The inspiration for William Morris' best loved Strawberry Thief design came while he watched thrushes stealing the strawberries from his garden at Kelmscott Manor. Despite his frustrations at losing his fruit, rumor has it that Morris ordered that the birds be left to eat in peace.

Strawberry Thief 1 11x16" (28x40.5cm)	Strawberry Thief 2 11x14" (28x35.5cm)	Strawberry Miniature 1 6x6" (15x15cm)
Strawberry Thief 3 11x16" (28x40.5cm)	Strawberry Thief 4 11x14" (28x35.5cm)	Strawberry Miniature 2 6x6" (15x15cm)

Morris spent years researching the lost art of natural dyeing and the strong blues in Strawberry Thief are the result of the indigo discharge method. Some of the original William Morris fabric still hangs in Kelmscott Manor and the fabric design is produced today by Liberty of London.

Strawberry Thief 1 & 3
CANVAS: 14#/in Zweigart Antique Mono De Luxe, 22x26" (56x66cm).
WOOLS: Appleton crewel. STITCH: Tent/Basketweave.
INSTRUCTIONS:

Strawberry Thief 2 & 4
CANVAS: 14#/in Zweigart Antique Mono De Luxe, 22x26" (56x66cm).
WOOLS: Appleton crewel. STITCH: Tent/Basketweave.
INSTRUCTIONS:

Strawberry Thief Miniature 1 & 2
CANVAS: 18#/in Zweigart White Interlock, 10x10" (25x25cm).
WOOLS: Appleton crewel. STITCH: Tent/Basketweave.
INSTRUCTIONS:

Beth Russell has adapted Strawberry Thief into a collection of four needlepoint kits each of which is printed on strong polished de luxe needlepoint canvas which is large enough to be made into either cushions or chair seats. Sufficient wool is included to stitch an area approximately 13x17" (33x43cm); more is available from Designers Forum.
The two Miniatures offer simpler subjects, making excellent starter kits, holiday projects or Christmas gifts. They are shown here lying on a reprint of the original William Morris fabric. Please click on either picture to see a larger version.

The design colours co-ordinate with the two Lodden designs, so making a set of six chair seats with Morris' favourite indigo background.