add doc on patches

images/patches/README.md

@@ -0,0 +1,7 @@
+![amazon_checkmark_i.jpg](amazon_checkmark_i.jpg)
+![clinton_poker_league.jpg](clinton_poker_league.jpg)
+![firepants.jpg](firepants.jpg)
+![i_heart_vectors.jpg](i_heart_vectors.jpg)
+![README.md](README.md)
+![seven_deuce.jpg](seven_deuce.jpg)
+![SRE_Weekly.jpg](SRE_Weekly.jpg)

patches.md

@@ -40,4 +40,16 @@ I avoided this method for quite awhile, expecting that I wouldn't be able to pro
 
 Like in try #3 above, I sew my patch onto stabilized fabric without a die-line and unhoop it.  I take care to sew on 100% polyester fabric using polyester top and bobbin thread.  The stabilizer needn't be polyester.  I use two layers of iron-on tear-away stabilizer because I find that it's fairly effective in reducing distortion and it's easy to remove.
 
+Next, I remove the stabilizer from the back, one sheet at a time.  When tearing, I try to tear perpendicular to the edge of the patch while pressing down on the satin edge.  This limits distortion caused by pulling.
 
+At this point, I apply Heat 'n' Bond Ultra to the back of the patch using an iron.  This product can be used to create iron-on patches that can be bonded to clothing or other fabric with an iron.  I haven't had any luck ironing on patches and found that my attempts just melted the embroidery thread (oops).  I'm actually only using the Heat 'n' Bond to hold the loose threads on the back in place and to give the patch a little bit of sturdiness.
+
+Now comes the tricky bit.  Using a hot knife, you cut the fabric away from the edge of the patch while also melting the edge of the satin.  Even if you're a bit unsteady, this melting means that your satin stitch won't unravel.  Colman has produced a [video illustration](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bm7yhDgp5ok) of this technique along with live demonstrations.
+
+A hot knife is a tool used for wood burning, cutting, and other art projects.  I bought [this one](https://www.amazon.com/Walnut-Hollow-Versa-Temp-Temperature-Woodburning/dp/B005P1TRAS/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1485328701&sr=8-8&keywords=hot+knife) from Amazon that has an adjustable temperature.  The goal is to get the temperature _just_ above the melting point of polyester, so that you're melting but not burning the thread and fabric.  If the plastic on the knife turns brown, it's too hot, and the brown will leave scorch marks on your patch.  Be sure to wipe off the melted polyester often as show in the video.
+
+I cut my patches on a piece of glass using the point of the "universal tip".  The glass makes for an excellent cutting surface, and I was able to build up my skill quite quickly even though I'm generally not very good at fine-detail hand-work like this.
+
+I try to cut _just_ inside the satin.  The goal is to cut away the fabric entirely but to avoid cutting entirely through the satin.  Using this technique, I'm able to cut white backing fabric away from black satin and leave only minimal whitish residue that's almost invisible.  I run the edge of my hot knife (not the barrel as shown in the video) over the patch edge at the end to smooth it out nicely.
+
+Check out some example patches I've made in [images/patches](images/patches).