Anchor Maia M01026 African Sunset Counted Cross Stitch Kit, 11-3/4 by 15-1/2-Inch, 18 Count

Gorgeous kit that includes many full skeins of Anchor floss along with the "typical" variety of fibers that are only a certain number of strands as needed for the specific design you're stitching. I've purchased three of the Maia kits now, and am very impressed with all of them. I should state that I normally prefer stitching projects that I buy as the chart only and then kit up myself with DMC fibers and linen of my choosing, but lately I've been adding to my collection of kits because the designs available are so detailed and the finished pieces look amazing. My number one choice of counted cross stitch kits has always been the Dimension Gold Collection brand, but I've noticed their fibers sometimes seem slightly lower in quality than what they used to include in their kits. The Maia kits all include Anchor brand fibers, which are very high quality and readily accessible IF you happen to run out of a color and need to buy more. (I have never yet run out of threads for any kit that I've stitched, BUT I do like the fact that I can replenish a color(s) by buying an extra skein or two of Anchor IF I should need to!) The Dimensions kits do include a number and email address that you can contact if you run out of any of their threads - and they say they will mail you the needed colors at no charge. It's a nice feature IF you are worried about running through floss before you've finished your project! The Maia kits also come with two needles and a needle threader, which is a very nice added touch! The colors of the fibers are bright and vibrant and they are pre-sorted for you on an organizer (the kind with the punched holes along the sides). I tend to like the new system that the Dimensions kits use with their fibers securely attached to organizers and labeled clearly with the color name and numerical code (should you run out), but these Maia kits are just fine with the threads sorted for you already. I will most likely transfer these flosses to Floss Away bags labled with their Anchor numbers so I will have any leftovers ready to use on other projects! If you are a die-hard Dimensions Gold cross stitch lover, I wouldn't hesitate to tell you to give the Maia kits a try! Granted, the assortment available on Amazon isn't as large or varied as their Dimension kits at present - but maybe if more stitchers decide to give them a try, Amazon will take note and start to increase their stock of the Anchor/Maia kits as well! (Hope you're listening/reading Amazon folks!)

Item arrived on time. Item was brand new. Item was just as expected.