More floral details for the Frolicking Calf
False Start 
A Better Start
I wanted to do something slightly different with the pink flowers, but still modify the colour with stitching. The braid stitch made the shape too angular, and emphasized the edges too much; up-and-down buttonhole stitch, a favourite from the Jacobean Coat, might do a better job. Certainly, it provides a delicate edge that doesn’t impose itself too much.
You will see that the left-hand side looks sharper than the right hand side. There is stitching and there has been extra needlefelting on the stems and flowers, while the right-hand side still looks rough, like a quick, splodgy sketch. I found I rather enjoyed narrowing the stems and rounding them off – by hand, with a single needle, not the embellisher, of course. There’s a gap in one of the stems because the calf will go over the top!
I may not have managed quite enough curve and flow in the lighter stems, but we will see how I manage to develop them later. They will have leaves added, and that will change the effect and the emphasis…
I never knew you can change the appearance of felted elements that much in the process! This piece will be so lovely when finished.
I love the vivid colours!
Looks good to me! It will be hard to tell if the balance will be right until the calf is frolicking among those flowers, but the completed side is has plenty of shape and strength. The coat has given you plenty of valuable practice at stitching on your footing.
I think once you ge that calf in place those flowers will look gine.
I love the Braid Stitch, but here the Up and Down Buttonholes are better.
I am looking forward to seeing the calf emerge among the flowers.
Interesting to see your progress and compare your stitching. xx
I love reading your thoughts and plans when stitching this up! I know nothing about needle felting, so this whole process is quite interesting!
Can’t wait to see the calf in the midst of the flowers.
Ditto the above!
I always like stitches on felt. It adds textures. You do it well.
love the vibrant colour choices here Rachel….