I have had so many requests to issue this, the 8th and final kit in The Stitcher’s Journal collection.

Inspired by a photograph of a snow-draped church set high on rocks above a frozen river in Estonia. Armies have marched past on their way to various invasions and repossessions of land many times over six centuries, each time leaving the church in various states of destruction.

The steps up from the river, the little green boat, the romantic skaters from another time in their Sunday best — they existed only in my head. Four years later, I can see ways in which my needle might have done better, but I never want to repeat the same thing twice and I simply love it when fellow stitchers improve things for me, such as @mcdonoughmelanie ‘s more elegant right shoulder (for the man) and perfect silk flounces on the skirt (see gallery image).

The stitches in this piece are simple, and step-by-step instructions will guide you through each element.

The price of £48 reflects the size of the embroidery and the thirteen thread colours, and includes postage to all areas of the United Kingdom. Overseas customers, please refer to the Embroidery Kits for Overseas Customers page.