Wreath of All Seasons: Week 2.5

It's high time I talked about Wreath of All Seasons, so here we are: 

As you can see, a lot has changed. I've finished the hydrangea, yay! And another dragonfly has appeared at the top. And most notably, I have gridded the fabric! Gasp! 

I have never ever ever gridded fabric before, because I was always scared that the ink might not go away, that I'd mess it up, etc. But I quickly realized that this project is deceptively big and complex, and that I was never going to finish it unless I got some help from modern cross stitching tools. So, I took a big breath and went for it. And I'm so glad! I'm having so much fun just jumping around the project now, stitching wherever takes my fancy. 

This has also become my "outdoor project", because white aida is just so easy to stitch on that I don't need an extra light, and the weather is just so beautiful here in southern Spain. So this is my new favorite stitching spot:

My stitching chair

The view

So that's where the stitching magic happens! It's a wonderful spot and I'm so happy to be able to chill there and stitch while listening to the birds. A really special project, being worked in a very special place.

Wreath of All Seasons, and a diagnosis

Stitching this pattern is bringing me such joy! It's simple enough to be enjoyable, but varied enough to keep it interesting. Here's my progress so far:

It's coming out so much better than anticipated. I hadn't really known if I'd enjoy stitching this one, but my, what a pleasure. It's like I'm exploring and discovering a little world of leaves, flowers and dragonflies stitch by stitch. A little gem.

I know I don't post anything personal on here, but in this case I think it's too important to dismiss. You see, last Wednesday we finally got to the bottom of the condition that's been limiting so many aspects of my life for the last six years, and it's such a relief to know its name: fibromyalgia. I have found an amazingly kind, compassionate doctor, and a very supportive association one town over from where I live, so for the first time in years, I feel like there's light at the end of the tunnel, and I'm optimistic everything will work out.

I hope everyone's been having some good stitching this week! Until next time, happy stitching :)

Wreath of All Seasons

This week I started another kit: Wreath of All Seasons designed by Dimensions. I needed a change of pace from Andromeda, basically something that was simple and straightforward and not linen. 

Here is the progress I made during one afternoon. It was such a relief to be stitching on Aida again! I know some people don't like seeing the holes in the fabric, but I don't mind. I enjoy the process, and 14 count Aida is my happy place.

All in all a very enjoyable afternoon stitching and snuggling with my adorable Quijote. He's such a cuddle bug! 

So from now on I'll be having these two projects open, and work on them depending on my mood, whether I'm feeling ambitious or lazy.