Thank you all for all the kind comments! I honestly never thought I could applique, but when I saw this pattern I knew the time had come to jump in and just do it.
Sharonquilts, the method of applique I used changed during the course of this quilt. I began with Eleanor Burns version, using sewer paper instead of her lightweight fusible and then turning the piece inside out. It was working great until I got to the smaller and more complicated pieces. Then I switched to Erin Russek's method of mylar templates and starching, and I actually preferred that method much better. I have a little bit of confidence in myself now and I may actually attempt needle turn the next time!
Anyway, thanks everyone for your compliments!