February kept things interesting. The weather was completely unpredictable. Great for creating color variety in a temperature project. Not so great for planning (anything) or commuting.

The high reached 68.4º, while the low dipped to 11.7º, giving the garden another wide spread of color to work with. The biggest temperature swing happened on February 14, when we jumped from 21º to 59.7º. A 38.7º swing in a single day feels dramatic, even for February.

February didn’t just bring new temperatures. It introduced two new types of flowers to the garden, along with an array of fresh colors that brightened the whole scene. And a pair of very cute bunnies for an added touch of whimsy.

You might recall I mentioned in my January launch post that I suspected I would learn additional lessons along the way. I was right.

I started the year using a large hoop so I could see more of the project at once. In theory, it felt efficient. In reality, it was unwieldy and mildly infuriating. I was fighting the hoop as much as I was stitching the pattern.

Before I began February, I downsized to a smaller hoop. What a difference it has made. Instead of wrestling with the hoop and dreading the process, I feel more focused and far less overwhelmed. My stitching has improved, and so has my attitude. Significantly.

It turns out I work better on smaller surfaces. Large, unwieldy hoops and I simply do not get along.

Another lesson learned. Another small adjustment that makes this project so much more enjoyable.