* Needle down on backing fabric only to pivot, needle down in the appliqué and you will mess up your stitches.

If that's your first applique, I'd say you have found your 'calling'! Great job!! I too do what ckcowl suggests, great tips!

I made a great funky cat quilt. go slowly and turn often. also if you use matching thread, if you do a tiny goof, it won't show so much. have fun.

I love your cat and I have a suggestion on how you might improve the overall appearance of future cats. The blanket stitch you used is the perfect stitch for this purpose. I suggest, though, you increase the length of you stitch a little and shorten(decrease) the width. This will result in a less crowded-looking piece and put the "eye emphasis" on your cute cat. Nice work!

search funky cat quilt or funky cat and dog quilt and you'll see my 2 quilts. one for me and one for donation.

You did a great first job! Slow down at all curves and turns...a little bit narrower stitch would be better, but that is your choice. CKCOWL had the best suggestions...and she knows her stuff.

It also helps if you use a stabilizer on the back--preferably one that can be ripped off when you are done. If you change to black thread to match your fabric, a lot of mistakes will not show.

Nancy Ziemann has great step by step video instruction on appliqué on here website. She covers it all from choosing stabilizer & thread to stitch type, width & length, and spends time on inner and outer curves & inner and outer points. Lots of great helps.