Bothy ThreadsCross Stitch Kit - Love Blossoms

I made this as a wedding gift to my niece and her husband. I knew she would be thrilled but was surprised to find that he was, too, with being gifted an "heirloom". When the kit arrived I didn't like the material for my purposes and substituted with linen. I had my husband scan the pattern and enlarge it so I could print it on Sticky-Solvey so I could stick it to the linen and embroider through that (it washes away). I HATE doing cross-stitch so I did it all as embroidery, using a special shiny thread to embroider the words LOVE, changing colors as I wanted them to be, and adding my own beads to what were in the kit. I didn't use the tiny plastic cutouts. The whole thing came out beautifully. Part of the gift was money so they could have it framed the way they wanted. I forgot to take a photo but my niece will send me one once it gets framed.

I LOVED this design. The instructions were clear and concise. Prior reviews complained about the metallic thread, but I found it to be fine, though sometimes a little challenging, it was really not that bad to work with. Minor improvement might be a bigger eye opening on the small needle. I had a real tough time threading it, but my eyes are not what they used to be. I ended up finding a needle I had that had a larger eye slot. Also I think the large white flowers could be a little smaller. Would fit better. But over all this is a fantastic kit and I highly recommend it.

This project is not for the faint of heart! The results are awesome but it is for an advanced stitcher. The shipping time was wonderful considering that it came from the U. K. I dinged it one star because the metallic silver thread that makes up the tree trunk and branches is sooooo difficult to work with. I would replace that thread if I were to stitch it again. But, all of that said, it is an extraordinary design and I am thrilled with the final project.

I just finished this kit and it turned out absolutely beautiful! High quality materials, clear and easy to follow instructions. The extras in the kit - the lace flowers and gold beads and sequins added so much to the overall effect. Highly recommend!

I liked the design. The only problem I had was with the beading. The needle has a very small eye which made it impossible for me to put the beads on as my vision is poor. The second and flowers were easy to affix and place. Probably not for an absolute beginner, but can be completed by a person with moderate experience in cross stitching. I made it during a 3 week period. Gave it as a wedding present. Unable to add picture as it has been gifted to the bride and groom.

I thought this was a pattern, rather than a kit - first frustration. The instructions are complicated and multi-layered - frustration #2. It uses metallic thread which is virtually impossible to work with - frustration #3. It also has a bunch of "beads and sparkles" in it that I am sure would be frustration #4. Enough said. I worked on this.for a month and I am going to throw it out and get something else. Waste of my time and money.

It's so pretty! The threads come pre-sorted! (Not always the case!) The silver thread is hard to work with, but you only use one strand instead of two! The instructions tell you to only use one about 4 different times. One "strand" of the silver thread is made up of two smaller strands that are just twisted around each other, which easily come un-raveled. I found an easy way to help was just cut the silver thread in half and work with shorter pieces. You have to start and finish more often, but it doesn't tangle as easily!

I don't know what "brand" of thread this kit contains (Bothy's own threads?), but unless you want to spend hours unpicking atrocious knots and replacing broken threads after every third stitch, you may want to replace all of it with DMC or Anchor brand threads before you begin. The pattern is beautiful, though, especially with the embellishments. I should note I had no problem with the metallic threads. If you do, try cutting it to half the length so it doesn't fray while pulling it repeatedly through the fabric and use a thread conditioner (beeswax, essentially) like Thread Magic. Ultimately, I think this kit is too expensive for the thread quality or I would have left a higher rating.