Don't feel bad about learning on your own. I am teaching myself hand applique also, and making large blocks. I am using a big wooden embroidery hoop, but it still takes finesse, and that takes time.

If I don't like how it is coming out, I can either take the stitching back out and do it again, or tell myself, well, this is a learning experience!

Here are the first 2 cowgirl boots that will go in a quilt with sashing when I have about a dozen.

The puffyness actually makes it look 3D unless it is messing with the background I would leave it.

quiltmaker I like those boots they look great!

Up North, I think you're right about the 3d my concern was that when I quilt it into the quilt that the puff would cause wrinkles and puckers, so I'm going to have to be really careful when I quilt it. The background is currently just the plain white. I'm hoping to bring everything in to tie into the basket, which will be the quilt's center. So being the focal point it's okay if it's in charge, right? ;)

I finished the stitches on it last night, but I still want to add a butterfly to the top of the basket and perhaps a couple of flowers around on the white.

Elizabeth, see how it behaves after a good steam and press. Sometimes those puckers will lay down after a good pressing.

Oh gee I thought applique always puckered. Boy I have alot to learn all i can stay is that it's turning out nice.