Hand Applique?

Does anyone know of a way to keep from pricking your finger while appliquéing?  It's driving me nuts as the needle pokes the finger slowing down the stitching.  Arghh.  It doesn't hurt, just drives me nuts for speed purposes.  Push needle in, stab finger, pull out needle, and push needle back up.

The other thing that's killing me is steep points like grass.  The "Red December" quilt has steep points and trying to make it work isn't exactly working.  All my books and Google searches don't have anything on the steeper points so if anyone has some ideas let me know.  These blocks are driving me nuts.


Hopefully I'm done being cranky after last week and can have a better week.  I just hate feeling like I have to make reservations to get my bikes or sewing machines even looked at for a couple of minutes.  I know that probably makes me come across as a jerk but it's frustrating.  You might as well put a number box by the door and take a seat with your ticket.

I called up ahead to see if I could have the guy put a computer on and the lady said not for a few days.  It's not that I can't do it, it's the stupid magnet refusing to work with the computer that I can never get right.  You have to have the spacing just right or it doesn't work.  The guy can set it up within 5 minutes and it's done.