PAP 1 3D Bolero - Progress so far

I have stitched circles all over both of the front pieces in metallic thread using feather stitch. However there was something missing so I painted pearl beads and stitched them through the border. This has brought the embroidery to life.

Close up of the fabric.

Close up of the border.

The bolero will close with a hook and eye. The scallop shell represents a central bow, with the border as a trailing ribbon.

I drew this sketch to work out how to design the bow. It is over complicated so must be simplified.

This second sketch is still complicated and fussy, but I liked the idea of layered strips to represent the years of the growth of the shell.

This sample is very delicate but is still over complicated and doesn't marry well with the simplicity of the stitching on the bolero. It was worth trying, though.

I have decided to create a scallop shell that will be covered in feather stitch in graduated colours, with lines converging across the shell. The background fabric will be the same colour as the main jacket, without the machine embroidery. It will be slightly padded after stitching and will probably have converging quilted lines, mimicking the real thing. The colours will be the reverse of the stitching shown here, so that it will be dark at the outer edge and lighter as the lines converge.

I haven't decided whether to use 1 or 2 strands of metallic thread. One strand is so much easier to control than 2, even with beeswax. I need to do a sample, to make sure the scallop shape has enough impact. I hope that the beads that will surround the shell will give it a dramatic effect. Also the beads should not distort/be too heavy, if they are positioned away from the neck opening.