I love your moose, very nice work. I just started the deer by the Bigfork Bay Company.
I have done several applique wall hangings by McKenna Ryan. Here is how she suggests you free motion quilt around the applique pieces using YLI thread. I quilt every piece, because it really adds to the beauty of the wall hanging.
http://pineneedles.com/Company/help.asp (see free motion savvy)
Elise