My quilting club makes lap quilts for the veterans hospital in our area. The size we use is 45 X 54 seems to work out good for them. Your quilt is very pretty she will surely love it.
Yes, they are applique, machined stitch with the blanket stitch. I adderd them after the plain block got a scorch mark!! That is why they aren"t centered.LOL
Love your colours and the fact the hearts are not centred adds to the charm of the quilt. I also love the other quilt on the bed, did you make this too?