I agree. This is not a quilt to be done by a beginner. Start with something smaller. I learned on Elegant Garden blocks from Laundry Basket Quilts. I love needle turn applique but I learned with the freezer paper method first. Since then I have gone to back basting which I think is more accurate. I think the Country Gentleman would be beautiful done in hand applique but if you are a beginner you are only going to get frustrated and hate it. Start with something small, maybe take a class.