I do everything by hand except the binding, so I thought I was more than slightly crazy to take on a project this size! Why not try a pillow-sized pattern, or wall hanging? Much less work and they make good take-along sewing projects.
I make my master pattern from paper, then trace it onto the non-shiny side of freezer paper. I don't do the full pattern, just the wedge shape that gets ironed to the folded fabric. Pins still come in handy to keep the layers from shifting, but I like the way the freezer paper clings to the top layer of fabric. Cotton fabric appliques the best and doesn't shred as much at the edges as blends often do.