New cross-stitcher needs help re floss

I have needlepointed for years, but never used the counted cross stitch. I fell in love with the Dimensions Maggie the Messmaker kit & realize what a challenge this will be. I see that many prefer DMC to the floss used in the kits, and should I convert all to DMC before I start? Is there that much of a difference between the two? Thanks for any info you can give me! Pam

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I am doing a Dimensions kit, and I would thoroughly recommend you find a conversion to DMC or Anchor. I am actually completing the piece, Millenium Angel, for someone else who had already started it. Otherwise I would have changed to DMC. I believe someone posted a conversion URL recently on rctn. Jim.

I have used the thread in the Dimensions kits several times and have so far never had a problem with it. I even mixed some DMC with it to change a color and it looked fine.

Lucille

oss provided with kits. If the kit is going to be really special get the si= lks and switch to linen : )

provided with kits. If the kit is going to be really special get the silks and switch to linen : )

The only problem with this recommendation is that Pam is new to cross stitch and might not want to invest in even weave fabric and silk floss. You're talking a chunk of change to make that switch -- even if it IS one that I would make :-). So -- Pam -- I do kits (I have "Maggie" in my stash) and have used the floss that comes with the kit. The main problem -- for me at least

-- is that the kit floss is just not as good a quality as DMC or Anchor. This means it has a tendency to knot up and twist more often than the better quality floss. That being said, I still use the kit floss most of the time and am just aware of the problems I have. If I have purchased the kit because I am wild for the design and only want the chart, then I usually do as "t" suggested and change fibers AND fabric. If I have purchased the kit because I like the design and want something fun to do (I always have some sort of needlework project in hand of an evening) then I work with what is supplied. CiaoMeow >^;;^<

PAX, Tia Mary >^;;^< (RCTQ Queen of Kitties) Angels can't show their wings on earth but nothing was ever said about their whiskers! Visit my Photo albums at

I find the Dimensions Gold kits (Maggie is one) usually have pretty good floss. However, sometimes they are short and if this is a first time project, you may want to substitute just to be sure you have enough.

Secondly, if this isn't one of those highlight the area kits (I don't think it is) and doesn't have a lot of half stitches, you could do it as a needlepoint - either all in tent/basketweave/half cross or using your own ideas, at least for the background.

I do alot of kits, with all sorts of thread types but have found that if you are careful (untwist the treads at regular intervals, use shorter lengths etc) you should have no problems. I agree that the quality of thread may not always be as good but Dimensions has always proved to be good as far as I'm concerned. In the begining I used to worry that I wouldn't have enought thread, but it has only happened to me once and I contacted the company and they send more thread for free. Good luck and I hope you enjoy cross stitching! Sandy