Riolis Kits
I've stuck to Dimensions kits because I know the DMC conversions and I'm used to their patterns. Lately I've considered getting some Riolis kits, but I'm wary of going out of my comfort zone. Is the conversion as simple as Dimensions kits? Anything I should be aware of before taking the plunge?
Posted by: sgeno1 on 07/06/16
Replies:
Riolis uses woolen and synthetic materials. I am not a fan of those materials. I don't know if conversion charts exist. Try googling. If you use DMC and possibly even change out the fabric then you are paying a lot of money for just the pattern. I rarely do kits for that reason, I like flexibility.
I'm sure that Kristi will shed more light on the situation.

You could always use the fabric and change out the "floss" by holding the colors up to your DMC's and try to get as close a match as possible. Time consuming but worth it if you prefer DMC.
by: Texas Stitcher on 07/06/16
Texas Stitcher ~ Thanks so much for your reply. I'm new to cross stitch after decades of embroidery and crochet (my eyes can't do it!!). Sounds like I was right to worry - I'm allergic to wool!!
by: sgeno1 on 07/06/16
I am currently working on a Riolis kit myself and I will be very glad when it's finished! The wool does make a nice effect but you have to have loads of patience to work with it! Its harder to thread (get a larger eyed needle!) because of the wool fuzziness, if the kit calls for blending the strands are extremely fragile so you have to use much shorter strands and the darned wool has a tendency to catch on any rough skin or fingernail. I can't count how many times I've yanked the floss out of the needle while stitching and so had to re-thread.

So far it looks like this company provides OODLES of the required fibers though so there's no shortage at least on this kit. I did try to convert the colors to DMC using the color chart but some shades are just so darned close!

This kits are doable but only if you have the patience and time to work them. They're worth it even though personally I don't want to try another one! ;)

Oh and this is entirely my own personal opinion!
by: DancyFrog on 07/07/16
I tried my hand at needlepoint and could never get used to the fibers. So I know that Riolis is not for me. I love embroidery and wish that I had more time.
by: Texas Stitcher on 07/08/16