DimensionsX Stitch II StockingSantaJurny, Multicolour, By the yard

Make sure you give yourself a couple years to complete! It's really pretty though.

I am not exactly sure what I have gotten myself into, but the instructions look relatively easy for a beginner. I will have to update review after I have completed my project.

This stocking is beautiful and I have received many compliments on it already, even though it's not quite completed yet. The color variation and details really make the picture stand out. I consider myself kind of a beginner at cross stitch (I knew how to do it but had never worked on something of this size and complexity before). I have been working on this in spurts for about 7 months and have pretty much all of the cross stitch part completed, and I am working on filling in the background in half stitch and I still need to do most of the backstitching and beading. I do work full time and have a 15 month old, so this project has used a lot of my "spare" time. Here are things I was told or figured out that have made this project more enjoyable:1. The thread comes pre-sorted and labeled (which is sooo helpful since many of the colors are quite similar). I kept the thread attached to the cardboard so I have the color numbers, but cut the cardboard apart at each color so I can wrap each color on a separate plastic bobbin and store in a thread sorter thing with pockets. Before I figured this out, my thread was a huge mess and I hated switching colors because I would have to untangle everything each time.2. I have finished most of the colors and I feel the perfect amount of thread was included in the kit (but I see running out of colors has been a problem for several people with Dimensions kits). I keep the back of the cloth very neat and always double check where I'm at to minimize re-dos.3. I made a copy of the pattern before I started, and I highlight areas as I complete them (typically after finishing each strand). The copies are 6 separate pages. I use a clip light to clip the page I am working on to the edge of my frame. Works great and I really think this helps save counting time and lowers my number of mistakes. Also, the original pattern is in perfect shape if I want to use it again or loan it to a friend. I think the pattern is easy to read, but if you wanted to enlarge it that would be super easy with a copier.4. Working with the shiny gold thread is a pain in the butt (it's stretchy, breakable, it creases, etc.), so I save it for times when I really have a lot of patience. I use short lengths to try to minimize breakage. The gold looks amazing once you have stitched it though, so I am glad it is part of the kit.5. I actually used shades of purple for the trim on Santa's coat (instead of dark browns) and for the background where the name goes (instead of red). It looks awesome and I think my daughter will love it. I used DMC floss that is similar in color to the purple ornaments in the kit. Honestly I prefer working with the Dimensions floss (not sure what brand it is) because I feel like it covers a little better than the DMC floss, but both look great and nobody would know there was a difference. So I wouldn't know if there was a shortage of red or dark brown thread in the kit because I didn't use as much of those colors.6. I am also using DMC white floss to half stitch the background where it is to be left open (just because I don't prefer the aida showing through).7. I will definitely be finishing the stocking with a velvet or similar back (probably in deep purple to go with my color scheme) and something else over the back of the aida. This looks way too nice to use the white felt backing that comes in the kit.Anyway, I love this stocking and will be a little sad when I am finished. I have already purchased several other Dimensions gold kits to work on next.

I have completed two of these stocking kits and thoroughly enjoyed each one. They become such a part of your life due to the time investment. For me, they became a way to unwind each day.The hardest part of this project is the sewing it into an actual stocking bit. I am not a seamstress in the slightest, and so I did struggle with this on my first stocking. The second stocking went much smoother! I highly recommend substituting the felt that comes as a backing piece in the kit with some nice velvet or other high-quality fabric to line and back your stocking with! I would highly recommend this project to ANYONE who is willing to put in the time. There is nothing difficult about the actual needlework, I believe a total beginner to cross stitching could complete these. The biggest thing to remember is to give yourself enough time to complete these before Christmas (1st stocking took 4 months, 2nd took about 3). Enjoy the process and bask in the pride that you created a beautiful keepsake for you and your family!PHOTOS:How I display the thread organizer for easy use and access // How I organize the individual symbols/colors as I come across them in the pattern // My well-worn pattern pieces. A friend showed me a technique of highlighting the section you are working on in yellow and once it is completed highlighting it in orange. This helped me to keep my place very easily and I really don't know how I could have completed these without that! // My completed stockings!

Beautiful stocking kit. May be a little too much if you are a beginner.

I wish I would have known how small the stitches are in this material. Thus is the 5th Christmas stocking I've made and by far the tiniest stitch size. The chart is color coded as well as symbols. Everything seems to be of good quality.

I have stitched with Dimensions kits for years and am a highly-skilled needlework artist. I am frustrated with the qualiy of the thread in this kit. It frays easily and is not the high-quality that Dimensions usually is.On a positive note, I do love the way they have the thread sorted in this kit. I have NEVER seen it sorted this way and wish every time I work with threads they were able to utilize this type of sorter.In spite of the quality of the thread I would still recommend this product.

The kit arrived very timely and as promised. I just wanted other buyers to be aware that I ran out of thread on a few colors. I had seen this comment from others so I was very careful when I was stitching. Also for as much work as this stocking takes I used material for the back instead of the piece of felt that was included. It turned out gorgeous!!