Pomegranate Breakfast

A sunlit still life: halved pomegranates, jars of preserve and glass bottles on a windowsill, with two orange-breasted birds perched among the fruit. The shading is detailed and the colours change often, so it helps to work in good light and follow the symbolic chart square by square.

The design is worked in counted cross stitch on 16 count Aida, usually with one strand of stranded cotton; the threads come ready sorted by colour on the organiser. You will also want a hoop or frame and a small pair of scissors. The frame is not included: once finished, the piece suits framing for a kitchen or dining room wall.