Brambles Harvest Mouse Counted Cross Stitch Kit by Bothy Threads XHD91

Stitch Brambles, a counted cross stitch kit by Bothy Threads — a harvest mouse balances on a twig of ripe blackberries with its tail curled for grip.

A little stitcher's folklore: tradition says blackberries should not be picked after Michaelmas, 29 September, because the Devil spits on them.

Why this kit: based on artwork by Hannah Dale of Wrendale Designs, it is stitched on Aida printed with Bothy Threads' exclusive speckled background, so the soft Wrendale look is ready-made.

Kit includes: 14-count Zweigart Aida printed with an exclusive speckled background, pre-sorted stranded cottons, a needle and a clear stitch diagram and instructions. Stitches used: full cross stitches, back stitch and one French knot. A frame is not included.

Stitch the mouse and berries in cross stitch from the centre, then add the stems in back stitch and the single French knot.

Finished size: 26×26 cm (10.2×10.2 in). An autumn favourite for a kitchen or pantry wall.