I also did a Ryan McKenna quilt (actually it is hanging on my wall). Called Home in The Woods. I used mono filament thread and straight stitched around each piece. Your wall hanging is gorgeous and you will be glad you did when you finish it. I would do each piece separately (good advice to iron a lite weight fusible on the back of each piece first). Sew it together, sandwich, FMQ and it will be the work of art you planned it to be. Good luck!