After thinking about it a bit, it seems to me I ran across that technique many years ago. In terms of re-creating it, I'm thinking the way to go -- once you have your design on the stabilizer on the wrong side of the background fabric -- is to lay a large piece of the applique fabric on the right side. Straight stitch on the wrong side just a hair inside the drawn pattern. (I seem to remember someone using free motion to do this, too, so you don't have to turn the fabrics all around while sewing.) Trim the applique fabric close to the stitching edge, then satin stitch from the right side to finish the applique design. Afterwards you would remove stabilizer from the back. (Want to keep stabilizer on while satin stitching to prevent tunneling.)
Just a few thoughts on how I'd try it out if I couldn't take the course......