1-- Sometimes I use the heat resistant plastic called Templar instead of freezer paper. More often, if I am working with a very complex design. I use the same method as on my web-site with the freezer paper. You must reverse the pattern for freezer paper but with the plastic you need only turn the plastic template over using the backside. I make a ring of masking tape with the sticky side out and put it on the back so the template will stay in position while cutting and pressing.

2---- Cut the template very carefully and if I have a rough edge I will sand it with a emery board until it is smooth. What we quilters go through striving for perfection!!!!!!

3--When doing flower appliqué I like to have a collection of shaded fabrics for the different petals and leaves. Sometimes I will divided a leaf in the center and use a light and dark shade of green in the same leaf. I divide the leaf where the center vein of the leaf would be. You may want to have the tip end on either side of the point as it becomes very bulky when trying to work under a nice sharp leaf tip.

4--There are a few new items on the market which are very helpful when appliquéing; a new mini iron that is a must!!!! for good lighting I just purchased one of the Ott lights. It is great but then I am getting a little older so maybe that is why it helps so much!!!! At any rate good lighting is a must.

5--I have found a 60# 2 ply cotton thread made by Mettler that is wonderful for appliqué. It is very hard to find and I even looked at their web-site and didn't find it. .

6---- I use a # 12 quilting needle for stitching. I know that is very small but I seems to work well for me. I like to have the 15x15 "Press and Cut" board in my lap to work on while stitching. It is so handy because you can just flip it over and spray starch press the edge over the template on the pressing side. Roxanne's Glue and Baste is another helpful product to hold the pieces in place while appliquéing. Another item I use is a Flair pen made by Paper-mate. You can find it in any discount or office supply store. I use this to trace the design on the background fabric. It will wash out when you have finished applqueing if you swish it in some dishwashing soap and rinse well.. However, one word of CAUTION always, always test the pen to make sure the company hasn't changed the ink formula.

7---I usually make my vines using the metal pressing bars. I have a lesson worked up for my web-site for using the bars. Be sure to look at that.

8--- I have found a wonderful web-site for flower patterns at www.DistinctivePieces.com Some are very complex but there are some simpler ones too. Try the Waterlily or the Thistle.

9-- I have one more hint which I almost forgot----If the template has a curved edge or a very sharp small curve I will run a small basting stitch in the seam allowance, pull it tight around the template and fasten if off with a few stitches and then continue on with the spray starch. This gives you very small even gathers and creates a smooth edge and I find it very helpful.

I hope this makes some sense and that you will find it helpful. It there is a question about anything just let me know.