Abracadabra! I started this Dimensions cross stitch kit about seven years ago. It spent most of that time languishing in my closet until this summer. Once I finally started working on it in earnest, it went super fast. I think it took about five months to complete.
I love the dimension and texture the designer created by using halfstitch, couching, and blending colors. Every so often I’d fill in a couple of stitches and be amazed at how they made all the difference. This is a great example of how skillfully manipulated details in the right places make a project shine.
Looking at the chart, I was worried about how, um, phallic one of the candles looked. I was relieved when I actually stitched that section that it didn’t resemble a penis after all! It’s amazing how much color can change our perception.
I did make a few subtle changes. In some areas I miscounted, but I was able to fudge it so it looked great and I didn’t have to take out and redo a whole bunch. The wizard’s glasses were supposed to have a chain hanging down, but I think they’re cuter without. I also added gold to some of the dragon’s outlining to add a little more magic. Goes to show that even a minutely outlined project improves with a little creativity. This also reflects my “pantser”/“Make it Work” work style. 🙂
I’m really proud of myself for finishing! I also learned a new skill completing this project: couching! Despite the fiddly gold threads, I think I did a good job.
Behold!
Honeycomb's Hive 
Stitch well done!
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Thank you! (●´ω｀●)
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Love the smileys face.
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Thanks! I like the happy blushing cheeks on that one. If you have an iPhone, install the Japanese keyboard. It has a ^_^ button that gives you a wide variety of smilies to choose from. They’re wonderfully expressive!
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Will do…if the memory allows. Thanks for the info.
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You’re welcome. It should be a tiny file if memory serves.
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That looks awesome! So many details and such intricacy.
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Thanks, Anita! All those details made it a lot of fun to stitch. ^_^
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I love this! If I hadn’t started so many cross stitch projects and even bought more supplies yesterday, I’d be searching for this kit and buying it.
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Thank you! I agree the supplies can get addicting. Unfortunately Dimensions isn’t making this kit any more, but you might be able to find it secondhand. The artist, Myles Pinkney, has two other gorgeous kits available from Dimensions last I checked. His work has also been converted to cross stitch by Heaven And Earth Designs. I definitely want to do more of his pieces, but I have my own project stash to get through first! 😉
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I suppose it’s better for my bank account that it was discontinued! LOL I’m currently on a Joan Elliott binge and bought all the supplies necessary to stitch all of her Chinese dragons. A few months ago I also bought stuff to make a set of smaller things that coordinate: dragon, castle, owl, unicorn. AND I’m stitching her Celtic Wheel Cushion. The Chinese dragons are going to be loads of fun. Kreinek metallic thread, beads… I’m itching to get started, but which one shall I start?
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Ooo! I hadn’t come across Joan Elliott before! She reminds me a bit of Teresa Wentzler. The dragon on the cover of her Bewitching book certainly caught my eye. Is that the smaller set you’re stitching? Having such choices is a delightful torment! I can’t wait to see which you choose!
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Yes, that is the smaller set I plan to work on (still haven’t started it, I’ve been very naughty accumulating supplies and not using them!). The Chinese dragons appear in Magical Cross Stitch.
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