Review on 🎅 Dimensions X Stitch II Stocking: Santa's Jolly Sled Ride for a Magical Christmas by Michelle Langley

This stocking is beautiful and I've had many compliments even though it's not quite finished yet. The color variations and details really make the image stand out. I consider myself a beginner in cross stitch (I was good at it but had never worked on anything of this size and complexity before). I've been working on this jerky for about 7 months and almost all the cross stitches are done and I'm working on filling in the background with half stitches and I still have to do most of the reverse stitch and beads. I work full time and have a 15 month old baby so this project took up a lot of my "free" time. Here are the things I have been told or found out that have made this project more enjoyable: 1. The threads are pre-sorted and labeled (very handy as many colors are very similar). I left the thread attached to the cardboard so I have the color numbers, but I cut the cardboard into pieces for each color so I can wrap each color on a separate plastic spool and store it in a pocket thread organizer. Before I found out my thread was in a big mess and I hated switching colors because I had to untangle everything every time. I have most of the colors ready and feel the perfect amount of thread was included in the kit (but I can see the lack of colors was an issue for some people with the Dimensions kits). I keep the wrong side of the fabric very clean and always check where I am to minimize repetitive work.3. I made a copy of the pattern before I started and highlighted areas as I complete them (usually after each thread is finished). Copies are 6 separate pages. I use Clip-Light to staple the page I'm working on to the edge of the frame. Works great and I really think it helps save counting time and reduce errors. Also, the original pattern is in perfect condition in case I ever want to use it again or lend it to a friend. I think the template is easy to read, but if you want to enlarge it, it will be very easy to do it with a copier.4. Shiny gold thread is very difficult to work with (it stretches, tears, wrinkles, etc.) so I'll save it until I really have the patience. I use a short length to minimize breakage. The gold looks amazing after you sew it on so I'm glad it's part of the set. I actually used shades of purple for the edge of Santa's coat (instead of dark brown) and for the background where the name is written (instead of red). Looks cool, I think my daughter will like it. I used DMC floss which is similar in color to the purple jewelry in the set. To be honest I prefer to work with Dimensions floss (not sure what brand it is) because I think it covers a little better than DMC floss but both look great and no one will notice the difference . So I don't know if the kit is missing red or dark brown threads because I didn't use many of those colors. I also use white DMC floss to half stitch the background where it needs to be left open (simply because I don't like the Aida showing through). I will definitely have a stocking with a velvet or similar back (maybe dark purple to match my color scheme) and something else over Aida's back. It looks too pretty to use the white felt pad that comes with the kit. Anyway, I love this stocking and I'll be a bit sad when I'm done. I've already purchased a few other Dimensions Gold kits for further work.