Starting project

I have finally started the blackwork bellydancer which is to be my first proper blackwork project. I transferred the pattern to the fabric by printing out the design at the size I wanted it, tracing the main lines onto tissue paper and sewing along them, having first stitched straight lines for the edges so I knew where to position it.

When the tissue paper was torn away this is what I ended up with:

I decided not to worry about the skirt and coins just yet and will move the frame down and put in the guide stitching for them when I get that far. In terms for which stitch patterns to use I want something light/medium for the skin and skirt and something medium/dark for the top and coin belt, a distinction that will be emphasised further by using predominantly thicker threads for the darker garments. For the skin I am using the pattern called 'interlocking 'Y's' in the RSN stitch guide which is light and open in addition to each stitch forming a shape a bit like a waist. I have only done a small section so far:

The principle is working ok but I think I need to expand more of the single stitches into the lightest areas to create a smoother transition.