Block in Progress

For this block I elected to try out needle turn appliqué with a traditional Hawaiian quilting pattern.  I like the unique style and symmetry.  I love how simple yet beautifully complex it can be.

After a couple of hours and figuring out techniques for making it work and so far have one conclusion - this is a pain in the ass.  How do y'all do this?  Anyone got any helpful techniques for making it smoother, and faster?  

Lol, I am determined and will keep going.  Surely I can conquer a 4 inch block - right?