Hollyhock Cottage

A red-roofed stone cottage surrounded by greenery, with tall pink hollyhocks in the foreground and, all around, sepia botanical sketches and handwritten lines that recall the pages of an old gardening notebook. Several stitches are used together: cross and half cross stitch build the shading, while backstitch and French knots pick out petals, branches and lettering.

The chart is digital only: it is viewed in the free Fantastitch app and cannot be printed, so a phone or tablet needs to be at hand while stitching. With 40 colours and plenty of shading it suits stitchers with some experience. A hoop or frame is handy for working; the frame shown in the photo is not included.