Autumn Landscape Watermill Counted Cross Stitch Kit by Luca-S B481L

Stitch Autumn Landscape, a counted cross stitch kit by Luca-S — an old half-timbered watermill sits beside a still pond, its great wheel turning under a thatched roof while the trees around it blaze orange, gold and russet. A little rowing boat waits at the water's edge and the whole scene is mirrored in the pond below. Based on artwork by Stanislaw Wilk.

A little stitcher's folklore: millers once said that a mill wheel never turns the same way twice, so every season brings a new story to the house beside it. Stitchers say autumn is the best season to start a mill, so it is finished by the first frost.

Why this kit: a big, warm country landscape that fills a wall with colour all year round. The reflections in the water and the layered autumn leaves make it a rewarding project for stitchers who enjoy rich shading.

Kit includes: 18-count ivory Zweigart Aida (100% cotton), Anchor 100% cotton threads in 36 colours, a needle, a symbol chart and instructions. A frame and hoop are not included.

Begin with the mill and its wheel as your anchor point, then work outward into the trees and sky, and finish with the reflections in the pond, which mirror the colours you have already stitched. Following the chart one 10×10 block at a time keeps a large piece like this manageable.

Finished size: 52×37 cm (20.5×14.6 in). A large, cosy landscape for the living room or study and a lovely gift for anyone who loves the countryside.