This has proven too hard and time-consuming for me, but I knew when I bought it that it probably would be, as the only counted cross-stitch I've done before are a couple tiny (maybe 2-inch) circles, with around 5 colors and a lot of blank space, and I have ADHD and like instant gratification (it's hard for me to work on a project for multiple days, let alone weeks). I just liked the design so much, I decided to try it anyway, as a first real project. That was a poor decision, and I haven't gotten very far. However, the instructions were very clear and easy to follow, even for a beginner, the design is gorgeous, and from what little I was able to do, I can already tell that if I were able to finish it, it would look amazing. The parts that I've done look like a painting, even when done by a total beginner. The colors and detail are amazing, it's just that it's simply too advanced for me at this point. And since there was nothing to suggest it wouldn't be based on the product listing, I don't hold that against the product (hence the 5 star rating, even though I haven't been able to complete it yet, and don't expect to any time soon). I also, being overly ambitious with my first real cross-stitch project, changed the pattern to say G-d (i.e. I replaced the "o" with a dash), because, for religious reasons, I was uncomfortable having it written out as it is in the pattern. I haven't actually gotten to that part (yet), but I'm fairly certain that when I eventually do (possibly years from now), I won't have any trouble with that particular detail. Honestly, I think I do actually have the skill to stitch the entire project, even as a beginner, I just don't have the patience for it. The instructions are clear enough for a beginner, it's just that my limit at this point is probably around 5-6 hours for a project, usually spread out over no more than a week, and this is something that would take probably well over 100 hours, and up to several months, depending how much time you have. I'm sure either of my grandmothers or my great-aunt could have done this a while back, but unfortunately, none of them have the eyesight anymore for this type of project. I wish someone would stitch this for me though, as I'd love to hang it on my wall (seriously, if anyone reading this wants to do the project and not keep it, I'd gladly pay a reasonable amount more than the cost of the materials for the finished piece, and I'm sure I could figure out a way to set something up using PayPal or whatever that would be secure and all that, maybe through Amazon or eBay or Etsy or something... I mean it, if you're interested, let me know, and we can figure something out, cause I really do love this piece, I just can't finish it).
