no, i didn't notice any problems with stretching. i did not stay stitch before i trimmed. i have been working on another one with thinner strips and i can see where it may be a problem.

i've only tried one Quilt as you Go and i hated it. so no, i just ran feathers up the braids and then put roses in pink down the black strips.

thank you all for the wonderful comments. this is probably the easiest quilt i've ever done. i was afraid of braids and now i just love them!

very nice, I like it.

Very pretty!

I just bought a binding tool ruler to make one from a youtube tutorial posted by Missouri Quilt Shop. I was going to do a planned one..but now that I see your scrappy one I really like it!! The sashing you put between the braids really set them off nicely!!
Here is the link to the one on youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpHAp_pyVXQ
Thanks for the suggestion...and thanks for sharing...crafty_linda_b