous, so it moves along well even without much experience of counted cross stitch; the backstitch outlines are worked last and give the design the delicate look seen in the photo.

The fabric comes cut with comfortable margins for mounting. The frame is not included: once finished, the piece can be framed or stretched over a board for a nursery wall. A hoop or frame is also handy while stitching.