Roxanne posted a thread here on the board that gives a link for appliqueing a heart shape that you all might find useful:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-103014-1.htm
I don't use a straw needle, as I find them too long for me, I use a quilting (no 11) needle, and I still manage to bend them. Also, I use a regular machine thread in the needle, but you will all find what will work best for you - at least it will be nice for you to watch a video, rather than trying to follow my pics.