Review on 🌸 Embark on a Whimsical DIY Journey with the Louise Maelys Flower Wreath Cross Stitch Embroidery Kit for Adults by Amber Perez

Was looking forward to this set to while away the time at home but have to return it. Disappointed that it is not exactly what is pictured and very poor quality. First, it's not a cross stitch kit (with mesh) but a printed piece of canvas and REALLY bright, unattractive colored thread. Some of the colors are actually neon, which contrasts starkly with dark burgundy and teal (and pale blue leaves?). I thought the colors in the list looked a little different, but they are. Different leftovers? When I opened the package, the exhaust smell was awful, and anything from daylight yarn, plastic embroidery frames, or printed canvas was in dire need of airing before hunching over it for hours. Note that the stitches should only cover the printed design, but in the instructions that come with the kit, even their pattern shows the ink on the outside of the stitching (see photo). The instructions don't really match the design either. While the concept of "starting" tracing a pattern is theoretically easier than following a cross-stitch pattern, I can see where the instructions can lead to ugly work if you don't take liberties with the design. For example, they show a center straight stitch and then single parallel stitches to form leaves, but the photo directions for the same are not followed. And they helpfully (mmm. not so much) advise you to search "embroidery" on YouTube if you have any questions. So yes.