PERILS OF PAULINE or is it just a PITIFUL PEARL pillow?

I'm still at it ---- trying to transition from a machine piecing, hand quilting, hand appliqueing quilter to an all machine quilter.  Due to failing eyesight and arthritic fingers, I can't just give up the quilting that has been a part of my life since I was 11 years old.

I decided I needed to practice on some machine applique, so I've been working on a pillow.  I chose an applique technique that uses interfacing to finish the seams then is zigzagged on the background squares.  

I'm okay with my choice of fabrics and the design; but, frankly, my workmanship sucks!  I found this technique tedious and difficult turning all those small leaves.  However, I slogged through all 42 pieces.

My points are not very good, the zigzag is uneven, and the applique placement is sometimes wonky.  By the time, I got to the machine quilting, I was so over this project.  Therefore, I wasn't as careful as I should have been with the stitching.

I have a feeling that this pillow will soon be demoted from a house pillow to a porch pillow.

In the meantime, I need to find another method to machine applique and then practice, practice, practice.

I'm joining the following:
Sew Fresh Quilts for Lets Bee Social Wednesday
Confessions of a Fabric Addict for Can I Get a Whoop Whoop Friday
Quilting Readers Garden for WIPS Be Gone Friday
Crazy Mom Quilts for Finish it up Friday
Love Laugh Quilt for Monday Making
Cooking Up Quilts for Main Crush Monday