I have an applique pattern that I bought several years ago. I just know someday it's going to be my masterpiece, when I become more skilled, lol! In the meantime, I use my bindings to practice making invisible stitches and turning under.
I like the homespun look I get when I do hand blanket-stitch, so I often do that.
My biggest issue with needle turn is getting the pieces to lie perfectly flat, with no puffy middles. I pin them flat, but once they get sewn on, they are puffy; very frustrating.