I still applique but not as much as I use to, only because I have carpal tunnel syn. Think that a lot of quilters are so busy with family and life that they want to do something that is faster. Applique by hand takes time and I am not fond of machine Applique. I just appliqued calico bears in the corners of a baby bearpaw crib quilt. It just added so much to the quilt.
IdahoSandy