If you want to do applique, "Portraits for Fabric Lovers" by Marilyn Belford is a good place to start.
With her method, you will need access to some type of photo editing software. I believe Photoshop offers a free 30 day trial online to do your editing.
I use a different method than what she does, but I don't have my book published yet. I'm still writing it. :)
Good luck!