It’s certainly been a bit since I’ve last posted anything. It seems that life sometimes insists on taking its own course. While I do intend to get back to at least occasional blogging, I have decided to post this tutorial that I have long been meaning to share. It seems especially significant since I’ve just listed a new pattern for a wall pocket http://www.designandbemary.com/products/wall-pocket/    This pattern can be done using either the faux birch bark technique or simple plain wool with applique.  I’ve actually experimented with several projects in the faux birch bark technique and it certainly is a fun ‘diversion’ from so much of regular wool work AND it has the added plus of being done on the sewing machine;  a real plus if you’re not a huge fan of hand applique!  You will also enjoy it if you have had even a passing interest in basketry techniques as the sewing and construction methods have some similarities.  I will caution that working with the heavier materials involved may prove to be somewhat more challenging if you are so unfortunate to have to deal with arthritic hands, etc. More…