The Old Castle

A bunch of peonies, hydrangeas and blackberries with a castle glimpsed among the hills, worked in soft shading with many colour changes: a substantial piece for stitchers who already have some experience of counted cross stitch and want a long project.

You follow the full-colour symbolic chart, counting the stitches on the white Aida; the threads come ready sorted and numbered on the organiser, so the right shade is easy to find. A hoop or frame and good light make the work more comfortable, and the bare white background sets off the bouquet. The frame is not included, so allow a generous margin of fabric on every side.