Well, I finally was able to work on the Relief Project. I really thought it was going well. I spent a lot of time with the chop stick and the extra rubbing of the pattern to firm up the pattern fibers. Sadly and suddenly in the final rollings the pattern windows just got eaten up by the pattern fibers and closed up. I'm not sure what to do differently, but will try again. I may try the chain stitching idea and reaccent the little windows to salvage
this piece.
@Terry Slagel How many layers do you have in the back layer? It could happen if the base wool is too thin or maybe too fine compared to the pattern.
You can also try to roll it less and rub it even more. I hope the next one will be more successful!