Stoney CreekStoneycreek, Winter in The Village

This is a cross stitch pattern book published in 2010 and sold by Stoney Creek Collection, Inc. (www dot stoneycreek dot com) in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Stoney Creek is a US manufacturer and distributor of cross stitch patterns, kits, and accessories. The book is entitled "Winter in the Village", Book 418, and is one of the four books in the Seasons in the Village series. I have purchased all four books in the collection and have written similar reviews for each of them. The book is eight pages counting the front and back covers. The design is a series of storefronts along a street and the pattern itself extends over three pages in the book. You can stitch the entire street scene or select individual storefronts for smaller designs. These are not beginners books. They are counted cross stitch (i.e., You count the fabric weave to determine stitch run length.) with numerous color changes. Thread and the base fabric are not included. Using the color conversion chart in the book, you will need to buy the various thread colors and the base fabric. You will probably want to use Aida fabric which has large weave "squares" that can be fairly easily counted. The size of the pattern can, to some extent, be controlled by the square count per inch of the fabric (e.g., 14 ct Aida fabric has 14 squares per inch). In other words, the larger the number of squares per inch, the smaller the finished design will be. On designs this intricate, I would suggest marking the major grid lines on the foundation fabric before starting. You can do this with a color maker or a loosely sewn thread. If using thread, make sure you remove the marker thread as you stitch so it doesn't get woven into your design. In addition, Stoney Creek expressly grants permission for you to make a single photocopy of the pattern to facilitate personal stitching. I would recommend making an enlarged photocopy of each of the three pattern pages and then taping them together so you can work off a single, easy to see, design. If you are looking for a fairly large, intermediate to advanced, counted cross stitch pattern then this will be a five star buy for you.

I am working on this pattern right now. It is so fun to do and very rewarding. There are some fractional stitches and a lot of backstitching but that is what I like about this pattern. The extra detail to stitching makes a very beautiful picture when done.

Great product. Exactly what was advertised.

I love seasonals.

I ordered all of these (the Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter). They came exactly as described and I am looking forward to stitching them... although I don't know when I will get to them. My stash keeps growing!

It's a beautiful picture, and I can't wait to start sewing. The directions are great.

Bought all 4 seasons and can't wait to get started stitching.

good