Needle turn applique is definitely NOT dying out; in fact, there seems to be more people using this technique in recent years. I belong to several guilds and The Applique Society in my area, and needleturn is very poplular. This technique may be slower, but the results are worth it. Like anything else, there are many methods for this technique, and not everyone likes the same method. Do a Google search for this subject and see what I mean. Practice each one until you find one that suits you; practice is the key to improvement in any type of needlework.