So well put. My wife tells me that I must love tedium as I sit for hours doing just what you have said so well; stitch a single cross stitch thousands of times. As you say; calming and I find the anticipation as the design comes to life on that blank piece of fabric is magical.

Try stitching free hand; no hoop, no frame. It is so easy once you get used to it and allows you to use the sewing method rather than the poke and pull. I haven’t used a hoop in 40 years.

Found Them! John James Platinum Needles. These are so smooth going through the cloth you will never want to go back to gold or nickle. Supply is limites as John James no longer make them (too expensive to make). The Silver Needle in Tulsa has aquired a stash). They are available at thesilverneedle.com. #24, 26, and 28 . Two needles in a plastic tube $7.75 plus shipping. A little spendy, but they are fantastic.

Years ago I was introduced to needles coated with platinum and were fantastic. Sliped through fabric like a hot knife in butter. A shear pleasure to work with. Does anyone know where I might find these today?

I have been doing cross stitch for almost 40 years and I never use a hoop or any other device......just grab a hold of the fabric and stitch. When possible I prefer the sewing motion as opposed to the stab and pull action needed when using a hoop. For some reason my stitches generally come out even. Here is a photo of a Moira Blackburn sampler I recently completed.