DESIGN WORKS Janlynn/Platinum Collection Counted Cross Stitch 18"X15", Olde World Map (14 Count), White

I just finished this pattern. It took me 14 months of casual work (there were times I put it down for weeks at a time). I deviated from the pattern slightly. I omitted some of the place names (China and Indie), because it seemed strange to only list a few countries. I also omitted the beads and pearl filament, because I felt they cheapened the design. The coloring of the real-life thread is definitely brighter than the picture that is provided. I wish the colors weren’t so bright (so the finished product would have more of an antique look), but I still think it’s beautiful. I’m providing a picture of my product, but it will look better once it’s smoothed out, matted, and framed properly. Having finished it, I wanted to provide a few observations for those who decide to tackle this pattern in the future. 1) This is a fairly easy pattern, if you are an experienced cross stitcher. There are a lot of quarter stitches, backstitches, and French knots, but it is fairly standard. However, the instructions are not as clearly laid out as with Dimensions patterns. If you haven’t done these types of stitches before, you can Google the terms to learn the techniques. As always, you’ll want to start with the lighter colors and end with the darker colors. Move from the center out. Obviously, do the cross stitches first and end with the back stitching and knots. 2) I always cut the lengths of thread in half to avoid tangles and to make the thread easier to work with. Some reviewers here have complained about the thread organizer. I found it to be annoying but easy to learn to navigate. Whatever you do, do not remove the thread from the organizer and put any extra thread back in its assigned spot. You can look at the colors that are supposed to be stored together as a clue to matching the symbols to the correct thread color. For instance, on card C in spot 12, there is only one strand of “Light Rose”, which is easy to identify, so you know the other color in that slot must be the “Light Blue Green”, which is very similar to a few other colors. 3) Make copies of the pattern. Because it was dual-sided and folded, the area near the crease/fold began to deteriorate the more I flipped back and forth. This was especially problematic when I was attempting to do the back stitching. 4) I did not run out of thread. In fact, I had a lot leftover of every color. But, having read reviews that other people had run out of thread, I was being extremely conservative with the thread throughout. This led to some annoying consequences. For instance, with respect to the back stitching of the long lines that run the length of the pattern in the “Very Dark Mocha Brown” thread (on the borders), I stitched it too tight (trying to conserve thread), making it difficult to lay the project straight. I ultimately regretted that, because I had so much brown thread left at the end. Don’t do that! You’ll have enough thread as long as you make smart choices and don’t waste thread needlessly. For example, if you need to use the same color thread in another spot far from where you are currently working, it’s better to secure the thread and cut it instead of stretching the thread across the length of the pattern to the new spot. 5) For whatever reason, I thought the coloring of the “Light Old Gold” and “Dark Gold Beige” was very confusing. These are two of the colors that are organized in the bundles outside of the three color cards. Based on the names of the thread colors, the sample picture, and the pattern, I wondered if the manufacturer had flipped these colors. The “Dark Gold Beige” is actually lighter than the “Light Old Gold”. As a result, I almost accidentally substituted one for the other (in other words, I almost switched them), but because there was such a disparity in the amounts of these strands (there were 28 lengths of the “Light Old Gold” and only 14 of the “Dark Gold Beige”), I managed to catch myself before making this mistake. I just wanted to flag this so that others don’t confuse or try to switch these colors. If you do this, you’ll definitely run out of thread. 6) The instructions don’t tell you this, but when you are back stitching the long lines that run the length of the pattern in the “Very Dark Mocha Brown” thread (on the borders), I found it was easiest to tack down the thread to keep the lines straight. You can Google this technique if you aren’t familiar with it. 7) It was very difficult for me to figure out where the French knots in the “Light Yellow” were located on the pattern. There are only two (I think), and they are located in the bottom two corners. I hope this was helpful. It’s such a beautiful pattern. I always prefer cross stitching kits, because I don’t like to have to buy my own thread (I prefer when it’s provided), and this is probably my favorite one of all time. If you have the patience, you won’t regret completing this project and displaying it. I’ve gotten so many compliments and I haven’t even framed it properly yet.

The amazon packaging was great, however the product packaging from Janlynn....not so much. The plastic packaging was split and completely open on both sides and everything had come out of the original package and was a tangled mess inside the Amazon package. All items were accounted for and the piece is beautiful!! All threads are pre sorted. Instructions seem clear. I’m anxious to get started.

Beautifully charted counted cross stitch design with clear directions. I usually limit my purchase of counted cross stitch KITS to those manufactured by Dimensions Gold Collection, but this design really appealed to me so I took a chance and ordered it. I must say that I'm very happy with the quality of this kit. The fibers supplied are high quality and the fabric likewise appears to be of a better than average quality. I must confess that I haven't started stitching this project yet, but it is next on my "to stitch" pile as I'm planning to complete this as a gift for my brother's new apartment. It's sometimes a little tough to find designs in counted cross stitch kits that are "masculine" looking or appropriate for a man's decor, but I believe this particular design will fit in nicely with a man's furniture and artwork. I see another map design by this company and I hope to purchase that to stitch next (and to keep for myself)! This project may be better suited to someone with some experience with doing counted cross stitch; however, I personally think anyone who is motivated enough to stitch this particular design should not hesitate from purchasing it. My very first cross stitch project was a quite intricate design and although it took me a while to complete it, I'm proof that a novice to this craft CAN produce a beautiful piece of art if they're determined. Just bear in mind that no counted cross stitch project is going to be done in a few days (unless it's something like an ornament or a design intended for a child).

I bought this project to be a gift for my man (a man that actually appreciates crossstitching!). This will be going up in his office, this I know! Anyway - absolutely beautiful! I've only completed about a 1/4 of it and it is amazing. I'm quite pleased at the detailing of this - making it a true piece of art. A lot of tediousness to it, but well worth it. I simply cannot wait until it is done, framed, and hanging for all to appreciate. The negative review I read before I bought this...I just figured I'd be prepared for the color sortment issue and missing colors. Oddly enough - there is NO BLACK in this piece. That's why it wasn't included...The three 'trays' of colors had some mixing of colors but it was intended that way and the mixed colors were done so that they were clear (i.e. light avocado green and light mahagoney in the same slot for obvious color determination). My only complaint is - I wish I had ordered this earlier in the year so I could give this as a Christmas present!

I'm about half way done with this project. Nice to have a subject that I can give to my husband for his office. Colors are quite a bit brighter than the picture, which to some may be more of a con than pro. There are a lot of quarter stitches in this pattern and not a lot of direction. So if you haven't done them before, just Google it. On that point I would rate 4 stars. Quality of thread is good. Cloth is a bit stiff. But, the picture is very interesting with an elaborate border. I'm having fun doing it.

This is a very nice, intricate design. Unfortunately, I don't know that I will ever finish it. The floss included in the project is poor quality, and it frays, tears and tangles continuously. The color numbers almost match DMC, but not close enough to try and replace it.