Yesterday I was considering Lara’s comment that she prefers nonwoven fabrics for applique.  I unfortunately couldn’t use either leather or ultrasuede, basically because I need the colors to match the coat and I don’t have the skills to dye leather.  (I also wouldn’t be able to acquire the colors I need as quickly as I [...]

I decided to try out Sharon’s idea, and made part of a third prototype leaf: This worked out okay, but not spectacular – it produces a nice neat bound edge, but a thick, heavy-looking one. Before working on the third prototype, I had finished (?) the first leaf, a purple one: The hand overcast edges [...]

Another prototype leaf! Here it is (on the left): You’ll have to click in for the details. And here is an annotated version: The green section is blanket stitch done in a contrasting thread (thanks Lara for the suggestion!).  The turquoise section is blanket stitch done in matching thread.  The royal blue section has the [...]

I took some scraps and developed a prototype leaf, experimenting with different ways to overcast the edges.  It’s hard to make out the distinctions in the photos, but I’ll explain. And a view from further back: This is getting closer to what I want.  Close up, the leaf has delicate veining which rewards the close-up [...]