Horse & Foal

The white mare's muzzle resting against the chestnut foal, with a wooden fence and a flowering meadow behind them: a tall, narrow design worked in counted cross stitch from the chart. The 29 shades are mostly used for the dappled grey coat and the warm chestnut tones, so it helps to work one area at a time.

14 count Aida is easy to count even with limited experience, although this is a fairly large piece. A hoop and a frame are not included: once finished and pressed on the wrong side, the work looks good framed as a picture, perhaps with a narrow mount that suits its upright shape.