This week I’ve been able to add the front rider on the bicycle built for 6. When I stepped back to view my progress, I was not as thrilled as I had hoped to be. It doesn’t pop according to plan. As I evaluate it, I realize that the colors are warmer than the background, but the chroma, or intensity, is not as rich as it should be, and I don’t have the value contrast that I need. 
I may try to infuse and add, or over-fuse with bits of very dark and light fabrics to make some changes, but that is risky. I run the chance of pulling the piece out of shape or fraying the raw edges. I’ll have to give it some thoughtful consideration before I make that kind of move.
I think a better plan, for now, is to move forward with the next 2 riders and create a bigger context for this front man. Maybe I can compensate with those characters. I also have the option of waiting until I’m in the thread-painting stage to try to make the needed adjustments. That, however, is a long way off. If I wait till that stage and it doesn’t work, I may be hard pressed to find another option.
Another minor setback: I’ve lost a pattern piece for the toe of his shoe, and have spent a good amount of time sifting through all the little bits of paper in my trash to no avail.
On the up side: I do like the red bike.
You might have guessed that this is the time when the nay-saying voices are singing in my head. Stumbling and struggling in front of others is very humbling.
