I've had a lot of thinking time as I am unable to stitch owing to right-hand surgery. I am getting better though.
I, too, love applique and my most favorite method is back basting applique. I find it to be the most accurate in placement and also employs needle-turn stitching. There are several demos on Utube. If you have not tried this method, I encourage you all to check it out.
Also, glad to see this thread "up" again.