Was working with some scraps of fabric practicing needle turn applique, while watching Becky Goldsmith tutorials on the technique. Am determined to improve my lumpy/bumpy edges, blunt outer points, and frayed inner points.
Another video came up with a very intricate all-over hand applique that looked like an advanced Chinese paper cut, but was actually the top of a quilt. This second video was also a tutorial for cut-away, as that would be the ONLY way to manage turning under those long fine lines - turning the top piece nearly into lace. That second video wasn't a great how-to, but did show a book that I want to eventually order. (out of print, and out of my budget for this coming month.)
So, looked up Hawaiian quilts, thinking they must use the same clip-as-you-go technique, but the traditional and still typical method seems to be to cutout the entire applique first
(most sources showed the seam allowance line traced, one showed a lady needle turning an unmarked edge), and then thread baste the fragile piece on to the base fabric. One site warned the viewer to be esp. careful while removing the iron-on freezer paper, so as not to stretch the delicate cuts.
Ok, whatever. Not interested in doing it that way. After cutting and tossing some very ugly freezer paper "snowflakes," I finally cut a very basic perforated radial symmetry shape that I liked, and ironed that onto a scrap. Used a mech. pencil to trace the fold lines
(the adhesion really does help for that, and don't forget your sandpaper board - I use a sheet of 320 3M grit taped to a Sue Daley turn table), removed the freezer paper, and then thread basted the entire square intact onto a similarly sized scrap for a base. About half of this small experimental shape is now clipped and stitched. Slow process with cut-outs, but my edges are MUCH smoother
(Heh...practice!, and I think I've watched that particular Becky Goldsmith video almost a dozen times). Similar to quilting in a hoop, I can see how this particular stitching could become more relaxing, than stressful and tedious. Right now, it is a little of both.
Below is the book link for those interested. $114 used.
Perfect Hand Applique With Thimblelady +DVD [Liuxin Newman, Liuxin Newman] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Perfect Hand Applique With Thimblelady +DVD
www.amazon.com
Here is a 16 min video (she has at least three on the topic) on the cut-away.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4M-JSNRiSA
Also, check her channel for help on the outside and inside points. No affiliation with the person, I've just learned so much from her work.
oldcountrystorefabrics.com