it keeps getting prettier and prettier

:-)

Adding the flowers is really adding to it, I think

It's looking great! I like what the padding brings to the flowers.

I found SUCH a difference switching to stretcher bars from a snap frame... being able to control the tension is so helpful.

It's coming along beautifully. What are placement stitches?

I agree - this is looking great. I have just done some threadpainting a la Trish Burr on a fig - and the first one was crappy, but the second one, where i put in some directional stitches to follow turned out much better (the practice probably helped too).

Michael - I've wanted to get into Evertite frames ever since Mary reviewed them on NeedlenThread. I think that might be even better! The next step!
My Historical Sampler is going to be so heavy with the stumpwork and goldwork. Tension is going to be an issue

it's a pity Trish B didn't use padding in her other books - this was her first book (Redoute) and she decided to use only stitch direction as dimensionality after this. But you can always add your own.

I like it too.

JoWynn - In needlepainting, putting in a few stitches that indicate direction of the thread, or where a changes in direction is, is a good reminder to actually do so.

It's easy to be concentrating on the blending, and forget your stitch direction and blithely keep going in the same direction for the whole petal or leaf or whatever.

Stitch direction important for the 'dimensionality' look of the piece.

Paula - looking forward to seeing another fig!! I like your figs :-)

This is looking beautiful and the padding just adds so much life!

Thankyou :-)