Are the blocks just for yourself or will they be part of an exchange? If you have to exchange with someone, you will have to put on your "big girl" panties. If not, do what you want. I like the look of hand needle turned applique but don't do patterns with a million little pointed pieces. I have trouble with my points looking good. I also find that I clutch my fabric square/applique too tightly and my hand ends up stiff. I use the Wonder Under fusible to do most of my applique. On the big pieces I do the window frame method. I have heard good things about Misty Fuse for fusible applique.