Dimensions Gold Collection Counted Cross Stitch Kit, Treasured Time Christmas Cross Stitch, 16 Count Dove Grey Aida, 16'' x 12''

Dimensions Gold Collection are my favorite counted cross stitch kits. I'm currently halfway through stitching Balloon Glow and it's beautiful -- detail rich with a lot of depth.The two that I have completed in the past (Cabin Fever, European Bistro) were equally beautiful and fun to stitch.HOWEVER, I gave up on one called Memory Lane because it asked you to use too many ply at a time, making it a pain to stitch. I realized that some pattens recommend you use needlework stretcher bars to stretch the fabric while you stitch. I would personally recommend against those kits.The kit comes with 2 needles, 18 count aida fabric, a large pattern (half of the pattern on 2 pages), and presorted thread (I still put them on my own plastic sorter and draw the symbols next to each color so that I don't have to reference the list all the time. The cardboard is flimsy and doesn't have holes -- instead, the threads are glued into the sorter, so once you take it out you'd better have a place to put it back. [Also, i've tried punching holes in the cardboard sorter and it didn't go well -- to0 flimsy. Invest in a sturdy plastic sorter).It is for experienced stitchers, but it's not difficult if you know what you're doing. This is a big project: it has taken me about 2 years to complete each one, but that will obviously depend on how often you stitch. I am a student so stitch a lot more during summers and holidays. Most of the stitches are done with 2 ply, but some half stitches call for 3, 4, or 5 ply. The 5 ply parts can be a bit of a hassle, but they are worth the overall result.

Phased for present. Colors were beautiful. Material was good quality. Instructions very easy to read.

I thoroughly enjoyed this kit. It did take me about 8 months to completely finish it, but I really enjoyed every step and it turned out beautifully. It's a lot of fun, but definitely not for beginners. You will need to count and measure carefully, as there are some very complicated patterns with the colors.It definitely takes an eye for detail and it takes patience! But with those skills, you will really enjoy this kit!There is far more than enough thread to complete, and you will have plenty left over. I think there was only one color I feared I might run out of. The only issue I had was that I needed to buy my own needles. Parts of this kit require that you thread 4 threads through 1 needle, which was definitely next to impossible with the needles provided (even with a threader). I broke the needles that came with the kit, but luckily had some more on hand. I also bought some extra needles to use just with the 4-thread portions.All that said, I had a great time creating this piece, and it came out just as I expected. I can't wait to have it framed and display it. Highly recommended!

This is a big piece and to needlepoint it you are going to need either huge stretcher bars and long arms or a scrolling frame. It’s well made with just a slight unevenness of paint at the edges that you will have to accommodate by choosing your top and bottom rows and sticking with them even when the paint goes above or below them. The threads are well labeled. You will have to do some thread combining to come up with all the colors.It will keep you busy for a long time. The colors are beautiful. The threads don’t fray. It comes with a needle and you’ll need to get needle threaders and sharp snips if you don’t have them already.I wouldn’t recommend this for a first needlepoint project because it will take you so long to complete. Start with something smaller.For the experienced needle pointer, this could be perfect. There are no instructions for fancier stitches. Everything is in basketweave unless you get creative.

Just started so far so good.

Cannot go wrong with Dimensions brand cross stitch kits, in my opinion! I’ve always been a fan since doing my very first counted cross stitch project (also a Gold Collection kit by Dimensions). I think a beginner can certainly stitch these kits if they have the patience and determination. The directions are very clear to understand and nowadays you can find video tutorials online all over the Net to help guide you if you are confused. But if you read and follow the directions and stitch your project in the order presented in the directions, I really don’t think you’ll have a problem in my opinion. Just remember to SEPARATE the 6 ply embroidery floss and then “reassemble” the plies according to the directions for each individual symbol!! Some symbols only use one ply, some use two plies, and some may even use four plies! Also, there are different stitches used (half cross stitch, whole cross stitch, back stitch, French knots) so you truly need to look at that chart of symbols carefully and follow the type of stitch noted at the top AND the number of plies used per individual symbol. If you happen to run out of floss (never has happened to me yet with a Dimensions kit!) you can contact the company for additional flosses you may need. I think the shading and back stitching in these kits is exceptional. They advise you to start in the center of the design to insure you have enough of a margin left around the finished piece for framing. However, if you simply look at the front of your kit, it tells you clearly what the size of your finished design will be. I measure the fabric and subtract the size of the finished design and easily can figure out how much of an unfinished margin of fabric will be left. For example, if the design is 16” wide, and the fabric measures 20” wide, you know you will have FOUR inches left over. Divide that in half, and you’ll see that you will need 2” on either side of your stitching for it to be centered. (Do the same with the height, of course). This way, you can simply measure 2” in from the side edge and top edge, and begin your stitching in the top left corner (my preference, anyway). But if you’re new to counted cross stitch and nervous, STICK TO THE DIRECTIONS and you’ll be fine!! Newbies might find Gold Collection kits to be a little challenging — but I seem to prefer the designs in the Gold Collection better than most of the “regular” Dimensions line of counted cross stitch kits. It’s all a matter of preference. You can do it folks!! It’s not brain surgery. Take your time and have fun and you’ll be proud of your finished pieces! And if you mess up, pull out the mistaken stitches and re-stitch! Even seasoned stitchers make errors so don’t beat yourself up.

I haven’t started this yet.