18 count fabric choices please

by Linda
(Warrenton, VA)

Through the help of a web site I have made a needlework pattern from a photo of my granddaughter. The information from the site says it is 18-count. Your web site counter tells me the finished size will be 8x7.555.

Can you recommend a fabric and floss for this project?

How do I convert the information I have been given under "count" (one color is 1907 count, another 2150, etc.) into amount of floss I should purchase?

I'm assuming the best approach is cross stitch, right? Doing something without a stamped pattern is new to me.

Thanks!