Thanks for the compliments! I love the idea of waves for the background. I know it's little, but I'll still be sending it out for quilting. The boo boo is EVER so annoying to me, but when I pointed it out to one of the "kids" (25 years old. They don't like to be addressed as kids anymore. Lol) she said she thought the turtle was turning. Lol. Ok, I'll take it.
It is in fact the Herd of Turtles from PRQC. The instructions included options for needle turned applique as well as fused and machine applique. I have only done the fused then stitched applique so I went with it. I can see where the needle turned would potentially be a better option. I definitely want to make more of these so may take a class on the needle turned.
I randomly had a spool of polyester clear thread so practiced some stitching with it... I have heard horror stories about it so was pretty scared to use it. It was flawless! Just stitched evenly and smoothly right along! I am SO relieved!! I don't know why I had it but Ill use it. Its a Coats brand too which I NEVER buy anymore since getting my Babylock.
Knock on wood! Hopefully I'll get started on it this weekend.