New Challenge - Applique

I have been busy using/learning several applique techniques.  I can tell practice will make perfect.  I have had a few I have thrown in the trash.  I have used several products to see what will work best for me.

4 days of work

 In preparation for this quilt I had purchased http://www.joann.com/sulky-water-soluble-stabilizer-roll-12inw-x-9yds/5555180.html 
I thought this was just what I need for turned applique as it would wash away and I would not have to remove as one does for freezer paper applique.  But as it was clear with a plastic feel, it did not take kindly to having the edges ironed down.

 For the sun, I eventually used a technique from Lori Holt at Bee in My Bonnet.  http://beeinmybonnetco.blogspot.com/2015/10/sew-simple-shapes-tutorial-using-pellon.html
I made a quick run to Walmart after being frustrated with Sulky stabilizer for my purposes.  I purchased featherweight iron on interfacing and sheer weight.  The sheer weight was just too light and poked through when I turned it.  I am very pleased with the featherweight, which still feels substantial even though called featherweight.

 I moved on to raw edge applique with the tree branch.  Used Heat and Bond Lite which is double sided iron on adhesive and raw edge appliqued along the edges.

 I used Lori Holt's technique for my little bird.  See how puffy it looks?  Since the iron on adhesive is on the back side, I cannot iron it out until ready to attach to the background fabric.  Both the leaves and birds were with the interfacing technique and looked puffy till stitched down.  I have read several blogs and seen video tutorials about invisible stitching of applique pieces.  But for this, my first big applique project I am using a combo of zigzag and straight stitching to do the final attachment.

Starting to look cute.  I am pleased with this.