Balancing light and dark

I began stitching my "Victoria" mini-sock by establishing a black velveteen background, using Petite Very Velvet in basketweave. Next I worked the outside edges of the ribbons trimmed in gold, using Kreinik #12 tapestry braid #002V in a gobelin stitch over two threads.

The plaid ribbons are the darkest areas, so I decided to stitch them first to provide myself with a benchmark. I don't want this mini-sock to appear too dark, and having the darkest sections worked will help me decide how light and/or bright the threads of the other ribbons will need to be to maintain a balance.

Next came the selection of red and green color families appropriate for a Victorian Christmas. I chose DMC cotton floss #304 (red) and #502 (green) for the plaid, working the squares in mosaic stitches framed by tent stitches in black floss and the Kreinik metallic braid.

With one ribbon design done, I still have three more to go! I also will soon need to make a decision about the cuff treatment, as that will affect my choice of colors for the other ribbons.