Sternfeld Baronial Shield

 Finally getting started on a project I've had in my head for a while. Getting away from my comfort zone of counted stitch embroidery. I've gone back and forth about what materials and stitches to use on this. The fabric is regular old evenweave linen, can't remember if it is 28 or 32 count. The thread is Persian wool from Rainbow Gallery (https://www.rainbowgallery.com/product/rainbow-persian/) which seemed like a good crewel wool type option and is easily available to me at my local embroidery and needlework store, Persnickety Stitchers (https://www.persnicketystitchers.com/).

Outline will be in black split stitch. The green laurel wreath will be in green split stich with outline in black. The leaves will probably just be in a basic back stitch. I tried doing split stitch but it just wasn't working. The big fill areas will be in laid and couched work, also known as Bayeux Tapestry stitch, blue and yellow. The yellow stars.... I'm still trying to decide if they are going to be laid and couched or split stitch.

Now to the progress photos so far.

Tracing out the pattern. Got to use my lightboard finally that I bought ages and ages ago. :)

Starting on the laurel wreath. I figure this is the hardest, most fiddly bit so want to get it out of the way. Split stich forming the stem.

Stem is done and outlined with black split stitch. Started on the outlines of the leaves. Tried split stitch but it really didn't work well so will just do these with back stitch. Also going to redo these so they're a bit more pointy. Otherwise am happy how it is starting out.