?/applique and what size am I anyway?

I've started a lamb for Kathy Shaw's wool block and since this is completely backward from how I usually do these off-the-block critters, I will share the process with you...

I am sure there is a name for this procedure but I haven't a clue what to call it... Ordinarily  I embroider the critters and trim extremely close to them and applique it on the patch...  Here are a few BEFORE I trim them close

This time instead of trimming close I will leave the excess and dye it with alcohol ink.  I will put the whole thing on the block and work on top of it....
I can stitch on this now because the jacket is   under construction and I can tote Kathy's block with me.  I really want to get it done before I leave.












In my eagerness to start my jacket I neglected to make a sample of the pattern to make sure it fit...  I did that very thing today and luckily it does fit...  I wasn't even sure what size of pattern to buy.  Patterns used to run large but the the whole sizing for women has changed so much and it has been so many years since I've sewn from a pattern... To compound the problem I'm not even sure what size I am.  Over the last year I have gradually lost 35 pounds but still wear the same fat clothes.

 But since the sample did fit and I started in earnest today.  First I added another layer of the tricot knit interface.  When I did the patchwork I did it much larger that the pattern to allow for any shrinkage with all the stitching.  The backsides have a beauty of their own..

The left side was perfect but the right side was really cutting it close in a couple spots and I may have to add a patch in one spot.

Because I am under-tall, I shortened the garment a LOT...  The front edge is at an angle because it laps across.

I am still working out how I'll do the lace sleeves.  I can always use it as a vest if it doesn't work.. I always try to have a backup plan...  Much of my lift has been the backup plan......



Addendum to Birds on Felt

I received an e-mail asking me to be more specific as to how I applique the birds (flowers, rabbits, etc.) to the block with the stitching appearing invisible... I hope this clarifies it..

The very first step is to outline your motif in a VERY TIGHT chain stitch...for two reasons. 1. Felt has a tendency to stretch and you don't want your robin turning into an eagle.... 2. The tight chain stitch defines the edge nicely and you can weave all outer stitches into it and it makes cutting it out later very tidy indeed.. When it comes time to applique the motif onto something you can weave your stitching into this same tight chain stitch....

With this photo of Arlene's bird you can see I am only part way through doing the long and short. As I start the green tail I will weave the long and short stitches along the edge right into the chain stitch.

Once that is done I turn it over so I can see the original chain stitch and using small scissors I cut right next to the chain stitch... You have a nice secure edge for applique...nothing to turn under or fray...... Then I use matching threads and stitch the applique down catching the thread into that original "very tight chain stitch" and occasionally weaving it a stitch or two into the applique.. ... literally making the attachment process part of the motif.

As I go around the motif I change the thread I am using to match the colors in the motif... So on Arlene's bird I will use green, blue and red as I sew it down...

As you can see on the with the goldfinches it would had been yellow, white, and black...