Stitch Manor House, a counted cross stitch kit by Bothy Threads — a red-brick Georgian manor stands behind wrought-iron gates and a formal knot garden, lightly dusted with snow. A little stitcher's folklore: some Georgian windows were bricked up to avoid the window tax, first brought in in 1696. Why this kit: from Sally Swannell's Country Estate Collection, it is one of the largest in the series and brings the whole estate together on ice blue Aida. Kit includes: 16-count ice blue Zweigart Aida, pre-sorted stranded cottons, a needle and a clear stitch diagram and instructions. Stitches used: cross stitch, back stitch and French knots. A frame is not included. Stitch the house and garden in cross stitch from the centre, then add the back stitch and French knots. Finished size: 30×30 cm (11.8×11.8 in). A grand piece for a hallway or study.