I was contacted by Yiota who produces cross stitch kits and she very kindly offered to send me a free cross stitch kit of my choice, if I was to do an honest review for her. I was very flattered and said I would love to do this.
I picked out 'Nymph in Woods', and true to her word, Yiota sent me out the linen version of the kit.
The kit turned up in an envelope with a cardboard back so the kit did not get bent whilst being handled by the Post Office. This was a nice touch as many places send charts out in ordinary envelopes which can end up being delivered in a bad state.
Here is a picture of the kit as taken from the envelope. Nicely packaged in a cellophane bag.
Picture of the back.
The chart came in two pieces of A3 quality paper with easy to read symbols. Full instructions are given which are easy to read and very descriptive including for a novice stitcher. All stitches are whole stitches and no fractional.
The linen is a nice quality one and very generous. The design area is 8.3 inches by 11.8 inches and the linen measured 19 by 17 inches, so more than plenty for framing. A needle is also included.
The threads are already wound on quality stiff card bobbins and numbered so that's more time for stitching as no thread sorting! The thread supplied is Madeira but the chart also shows DMC numbers in brackets for anyone wishing to substitute their own DMC threads. Also all designs are available as chart only.
Full contents view.
So would I recommend these cross stitch kits?
100% yes! I think it is very refreshing to receive a kit where everything is presented with the cross stitcher in mind. When I purchase a kit, I just want to stitch on it, not have to spend ages sorting threads etc so to have a kit where you can just sit down, open it and start stitching is fabulous!
Yiotas Cross Stitch is based in the UK and is a small family business and they ship internationally. The site also includes a Freebie Page with some really nice designs on it.
Excellent review. Could the chart have been bigger, perhaps on a few more pages? I don't make large projects like this one, and that is one of the issues, can't see the chart symbols. I suppose one can enlarge the charts to one's satisfaction. It WONDERFUL that the floss was already wound. I tend to confuse the colors (mislabeling them as I sort) so this is definitely a plus.
ReplyDeleteThe design you picked is SO you!
ReplyDeleteKelly, I really liked the review and you made it so clear and concise. The only thing I would worry about is how the thread is sorted as usually stitches are done in either 1 or 2 strands. However, seeing the kit laid out it certainly does look impressive and as you said in your review it is refreshing to receive a kit where everything is presented for the cross stitcher in mind.
ReplyDeleteA nice review and a very nice looking kit.
ReplyDeleteI am also doing one from Yiotas and I love it! I am very slow in stitching the design that I choose to do because of family commitments. I will get back to finishing the design soon. I would also recommend her kits 100%. I am hoping to get back to stitching the "Meerkat Standing" by March and finish it as soon as possible. Love your design too!
ReplyDeleteA great review and like the idea of her sorting the floss.
ReplyDeleteMarl
Great jonb o Yoitas part. I too like the way the colors were already seperated & label, so u don't have to spend 2 days & crossing eyes to determine what is what. will be ordering from them soon.
ReplyDeleteI am impressed by this kit. To have the colors already separated and labeled is a dream! Definitely will check them out. Thanks for sharing the review.
ReplyDeleteI love the way that this kit is presented - very impressive, and it would definitely influence me. Though I do have to say that this sort of thing isn't me AT THE MOMENT. Maybe one day :)
ReplyDeleteGreat review. I love the kit and how everything is sorted/included.
ReplyDeleteLooks great! I like the pattern, too.
ReplyDelete- Lisa N. in Cambodia
thank you so much for the review. I am glad you like it!
ReplyDeleteYour so welcome!
DeleteI just looked at the site and fell in love with quite a few of the patterns. Thank you for the review.
ReplyDelete