This is such a nice design from Dimensions called "Village Canal" it was irresistible to ignore. For me this picture represents a certain location in southwestern France I visited many times, namely, Confolens. It's a town in Charente department. There are houses like these ones there, and a stone bridge over Charente river. That's why when I saw this kit on Amazon a few years ago, I bought it immediately. This summer a moment to see it stitched arrived.
I used an original kit and changed nothing. Despite being a simple Dimensions design (not Gold collection), on a 14 ct Aida and with not 100% full coverage, it was far from being easy and quick to do. You have to pay attention to certain areas as the bridge, river and the tree branches as it requires frequent change of floss - its color, number of threads and switching from cross to half cross stitch next to each other. Also tedious part was putting out all that straight backstitch along the edges of the roofs (that's where I chose to change it to coaching for a more accurate look). However, after the finished work was washed and pressed, the fabric has shrunk, distorting the lines. Oh well - it will easily be fixed by a professional framer, I am sure.
The amount of the floss was sufficient, and the leftovers substantial (though not enough to repeat the process).
This WIP traveled with me to Europe, spent some time on a beach and "tasted" the salt water of the Midetarranean sea. It breathed the thin air of the mountains and sensed the heat of the Arizona desert as well. It traveled by a plane, on a boat and in the car. All through the summer this project was a good companion and a loyal friend to me for 50 stitching days. I felt a little sad when it came to an end yet completely delighted with the result: it's stunning!
chekccard
upgrade card
set top card
replt card
Noisy card
Colorizer
Jack