I came across a totally different way to applique in the current issue of American Patchwork & Quilting - just arrived at my house last week and should be available to peek through at Joannes and all LQS [Aug 2011]. On pg 50 is Becky Goldsmith's version of a folksy quilt using a contrasting hand stitch on the folded under edge of applique pieces. It is a 'needle-turn' of a different sort. You do turn the piece under, but your stitches are actually meant to show. Becky has some straight line embroidery type stitches at the edges and some alternating long and short stitches from the edge towards center of applique pieces. It actually looks quite cool! you can see a picture of the finished piece at allpeoplequilt:
http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/magazi...-2011_ss7.html
doesnt unfortunately show a close up ... but I did consider doing this - it may be fun to try some of the AOTH blocks this way ;)
btw - Kathy or Lesley or ??? what type of threads are you using for scroll embroidery??