Bottom Line:
Big Stitch Kits feature 6-count Aida fabric and yarn. The kits are easy to complete and finish. The Joyful Snowman Kit contains everything needed to make a 10x10 pillow.
The floss is not washable, so clean hands are a must when completing this project. Also, the color codes are used on the chart instead of the color names, so you will want to jot the names down or make a copy of the key to use with the pattern.
Big Stitch Kits feature 6-count Aida fabric and yarn. The kits are easy to complete and finish. The Joyful Snowman Kit contains everything needed to make a 10x10 pillow.
The floss is not washable, so clean hands are a must when completing this project. Also, the color codes are used on the chart instead of the color names, so you will want to jot the names down or make a copy of the key to use with the pattern.
1. Contents of Kit
Photo Courtesy Kooler Design Studios
The Janlynn Joyful Snowman Kit includes the following:
- white 6-count Aida fabric
- wool yarn
- large tapestry needle
- bells
- felt backing fabric
- large print pattern
- finishing instructions
3. Quality of Material and Floss
Photo © Connie G. Barwick
Many times when I start a kit I am tempted to swap out the fabric, but in this instance, the fabric is of excellent quality. It is quite durable and holds up well.
It took some getting used to stitching with the yarn for me. It picks easily and is not washable. It is strong and does not break. Once I got used to stitching with it, I enjoyed it.
At first glance, I thought this kit would be great for a child learning to stitch. A very neat and clean child (I do know they exist out there somewhere) would have no trouble with this kit. One that tends to be a bit messy and may not understand the importance of clean hands and clean stitching areas will need to start out with another project.
It took some getting used to stitching with the yarn for me. It picks easily and is not washable. It is strong and does not break. Once I got used to stitching with it, I enjoyed it.
At first glance, I thought this kit would be great for a child learning to stitch. A very neat and clean child (I do know they exist out there somewhere) would have no trouble with this kit. One that tends to be a bit messy and may not understand the importance of clean hands and clean stitching areas will need to start out with another project.
4. Additional Tools Used
In addition to the supplies included in the kit, I used the following tools and techniques.- small scissors
- large spring tension hoop
- Clip on Craft Light
- Udder Hand Cream
- large freezer-type storage bag (used to hold floss, pattern, and project)
- tote bag (used to carry project and supplies)
5. Pattern and Finishing Instructions
The pattern is large print and easy to read. The symbols used are easily distiguished from one another. Multiple colors of back stitch are used in the design. The colors are easy to determine because dashes and other variations of the line are used for each. In addition, a large color photo of the kit helps to determine color use.One thing that hampered my progress was that the chart used the actual color numbers in the pattern instead of the codes and color names. The key for the color names was on back of the chart. This entailed a lot of flipping on my part. I should have taken the time to copy the color codes or transfer them to the back in pencil, but I did not. I would recommend doing this if you plan to stitch the kit.
6. Suggested Techniques
Photo © Connie G. Barwick
The fabric is too soft to stitch in the hand so I would recommend using a hoop and the stab method for stitching. Be sure to watch your stitch tension so that the stitches are even and the holes in the 6-count Aida fabric do not become enlarged.
7. Stitching Level - Beginner
The biggest obstacle for most when stitching this kit will be getting used to stitching with yarn instead of cotton floss. If you are used to handling yarn in other craft projects such as knitting, needlepoint, or crochet, this may not be as much of an issue. Since my skills in those areas are a bit lacking, I had to learn how much tension to put on the yarn and how to avoid picking it with my fingernails or the needle. Hand cream was essential to completing this project!8. Buy Direct
Check for the Joyful Snowman Kit at your local needlecraft store or purchase it from Kooler Design Studios.Got a Cross Stitch Question? Looking for New Stitching Friends?
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