DimensionsNeedlecrafts Counted Cross Stitch, Christmas Sled Stocking (8819)

This was my first cross stitch and it went great; design was easy to follow and I had more than enough string for each color provided. Two major drawbacks: one, the felt included for the back was terrible and did not match the quality of the completed design. I went to a fabric store and got batting and cloth for the inside and back instead. Second, the grey aida cloth is meant to act as the background for some of the sky and snow. While this is common in cross stitch, it looked under finished for a project of this quality, so I bought some DMC thread in the color of the cloth and filled it in instead.For beginners, I would say leave plenty of time! I took 6 months to complete in time for Christmas.1st picture: design partially completed. Sky to the left of the sled is the un-filled aida cloth I later filled in.2nd picture: completed stocking ready to be hung on the mantel!

I am an advanced cross stitcher so these instructions were not an issue but I would warn to watch strand numbers and whether it's a full cross or half stitch. This give incredible texture and almost a velvet look to the stocking which is a stunning image to begin with. The artist of this stocking should be commended. I have never had more fun or plowed through a stocking so fast. It's going to be a special gift (along with two other stockings for the family) for a lovely young lady and her sister and dad. The 3 stocking I've chosen are all of a similar coloration and I've made all the stocking tops the same so the "match" but are still different. Thank you! My only slightly negative comment is that certain colors need an extra strand or two. I had to try to match a few colors when I ran out and fortunately I was able to come close but I shouldn't have to do this with a kit.

This stocking is lovely, and the kit is well organized. I love that the floss comes pre-sorted. The colors are vibrant, and the aida cloth is sturdy. This is a long project, but not particularly difficult--there is very little blending of floss, and only cross, half cross and backstitch included in the pattern. I did modify the pattern by using quarter and three quarter cross stitches to smooth out the lines a bit. The only issue I had was that the plan comes in three parts, and it isn't clear where the overlap is. Once I figured out where the pattern overlapped, I took a highlighter and put lines across the pattern so I didn't end up stitching the lines twice. I do like that the plans are big and detailed, I just wish they had indicated the overlap at the beginning. Definitely worth the effort!

This is a nice pattern. It is NOT for beginners, however the pattern is very clear and easy to read. The thread is separated and well organized. I do not like the backing that was chosen, so I'll probably get a different fabric

I have done many Dimensions cross stitch over the past 18 years and this Christmas stocking has been the worst to work with. As many other reviews stated, there is not enough of many colors to complete the project. I've had to email the company 4 times. First for missing colors of the yarn (same colors in 2 kits) then again for not enough threads. When I first read the reviews, I thought maybe thread was being wasted, but after running out myself, I knew there just wasn't enough supplied. After my 4th email, I was told that the kits are supplied with at least 20% more thread than necessary to complete the project. Someone in the supply department needs to brush up on their math skills. I've gone through my older kits (I save them all) and all of them were made in the USA. Never had a problem with those.The last 2 kits, both Christmas stockings, were made in China. Therein lies the quality control problem. I hope if enough people will voice their displeasure with these kits, Dimensions will bring their business back to the USA, along with the quality it was known for. Until then, I will be looking for other brands made here..

Don't be fooled by the placid scene, this is definitely advanced cross stitching. Take your time and concentrate. The pattern is beautiful and even more so when stitched. The effect with the gold filament and beads is lovely. Someone is going to have a good Xmas this year when he gets this one.The only thing missing is a companion ornament to make it perfect, but I think I'll settle for the gold filament which sets this stocking off perfectly

Very beautiful. Shading and detail is beyond good.

This stocking is ridiculously detailed! It might take me an entire year or more to stitch this beast, but in the end it will be a masterpiece that I will probably wish I can frame instead of get out for 1 month a year!I love that it is realistic, natural looking, and lifelike, like all of the Gold collection stockings that aren't cartoon-y. I picked this stocking for my unborn child since it is unisex. I love that it has animals, snow, and a church in the background. No presents or Santa!!That being said this thing is HARD. There are half crosses for shading and multiple layers of embellishment. It is essentially solid stitching and there is a ton going on, so unless you break the pattern down it is very overwhelming. The pattern is small so I photocopied it and enlarged it by 200% so I can see it without my glasses. I didn't like the thread organizer so I took them off and wound them on their own bobbins with labels. Also the materials to make the stocking are cheap (in my opinion) for something you will be spending so much time on, so when I get there I am going to buy my own materials to sew it up. But I feel that with the pattern & the floss it is a great bargain for such a great pattern. I think these Dimensions Gold patterns are the BEST stocking patterns on the market right now. Get it now before you have to pay $100+ on ebay when they are discontinued! Check if you don't believe me ;)