One of the keys to good applique work is to have a good foundation of material/backing to do your work on and make sure that it is held taut. The folks that do great rosettes, for example, use a combination of a canvas-type fabric and thin (cigarette carton) cardboard. For larger pieces of applique work (blanket strips, etc.) I've used embroidery hoops or a custom-made frame. I also prefer the 2-needle style - 1 thread holds the beads, the 2nd thread with the needle does the sewing.
The best advice I can give is the same as with anything -- practice, practice, practice, practice...well, you gett the idea. :p
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Pony
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