WOW, I can not believe how much support/help this newbie has received. So great! I decided I would test the easiest/cheapest route first and go from there. I was about to head to the store to grab some coffee filters when I realized that I was simply being too lazy. I guess I'll be heading to the craft store to buy some stabilizing fabric!
OH and I do think that another issue is that I might have been 1. Stitching too quickly and 2. Pulling the fabric w/out realizing it.
Their was too much help from all of you to name names, but thanks to you all for your quick comments to the long ones! I'm a little too intimidated by the long process that was giving for applique but if my first few tries don't work out I will eventually try the long process out :-D
I will share images of my project as I go. Unfortunately, this project will take a long time since I have a 9 month old who apparently does not like me crafting.