I've done a bit of background and started on the hair. And I've run into a major problem: The background is much darker than in the original picture. Overall this won't be much of a problem since the background is very dark anyway. But the thing is, you can't really see the difference between the background and the black hair I decided to change the background around the hair to lighten it up a bit, but it's all very frustrating.
This is a close-up of the area with the changed background. The arrow shows the original colour of the background:
What's your opinion? Do you think this will work out alright?
It's so hard to tell when you work such a complicated design -- I've never done a HAED but from following other people's SALs here it seems the HAED colours usually work out quite well in the end even if they look unpromising while you're working on them. However, if there was that little contrast -- and you're the best judge of that as you see it in real life -- it may need lightening up a little. Have you looked at it from a distance? That too can make quite a difference as you are very close to it while working on it, and it will eventually be seen at a distance of a few feet at least. Good luck!
You must be rather ambitious to be changing the colours on a HAED. But you've got it to blend naturally into the lighter shade of background really well! It looks really good.
I've had the same problem with a few Haeds. Michelle has always been very kind and lightened them for me. A word of warning, however. If you choose that option, you will probably have to start over as the process will change many of the colors in the chart.
What you're doing seems to be working fine. Your work looks lovely. Can't wait to see more of her.
Wips: Sadness of an Angel-Haed, Flower Girl- Haed, Bookworm Fairy- Haed, Ghost of A Rose- Haed, Babysitting- Haed, Red Tulips- Mystic Stitch, Pompiean Lady- Haed
I've changed plenty of things in designs to suit what I prefer, but I don't think I'd attempt to do so with a haed as I'd be paranoid of doing all the work and it not looking right at the end.
Got to say though, from what I can see on here, you've done a brilliant job of it. It looks great, well done!
There's nothing better than a good friend, except a good friend with CHOCOLATE! Forget love! I'd rather fall in CHOCOLATE!
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Yep Michele will definitely change the chart for you if you feel the background is to dark. I think what you changed works so far though!
Kerri Current WIP:
HAED Chessie-10,200 of 90,300 - 11%
HAED Catch a Falling Star-8,900 of 203,900 - 4%
HAED Wrath-46,630 of 240,000 - 19% http://www.flickr.com/photos/kerbear879/sets/
I think as it's just the contrast between her hair and the background then it should work fine, as long as you're sure which stitches are background stitches and which are hair! I would be more doubtful about trying to change shading that "means" something - that's a bad way to describe it - I mean if you were doing something like trying to change the shading on her face or on the dragon or something, it would have an effect on the rest of the colours as they've used those shades on purpose to create shadows, texture etc. But I think background is fine to change!
This is coming out great! The changes seem to be working for you perfectly!!
Kerri Current WIP:
HAED Chessie-10,200 of 90,300 - 11%
HAED Catch a Falling Star-8,900 of 203,900 - 4%
HAED Wrath-46,630 of 240,000 - 19% http://www.flickr.com/photos/kerbear879/sets/
I decided to change the background around the hair to lighten it up a bit, but it's all very frustrating.
There's nothing better than a good friend, except a good friend with CHOCOLATE! 
