Bottom Line:
Dimensions Crafts Daydreams Cross Stitch kits are unique. They include everything needed (except scissors) to complete a project from the first stitch to the framed design.
The combination of stitch types and custom mat and frame result in a piece of needlework that is definitely artwork.
This is not the first Dimensions Daydreams kit I have completed, nor will it be the last. Stitching the design is a challenge, but worth the while. If only they would not skimp on the fabric!
Dimensions Crafts Daydreams Cross Stitch kits are unique. They include everything needed (except scissors) to complete a project from the first stitch to the framed design.
The combination of stitch types and custom mat and frame result in a piece of needlework that is definitely artwork.
This is not the first Dimensions Daydreams kit I have completed, nor will it be the last. Stitching the design is a challenge, but worth the while. If only they would not skimp on the fabric!
Contents of Kit
Photo © Connie G. Barwick
The Daydreams Cardinal in Snow kit includes the following:
- 14-count blue Aida fabric
- six-strand cotton embroidery floss
- tapestry needle
- Cross Stitch pattern and finishing instructions
- custom mat and frame
Quality of Material and Floss
Photo © Connie G. Barwick
The floss is of excellent quality and there is plenty of it included. No worries about running out before finished, even if you have to do a little frogging. There were no problems with knotting or breaking and the color values are consistent.
The fabric is of medium quality, but since it is mostly covered with stitches, that does not affect the look of the final design. The fabric was rather small. Even a half inch on each side would make working with it easier.
The fabric is of medium quality, but since it is mostly covered with stitches, that does not affect the look of the final design. The fabric was rather small. Even a half inch on each side would make working with it easier.
Additional Tools Used
In addition to the supplies included in the kit, I used the following tools and techniques.- small scissors
- gold petite tapestry needles
- small spring tension hoop
- Mighty Bright Vusion Craft Light
- floss organizer
- large freezer-type storage bag (used to hold floss, pattern, and project)
- tote bag (used to carry project and supplies)
The fabric barely fit in the smallest hoop I own. I had to stitch the areas around the edges in the hand.
Since this project is a gift to someone who lives with me, I did not sit it in my stitching chair. The portability of the little clip-on craft light helped me be sneaky.
Pattern and Instructions
Photo © Connie G. Barwick
The Cardinal in Snow design is complicated. Half stitches and cross stitches of various thickness (from one to three plies) are used. The pattern uses a different symbol for each thickness and color making it easy to avoid errors though I still managed to make a few!
There is also quite a bit of blended needle work in this design. To make this easier, I added my floss colors to my needle and stitched out one needle's worth at a time. If I had a little extra blended floss left, I stuck that needle in the pattern beside the symbol. You could use a small piece of paper with the symbol written on it if you don't want to puncture your pattern. (My patterns usually end up tattered, so a few holes won't hurt.)
There is also quite a bit of blended needle work in this design. To make this easier, I added my floss colors to my needle and stitched out one needle's worth at a time. If I had a little extra blended floss left, I stuck that needle in the pattern beside the symbol. You could use a small piece of paper with the symbol written on it if you don't want to puncture your pattern. (My patterns usually end up tattered, so a few holes won't hurt.)
Techniques Used
Photo © Connie G. Barwick
Gridding was an essential part of stitching this design. I used Easy Count Guideline to mark the 10x10 squares on the fabric before I started. By gridding my fabric, I was able to pay more attention to the half and cross stitches and how many strands of thread to use. I still managed to make a few mistakes, but they were not stitch counting errors.
Stitching Level - Intermediate to Advanced
Despite the fact that the packaging describes this kit as an "easy weekend project," I would not recommend this design for a beginner. Some intermediate stitchers may find it a little challenging. Advanced stitchers should have no difficulty.Purchase This Kit
Check for the Daydreams Cardinal in Snow kit at your local needlecraft store or online shop.Got a Cross Stitch Question? Looking for New Stitching Friends?
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