smooth curves in machine applique

All the instructions that I've ever read for satin stitch or blanket stitch machine applique on curves instruct you to stitch a few stitches, lift pressure foot, pivot & repeat. I have found this to be too time consuming & I end up trying to cheat by doing too many stitches before pivoting-resulting in bumpy curves. I've been doing some blanket stitch applique & discovered a little trick. I use my right hand for major steering while using my index or middle finger to hold the fabric & act as a pivot-middle finger for outside curves & index finger for inside curves. The finger that is not acting as a pivot is doing minor steering. I feel like I've just taken a quantum leap in my skill level. Finished product-pretty smooth curves.

beautiful Fuzzy

His temporary name is Fuzzy. He loves to be brushed. (I'm using an old natural bristle round styling brush-I never could get the hang of using it on me.) He has the softist fur! Big news!! -He used the litter box. Hurry up & claim him before it's too late. I'm starting to fall in love.

Another "feral" kitten

Isn't he beautiful? 2 weeks ago, we had big old tomcats hanging around & mating with the little black 6 month old kitten from our feral litter. I also saw the largest kitten mounting this little fuzzball. I trapped the black kitten & took her to the vet to be spayed & then I trapped this one & took it to be spayed. The vet's office called me to tell me they had altered HIM. OOPS, I guess the mounting was a dominance thing. When I went to pick him up yesterday, they surprised me with a tame kitty. It seems that he was lonely & ready to tame. He's very submissive-will eat gently from your fingers & seems to like being held, although he doesn't come to be held. We have to go to him. He is currently living in our bathroom learning about litter boxes & people while we try to decide what to do with him. Does anyone need a little cuddlebug?