Dimensions Gold Collection are my favorite counted cross stitch kits. I'm currently halfway through stitching Balloon Glow and it's beautiful -- detail rich with a lot of depth.The two that I have completed in the past (Cabin Fever, European Bistro) were equally beautiful and fun to stitch.HOWEVER, I gave up on one called Memory Lane because it asked you to use too many ply at a time, making it a pain to stitch. I realized that some pattens recommend you use needlework stretcher bars to stretch the fabric while you stitch. I would personally recommend against those kits.The kit comes with 2 needles, 18 count aida fabric, a large pattern (half of the pattern on 2 pages), and presorted thread (I still put them on my own plastic sorter and draw the symbols next to each color so that I don't have to reference the list all the time. The cardboard is flimsy and doesn't have holes -- instead, the threads are glued into the sorter, so once you take it out you'd better have a place to put it back. [Also, i've tried punching holes in the cardboard sorter and it didn't go well -- to0 flimsy. Invest in a sturdy plastic sorter).It is for experienced stitchers, but it's not difficult if you know what you're doing. This is a big project: it has taken me about 2 years to complete each one, but that will obviously depend on how often you stitch. I am a student so stitch a lot more during summers and holidays. Most of the stitches are done with 2 ply, but some half stitches call for 3, 4, or 5 ply. The 5 ply parts can be a bit of a hassle, but they are worth the overall result.