I have been working on a applique project that uses felt. I realize that, for my first project in applique I dove in rather head first. But that does seem to be my preferred method.
Now, I cannot take credit for this wreath on myself. It was a tutorial that I found on Pinterest. Here is the link to the tutorial and the patterns for all of the floral pieces.
http://www.purlsoho.com/create/2010/01/14/pages-felt-flower-winter-wreath/
I chose to use a polyester and wool mix felt for the background squares, but then used a fully polyester felt for the floral pieces. The tutorial calls for neon colored embroidery thread, and I chose to use shades of blue, gray and white with white and crystal seed bead accents.
To begin, I cut out the background felt squares and connected them, using masking tape to connect them as I used the widest zig-zag stitch on my sewing machine to connect them. I then drew a guide on the felt, that I used to lay the flowers out in their wreath shape.
I cut the flowers out of white polyester felt and using hand-sewing, I completed the various centers ready for attaching them to their flower counterparts. Laying out my design, I attached them with straight pins, and then using a simple tack stitch, I tacked each of the flowers and centers into place.
Using an embroidery needle, I then began to attach the flowers more firmly, using a simple back-stitch, which they give instructions to in the tutorial.
While I haven't finished the wreath, yet, I have made significant progress and am well pleased with how it is turing out. It hasn't been terribly difficult, only rather tedious as the stitch to attach the flowers takes a while. But, believe me, the end result will be well worth your efforts.