Winter

A small winter sampler laid out in panels: a snowman in a red hat, ice skates, a pair of skis, a decorated fir tree and a sleigh loaded with presents, with seasonal words stitched around the border. The pale linen-look ground sets off the reds and greens and makes it a Christmas piece you can keep on display all winter.

It is worked in counted cross stitch from the chart, with back stitch outlines and a few French knots to sharpen the details. A hoop or frame and a small pair of embroidery scissors are handy while you stitch. Once finished, the piece can be framed — the frame is not included — or made up as a cushion or a hanging panel.