I took a class in machine applique and liked it. The instructor's method was to create the shapes as if you were doing needle turn, but then sew it down with a blind hem stitch and invisible thread. I thought it was fun to do and pretty easy once you learned all the techniques. Find a design and try it in each method and see what works best for you.

RiverMomm your quilts are nice! I'm not a fan of JRR, but the applique changes everything. They look great!