Haute couture

A tall, decorative portrait: a bird with a snowy breast and a long red tail, wearing a little hat of roses and berries, surrounded by flowers and golden pendants. The narrow upright format suits a slim frame or a wall space beside a door.

It is worked in counted cross stitch from a full-colour chart with symbols; the threads come ready sorted on the organiser, so the right shade is easy to find among the many reds and creams. The frame is not included. A hoop or stretcher frame makes the work more comfortable, and good light helps when telling the closest shades apart.