This is a challenging pattern to stitch on linen for your first time. However, it has a lot of fabric showing and will be beautiful. If you've stitched a Mirabilia before, you know there will be Kreinik metallic thread & Mill Hill seed beads in the pattern.

EXS has this kitted up for you, so you can order the fabric & floss here. I think the biggest problem in switching this to Aida 16 ct would be finding the laurel color.

Jhewes: Yes, I looked for that color in Aida and couldn't find it, so I decided to go ahead and try it. It has a lot of Caron Waterlilies thread used on this and many beads. I figured (other than the fabric) since I have done 4 Japanese patterns and completed them, this one couldn't be any harder (or could it?).

I went ahead and ordered it and am anxious to get it started, but while I'm waiting for it, I'm going to practice on some linen that I bought to experiment on. Wish me luck and I'm sure I'll be back on here asking for advice.

Definitely wish you luck! Since you got through the Japanese, you should do fine.