Lucas-S Santa Claus Checking List Counted Cross-Stitch Kit

I bought this to make for myself. I was a little nervous when I opened it and saw how big it was but the directions are so easy to follow I love how I can see the picture coming alive

I am a very experienced cross stitcher and have done countless projects. This is the first kit that I have bought from this company. A normal x-stitch kit comes with two colored pages of the pattern key, instructions and the required thread. This kit came with 9 gigantic, VERY zoomed in key pages that are black and white. (Why does a 11x16 project need a 9 page key??) There are no instructions as every stitch is a full cross stitch. No half stitches (I’ve never had a kit that didn’t call for the texture that half stitches give) or French knots. There is also no call for detail outlining to make the final project “pop” and look crisp and clear. I find this very lazy and not thoroughly designed.Still, I pressed on…Whoever decided to make 9 very zoomed in pattern key pages made a bad call. I assume the thinking is that it would be easier to see the symbols. But 1) Put your key in COLOR!! When all your symbols are in black and white, no matter how big they are you have to look extra carefully that you are following the correct symbol. For example, if you are working on the thread for a right arrow —>, if you’re not paying very close attention there is a left arrow <— very nearby that you could confuse (see photos) and many more similar symbols. With a different company these two arrows would be printed in different colors to avoid confusion. 2) it’s hard on the eyes to go back and forth from a key with large squares to the material’s small squares. It’s hard to maintain the proper distance/depth perception over and over, always trying to find your place again. 3) it’s also frustrating to not be able to properly measure the progress you are making.I will also note that none of these things were listed in the product description or photos. I assumed it would be like every other kit I’ve purchased before this over the past 20 years.This was a very disappointing purchase and I doubt I will buy a Luca-s kit again.*I will say that they did organize their threads in nice cardboard cards to keep them organized.

My wife said it's not for beginners but she loves it

I haven't started it yet but it is going to be beautiful! Challenging.

This counted cross stitch is so very difficult. It will take me many years to finish. The level of difficulty is beyond experienced. My eyes will go out on me before I finish... and I have to use a lighted magnifying stand. I'm ready to throw it in the trash!