Hey Missy, and Welcome to the Forum from Texas. I just messed with my first applique, and Sandy makes an excellent point, afterwards will give you the luxury of placing the applique as you see fit, and a more artistic touch. Whole blocks won't be plain as you say, especially with the applique. Your notation/grid planning looks like mine! LOL! Only way I can mentally see what I'm thinking, it's all great stuff! Excited to see how it turns out! Happy quilting!