Here's the scoop about embroidery on the BOM quilt:
Ricky and Alex didn't want me to include "Embroidered Applique" on this quilt as there are lots of members who don't have embroidery machines and/or don't want to do embroidered applique. So... the quilt was designed so that the applique can be done with any method you choose: fused, needle turn etc. The instructions will include some "basic" applique that can be done in the hoop if you do have an embroidery machine. It has a simple stem stitch outline around each of the shapes and is really quick and easy to do. My local "fan club" has requested that I also provide a full blown embroidered applique option, so this will be available as an additional purchase for anyone who wants it.
As far as fabric goes, for the full blown "embroidered applique" version (for this or any of my other designs), plain fabric is best as the detail shows up in the thread. Solid or tone-on-tone fabrics are best. On this quilt, I might have all the applique shapes the same fabric color, and then use the thread to introduce more color across the design.
For any other kind of applique (which is probably an edge finish only), anything goes as far as fabric is concerned! Solid/tone-on-tone would work. Both versions of the quilt as made so far use different colors of fabric (which is more or less plain) for the applique shapes. I would love to see someone make a version with a ton of pattern on the applique shapes.
I think the key is actually the background fabric underneath the applique shapes. In my opinion, this needs to be plain too, with a good value difference so that the applique shapes actually show up. Having said that, I had a conversation with Kaffe Fassett at Quilt Market and his outlook on fabric, applique and embroidery is quite different! He is all for maximum color and pattern on everything - from a distance you can't really see anything but a mass of color from a distance, but the detail does become evident when you get up close to the quilt. It would be fun to see someone experiment with this approach too!
Hope that helps! I'd better get back to finishing the instructions so that everything is ready to go for you all!
Sarah