I thought I’d mention some kits that caught my eye the other day. These are combination cross-stitch center/blackwork frame designs of wildlife from Rose Swalwell of Derwentwater Designs (couldn’t find the designer homepage, so I picked a shop). In the Bird Brocade design I’ve been working, the central bird stands out in wool against a floss background. These designs draw attention to the central figure by switching embroidery techniques. They’re a little too much cross stitch for me, but I really like the idea of using a change in style to create contrast in the design.

Anyway, I think they’re really cute (and there’s three more: owl, hare, and deer), and perhaps some of y’all like cross-stitch. I haven’t seen anything like it here in the States.