What I learned Today

The perfect post was made yesterday that links to the fantastic method I learned today at my Applique Society meeting from Cheryl. I hope it makes sense to everyone, and please ask any questions about this post.
This is an ingenious way to do the circles. You can use paper or the mylar plastic, there would be no difference. Please note, I have used white quilting thread for contrast, but you would use whatever thread you want to applique your cherries/berries.
Cut your fabric circle slightly larger than your paper.

Knot your thread and baste around the outer edge.

Gather your circle by gently pulling on your long thread tail.

Take the long thead tail and wind it around your circle.  Wind enough thread to applique the circle down when you are ready to make the block. 

Remember, you are using your applique thread for this whole process.  When it's time to applique, you simply unwrap your thread, loosen the gathers enough to slip out the paper or mylar circle, gently gather it up again, then thread a needle and stitch down. 
This is a new idea for me and I know I will definitely be making the rest of my cherries/circles with this method.  It allows one to get the paper out very easy.  Right now I'm cutting my basting thread and have to tuck the gathers under as I stitch down.  The second time saver is that you already have your threads ready for appliqueing, making this the ultimate "take and sew" as the only thing you would need is your needle and some small scissors.
I also asked about joining a bias stem for the wreath.  Someone suggested that you measure how much you need for the circle, then join the ends on an angle like you would join binding strips, then gently lay out your circle on the background.  I'm going to give this a try tomorrow and I'll report back on how it went for me.

Sharon