Joy Sunday Counted Cross Stitch Kits Cross-Stitch Pattern Villa in The forest 14CT 23''x19''

Wow! I was looking at pattern books and this little kit came up in my search list. . Well not exactly little, it's 20.87 inches wide x 14.17 inches high. I thought it was so darn cute, and really reasonably priced, not a book but I got it anyway. Wnen it arrived, the thing that struck me was the quality of the kit. First the package itself. Thicker plastic with a snap closure. This kit will travel really well. Next the fabric. Yes, it's just Aida, but it's a bit softer than usual, AND the edges are actually finished. This is the first time I have ever bought a kit where the edge of fabric is so thoughtfully finished, saves me about 6 hours of hand binding. Then the pattern, nice quality paper, printed big enough even these old eyes can see it. the floss, not sure what brand it is, but it's got a lovely sheen. Thread listing is DMC, so I don't have to go the internet and 'hopefully' find a conversion chart. Not sure when I'll find time to stitch it, but it's lovely!

I really enjoyed stitching this. Actual stitching days added up to about 2 and a half months. After I was finished, I had plenty of floss left over (shown in photo). Only one color came close to running out (07, for me) but just in case you do run out of floss, the kit provides info for the matching DMCs (the kit threads themselves are not DMC, which is expected for most kits). I did have some trouble identifying what floss was what for some of the back stitching since two were so similar in color on the chart. However, the flosses were also very similar and equal in amount so it wasn’t that much of a problem.If you’re having difficulty finding the center, it’s in her knee closest to the viewer. It’s where the two red lines meet on page 2. I’ve started several other kits since this one, and they will almost always tell you where the center is, frequently with arrows. If you use the loop method, when picking a color, take out one strand, fold it in half, and then cut at the fold. This will give you a more manageable length of thread to work with and will better prevent knots from happening. And another tip: I’d recommend back stitching in sections and not waiting until the end. For me, it wasn’t my favorite thing ever but I really like the detail it gives the image. It just wouldn’t have been the same without it.I’m very happy with how this turned out and I’m going to be starting another Joy Sunday kit next year!

The end result as shown. I think it may be too difficult for a beginner. This was done by my 82 year old mother during 2020. She has done many counted cross-stitch projects. This one took several months to complete. We all love it!!

I love the image and I’m so glad I made the purchase. I think the image does not do the actual project justice. It’s more vibrant, which is why I gave it 4 stars.I love the Joy Sunday kits. I did not, however, love the pattern itself.I am an experienced cross stitcher, but it was difficult to identify some the colors on the pattern because the back stitch line covered squares on the pattern.Most of the back stitch was easy, but I am having difficulty identifying NO. 25 & 34 and to a lesser degree 06 & 19. I wish the colors on the backstitch key were more contrasting.I also did not like the glossy paper.I wish I had help with confirming the back stitch colors. I’m not quite finished. I’m trying to make the best guess as to the correct or best choice of color.With all the work we put we put into these projects, I want it to be the best it can be.

I love the care taken with placing the thread on the cards to keep them seperated instead of hanks that need to be separated. I was very pleased to see the stitched edges on the fabric.I didn't like the separated parts of the pattern but still very worth the cost and my happiness with the rest overpowers my disappointment in the pattern.

I have not started the project as of yet. Everything looks to be there and directions are clear from what I can tell. It did take a very long time to receive. I had to reach out to the seller.

Hoping to get this done for an Anniversary gift....

Floss does not appear to be top quality and knots easily. Fabric is very stiff and hard to work on. Pattern is meant for advanced cross stitchers but what makes it really frustrating is the directions have you stitching crosses outside of the designs. (See the legs up close for a good example. ) Then when you outline them according to the pattern they look really sloppy. I am just starting the project and am up for the challenge but I am having to modify the pattern a lot, eliminating some cross stitches entirely or changing some to half of 3/4 stitches to get smooth designs within the outlining. This is the most difficult pattern I've ever followed. Be prepared and experienced before you buy!

The charts that come with this picture are beautifully colored and easy to read, the Aida cloth is stitched all around the edges so there’s no fraying. It comes from Singapore, I was surprised it arrived within a couple of weeks.

The item was exactly what I wanted, once complete it will make an excellent gift.

Very disappointed, I had to buy 18 more threads. Very frustrating when you run out of a colour, this has never happened before, in all the years I have be doing these. Would not recommend this pattern because of this!

Es para expertos el diseño no está impreso en la tela

La calidad es muy buena, sólo que en la descripción del producto dice que viene impreso en la tela y no es así.