the previous is a wonderful technique. the stitches are going up and down instead of across. that way the different shades of color can be slipped into the stitching. maybe you can try just one and see how you feel. or try to slip some other shade into the flowers that you've already done, to graduate the colors a little more. play around a little before you give up. it's such a pretty design. you'd be so happy and proud if you fiinished it.