Hi Joanie, you asked about applique. I can tell you this IT IS ADDICTING! One year ago, I did my fist piece and since then have made three beautiful quilts and got my two oldest daughters hooked! What looks impossible is not. Use good thread and a tweezer to help with the tiny pieces. Try something simple first. I stick the piecs on , a few at a time, the baste a bit and away you go. I like to use a very thin short quilting needle, daughters like longer ones, I guess it's a personal thing. Love it1 :D :D :D