A question for the wise... what is the deal with needle turn applique? 

I often hear it whispered in reverent tones as if it is the cream of the crop in applique techniques.  But, when demonstrated it does not seem faster or more accurate than some other methods (especially compared to freezer paper applique).  Also, it takes significant practice to make perfect, so I'm kind of floundering in the way of motivation.



I ended up using freezer paper to turn under the raw edges of these hearts and stitching them on by hand this morning, with brazenly visible stitches.  My hand stitching is never shy.



So, those with applique know-how, what do you prefer?  What are the winning attributes of needle turn applique?  Or, just what's your favorite method?  I'm pretty keen on freezer paper applique and muslin-backed applique (where you turn the work in a opening cut in the muslin).  But, I always like to keep my head up for new things to try.



My Queen of Hearts block eatures two charming florals from Shelburne Falls on a Kona Rose background.  It just so happens that Denyse Schmidt's Shelburne Falls has a whole color story that fits with my quilt's color scheme.  Lucky, lucky.