Stem is finished . . . for now

So I've "finished" the stem.  I'm using quotes around "finished" because since last night I've been contemplating tearing it out and redoing it.  I didn't want it to be quite as solid stripy as the photo.  I wanted it to have a slightly more soft stripe to it.  Anyways, I'm on the fence on whether or not I like it.  I feel like it may need to more defined stripe to feel more shaded instead of blended flatness.  Hmmmm. . . anyways, hopefully moving forward . . .

Silk Shading- progress report

Progress has been a bit slow on my silk shading, mainly due to lack of time to work on it between baby and work.  I've been making time though recently and have been making some progress.  I have a really cute little helper now too!  One more bloom down, now on to the stem!