D Hanke, I'm with you, I hate the mess of PPing. I am going to use matching thread and stitch very close to the edge instead of a zig-zag. This is probably going to a wallhanging. Haven't decided on the border yet. And yes it will be outlined with black. I was working on a stained glass wallhanging when I started thinking of doing this New York Beauty.
Diana 007 - I use Wonder Under Light that is fusible on both sides. Fuse Wonder Under to wrong side of fabric, cut your piece and then fuse it in place. I don't do handwork, this is the only kind of applique I do.
Will post photos as I progress.