After a few simple shading designs, I received a request for cabbage roses! With this piece, I relearned the value of highlight and shadow. These (vs. the midtones) define the shape.
I also learned how hard it is to do the second side of the vest in reverse (mirror image), a problem not faced by those who stitched the design after me.
My love of pattern shows up again in the simple pinstriped background: subtle, but it lends interest to the design (as well as to the stitcher).
I gave up designing backs on vests after doing six vests. They are quite heavy, take a long time to stitch, and present some aggravating construction problems.
Copyright 1995, Diane M. Schultz