The seaside

An illustrated seaside view: a bicycle leaning on the sand with a basket full of flowers, a boat pulled up on the shore, a lighthouse on the headland and seagulls over the waves. The design is already printed in colour on the Penelope canvas, so there is no counting involved: you simply work area by area, following the printed shades.

Threads are not included and are chosen separately, in tapestry wool or cotton, matched to the printed colours. Penelope canvas has paired threads, so it can be worked in half cross stitch over the pairs or, for finer details, in petit point over single threads. The plain margin around the design allows for stretching; once finished, the piece is usually framed (frame not included).