WOWZER!!!! I bow and scrape at the foot of your monument! Your stitching is fabulous!!! love the colors and fabric choices, too. And SO clever to add that background. (or should i say foreground?) takes the pattern to new heights!
Steve, if you think about it, most applique is a several-part process. pieces are added next to or onto other pieces in their proper order. like putting together a 3-dimensional puzzle. :P