Comet

This kit was designed in 2002 to mark the 50th Anniversary of the world's first jet passenger airliner by stitching our counted cross stitch kit of a de Havilland DH106 Comet 4C in BOAC colours. Pay tribute to the remarkable Group Captain John (Cat's Eyes) Cunningham, who piloted the Comet's first flight, as Chief Test Pilot for de Havilland, who died in July 2002.

It contains only whole cross stitches - NO PART STITCHES - and a few back stitches. The kit contains 10 shades of metre length (for fastening on by loop method) DMC stranded cottons ready sorted on a thread organiser printed with the key. The stitched measurements are 12" x 6.5"/30 cm x 16.7 cm.

The finished embroidery will fit a frame measuring 32 cm x 22 cm (12.5" x 8.5") without a mount, or 43.5 m x 33.5 cm (17" x 13") with a mount. The standard fabric is 14 count white blockweave Zweigart brand Aida. 28 count evenweave 100% Cashel linen is available as an option for £3 extra. The kit also contains a suitable needle, easy-to-follow charts, small scale and large scale, and in both black and in colour, and full instructions for beginners.

De Havilland started work on the design of the aicraft in 1943. The prototype first flew on 27 July 1949. BOAC took delivery in 1951 and started carrying the first passengers on 2 May 1952. Its prestige was somewhat dented by a number of crashes, three in its first year. The most exhaustive accident investigations in aviation history were carried out, and the aircraft was grounded. The problem was found to be metal fatigue. The aircraft was re-designed and entered service again as the larger Comet 4 in 1958. In all, 113 Comets were built, 76 of which were Comet 4's. The Comet 4C as in our design, was used as the airframe design base for the Nimrod.