Welcome to the QB for SE Michigan! Thanks for jumping right in. There are a lot of people able to answer in many different ways. My way of applique is using a fusible interfacing. If your turtles are stuffed then lay your stuffing so that it will turn to the inside after you sew the fusible onto the applique Be sure the fusible is properly places so that when you make a small slit in the interfacing, that the fusible side it to the outside. this way you can iron it onto the block for placement. Also be sure to cut through the middle of the batting and turn with the fusible. Then it will be much easier to do your blanket stitch by hand. Continue to jump right in and enjoy the board. Looking forward to seeing you on the board.