OhSewCrafty Blog

• Pattern: Dimensions Gold kit designed by Donna Race
• Materials: 18 ct white aida, thread as kitted
• Size: 10.5″ x 15″ long
• Time to stitch: About 6 weeks since 2014 (I didn’t track days when I started this project)

Finally finished my son’s Christmas stocking (after I sewed him a felt applique one back in 2014…)!

The pattern is very well done, with lots of little details, wonderful shading with blended colors, and a hefty dose of tent stitch.  The various techniques give the piece considerable dimension.   The project is not a quick stitch, because of all the color changes and details.  I thought the name band would be quick… nope.  There are 4 colors of red/orange in each of the letters.  The little holly bunches at either end of the name involve about 7 colors.  So, the stitching is slow but the pattern has wonderful depth.  As for the finishing, it is extensive… backstitch in 6 colors, dozens of french knots in 3 colors, and tons of couching to create the cross hatch pattern on the scarf, as well as the yellow lines in the top border section and the red on the broom.

The kit materials are fine, 18 count aida is my preferred fabric for a (mostly) full coverage project like this.  I appreciated the threads being pre-sorted; I yank individual strands out of the organizer as I need them.  A significant portion of the project is half cross, with up to 5 strands in the needle.  That provides good coverage but it takes a little effort to make the strands lie nicely.  The chart is in color, I prefer black and white, but I suppose it make sense for such a busy chart.  

My favorite details include the lantern, the cute squirrel, the swirling snowstorm in the night sky (lots of white french knots!  Much like the last Dimensions Gold kit I completed (Woodland Enchantress), the depiction of light in this pattern is pretty cool.  There are two light sources (the lantern & the full moon) and both create lightness and shadows.  I think Dimensions Gold kits are underrated, in general.  The patterns are amazing.  The floss is fine, perhaps not DMC but with good color matching and adequate thickness.  The needles are durable.  Your mileage may vary with the aida fabric supplied.  Myself, I prefer linen & evenweave, but aida is a useful fabric for a project like this.

I confess that I have another Dimensions Gold stocking kit in my stash, purchase of which was enabled by Philip (Pip Stitch).  No immediate plans to start it, however.  2 finishes so far, this Christmas in July is shaping up to be quite productive!