Slow Dancing...

Wonky wing feathers in progress

Jury's still out on this so far. My intent was to show both edges of each feather (with the rib shown) as they appeared in the photo from which I adapted this embroidery. I'm starting to think that perhaps I'm trying to be too literal and it's actually taking away from what I'm going for.

This was the first photo I shared when I planned my bluebird piece

Sooooo, I'm probably going to take out the gray stitching again. I plan to start at the wing tips this time and work my way down. Each feather should overlap, but in looking at an actual wing, the overlap should be to the top side of the wing, not underneath. I can accomplish that look as long as I start at the wing tip and work my way down. See the photos of the open wings for a visual explanation. Remember, you can click on an image to enlarge it.

Once I have the flight feathers done, I'll go back and stitch more of the little pin feathers (where the different grays appear on the top of the wing) and perhaps even make them a little fuzzy as they are on an actual bluebird. But, first things first.

I kind of knew this part of the piece was going to be a challenge, but I didn't expect that I'd be stitching and frogging about six times to get what I want. Even so, if it's not right I know the finished product would bug me. Instead, I'll stitch and frog until I'm completely happy with the look.

Not today, though. This is my last week of three full days, plus a dear friend passed away the Monday after Mother's Day and her funeral is Wednesday so family and friends can say goodbye. She was one of the ladies on the 50th class reunion planning committee. She was a beautiful soul, and she'll be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved her...including me. I'll be working today, tomorrow and Friday from 9:30 - 4:30 (approximately) and the funeral will be Wednesday morning. The rest of the week is my own, so I'm going to do my best to focus on this piece.

I'll be sitting at the hoop and removing all those grey stitches first, and then I'll begin stitching as I have time this week. Perhaps by this time next week, at least one wing will be finished. I'm certainly going to try for that.

Time for me to get ready for work. I'll see you again tomorrow. Bluebird update then. Toodles!