Review on Joy Sunday 11CT Stamped Cross Stitch Kits: Easy Girls Cactuses Sewing Pattern & Embroidery Kit by Wendy Rodriguez

There always seems to be someone writing a bad review about the blue grid lines on these cross stitch designs. If they had read the instructions they would have seen that YOU SOAK/RINSE THE FABRIC IN WATER AFTER FINISHING to remove the grid lines AND the embossed colors under the stitches and around the edges. Yes, all colors are washable (requires soaking and a few rinses). Also, people complain that the colors of the stamped image don't match the color of the floss. Again, if they had read the instructions, they would have seen that this was done on purpose. Imagine how hard it would really be to tell if you're throwing a stitch if the color of the stamped area was the SAME as the floss. The third thing people complain about is the stiffness of the fabric. Don't worry about that! While you can't use an embroidery hoop with this, you can simply fold the fabric to get to where you want to sew. The fabric REALLY softens as you work. Until then, just deal with it. The edges are well stitched so you don't have to worry about fraying etc. And finally, to solve the thread shortage problem. This is a legitimate question. I've done a few cross stitches from this company and each one was missing a few colors (I'm pretty good at saving thread so I don't think I am). However, Michael always had all the colors I needed in stock, so I just took them there based on the DMC number listed on the fabric/instructions. I could contact the company and request short paints but just wanted to get them and finish them. (There's never enough floss, which is why this review only gets 4 stars.) These color-coded die-cut crosses are MUCH easier to make than the old die-cut (where "stamped" just meant the X was printed on the fabric) or counters. They make cross stitching a relaxing thing that you can really do while watching TV because you don't have to keep going back to the chart. My tip: It's usually a good idea to start in the middle of the cross stitch and work your way up. That way I end up with a ball of thread if I try to get just one color at a time. So I started using all the #1 colors before moving on to #2 etc. By wrapping the extra thread around the little thread holders (Michael's) and marking them with the DMC number you will have no tangles and what it comes in handy when you find that here and there a stitch of that color is missing. Plus, you might find that you need a little more of that color for your next cross stitch! Every cross stitch I have received from this company has been fantastic. Oh, one more note: I do 11-ct. dimensional because the "squares" you sew are larger (although still fairly small). Check the final product dimensions. Many of these are 11 carats. they are surprisingly large. 14 kt. The fabric has the holes you work in that are smaller, meaning your final product will be smaller (but harder to see if you have suction eyes like mine). or 14 carats!