I've seen people trace the outline onto clear transparency so you can place it over the pattern as you go to check shapes and dimension. Hope that helps.

Got it give me a sec.
http://www.englanddesign.com/quilt-g.../Open%20Season

In case you hadn't heard of her, Cynthia did this amazing quilt (among others) - This one won at Houston. It's all paper pieced.
I think this is the method you want.

Check out her getting started page/videos for her method - she calls it Picture Piecing:
http://www.englanddesign.com/content/video-demos-0

You don't have to go as teeny tiny as she does, but you can still get a lot of detail and definition into the image.
And you can further embellish it with the quilting or embroidery or whatever method you want.

Also, when you're shaping the tree, most of the detail of the thinner branches can be done with thread - you don't have to actually pp those small parts.

I will second MTS. I have Cynthia England's book "Picture Piecing" and it has ideas and intrusctiins about how to accomplish what you want. Sorry, I am not ready to part with it yet, I am waiting until I grow up and use it,lol. I did make one of her patterns when I first started quilting and look forward to use many more. She is extremely talented and nice....I'd love to take one of her classes one day....

Here's a pathetic - repeat, PATHETIC - example of how you would do it.

But you can see the different sections that you would draw on the picture. The only rule is (if you're PP) you have to have straight lines.
And even that's bendable. haha. :roll:

You take it section by section by section. And you break down to as many as you - YOU - want to handle.

My computer Windows Media Player does not support these videos but yes, yes, yes--this is exactly what I am wanting to teach myself.

I will go to Amazon or someplace and get the book. While I had heard of England's name, I never took the time to see what she was doing and just remained in my own little world of making up patterns for charity quilts. Now that I believe I have bypassed that quarter inch requirement (LOL), I want to become a more seasoned quilter. It is an art and so relaxing to me. I hope others will join in this thread with their hints and experiences.

Thank you for your quick response. I will visit Cynthia's website now.

MTS, you have pointed out great detail. Now do I stitch those sections of barn side down to another piece of say muslin OR are these fused down to backing and then utilize art thread for lines, etc.? Maybe it does not make much difference as long as I would go back and heavily stitch the raw edges.

No, it will be on paper foundation.
It's really too bad you can't see those videos because she really pretty much lays out the process. Even if you just look at the pictures for each video, you can get a sense of the process.

Let me look around for some other videos of her work. I know they're out there.

Ah-h shucks, I tried downloading her free train pattern and site will not give me a link to it. Perhaps it has been taken down. In any event, this is the type of quilting I want to accomplish and after making more than one hundred quilts over five years, I think I can do it. Stay tuned quilters......maybe I will just give it a try this afternoon and have a laugh for you later this week.

Nothing like just taking my boots off and stepping into the ring of quilting fire. Afterall, like my dh says, do not be afraid of cutting up fabric because I am sure the store has plenty more. Love that understanding guy.....but then again, FOOTBALL season is upon us. I am laughing all the way to my LQS.

Thanks again MTS. I am off to the sewing room now and will check back this evening. This board is too addictive, isn't it? Later and happy stitching everyone.

Pooh, HGTV took down her appearance on Simply Quilts.

Her episode on The Quilt Show is still available - although for members only.

I remember it featured her studio (they went to her house), and then there was, like, 20 minutes of her demonstrating her technique. Exactly what you want.

I have some gift certificates for one free episode that I never used - I'm not sure if they're still valid. I get them whenever I renew my subscription. You do have to sign up (free basic member) just to take advantage of the coupon.
If you want it, I can send you the code. It might still work.