I love that quilt - I saw it in person at the show here in Dallas last year.
I bought a similar pattern called "Fiesta" from Fat Cat Patterns:
http://www.fatcatpatterns.com/Fiesta.html (it came to me in EQ format, which is a big factor in choosing it over Talavera)
I plan to use the starch method to prepare the appliqued pieces. I think starch and washaway glue reduce the difficulty level on any applique pattern. The pieces I've been working on in Christmas Wreaths are pretty small, but it's coming out well considering that I just started applique a few months ago.
Starching the pieces into submission :) and then heating the glue basting to dry it holds all the perfectly shaped pieces firmly in place.
You can then concentrate on making tiny even stitches instead of trying to sew perfectly
and turning exactly 3/16" at a time
and getting points and inside angles turned
and keeping the design symmetrical
and untangling your thread from the applique pins or pieces every time you take a stitch. :)