Stuck at the Stems

I don't know if it was because I was so tired last night or if it is because I am at another standstill with flowers that I can't seem to move forward again. 

I'm going to hope it was simple exhaustion and that I will be moving on in a day or two with clear ideas on how best to proceed.

I made the stems out of three different shades of green wool roving.  I first used the wool roving on my last quilt, Yab Yum for the pink day lillies over the lovers heads. 

 

I like the texture it adds to the quilt.  

So, where is the hang up this time, you ask?  

It's a myriad of things.  

I like the stems like I have put them on, but Jason was suggesting not making them so straight.  (The stems will have leaves on them.)

Looking at poppies on the internet, their stems are relatively straight while they bloom. They have a bend at the top of the stem when they are in the bud form. Then, when the blooms open up to face the sun the stem straightens up.  Naturally, the weight of the bloom creates a gentle curve, but they stand more or less straight.

I have to decide to keep them as they are, or take his advice.  

This time, I will probably leave them as they are.

 

I also have to keep in mind, before putting a ton of work into it, that the stems and the leaves will be behind the foreground, so does it really matter that much?

I have gotten a bit hung up on the buds and seed heads too.  I'm just not sure if I really want to add them or leave them off as they will be a subtle detail.  I made one as you can see in the picture below.  (There is a small green bud, but you have to look closely to see it.)

I think my plan for now is to go ahead and make the leaves for these flowers and see where that gets me and see where it leads.  

Often times, I just need a subtle distraction and then it will become crystal clear.

I'm off to pack for my first solo camping trip this weekend - talk about subtle distraction!

See you tomorrow!