Shirley prefers to finish off shaped hems by binding the edge with a strip of fabric, either matching the lining of the dress or matching one of the appliqué colours.  Shirley has found that hems finished off with satin stitching are easily snagged, and reduce the durability (and hence resale value) of the dress.

Here are some examples of shaped hems that she has done:

Back                                                                           Front

Hem is bound with purple silk

Hem is bound with green silk

This one is a bit hard to see, but the hem is bound with black satin.  

The same is done for the shaped edges of the sleeves.

This one is bound with black sparkly lycra.