Might some silicon paper between the appliqué and the iron work? I read somewhere here, too, that those ‘magic’ sponges work well to clean irons - they certainly do on mine, and it saves having to get special iron-cleaner sticks or cloths.
Elizabeth - yes, Hong Kong certainly is an interesting place to live! Not exactly easy, these last two years, but Covid-wise an absolutely haven compared with most of the rest of the world; we feel very lucky at least on that front. Less lucky in the sourcing of all things quilting; I find myself constantly getting fabric and other bits and pieces shipped from the US or the UK or Japan or Australia, or just about anywhere other than here, sadly. Gap in the market, definitely!! (Sorry going off topic!!!)