I just got a book called "Paradise Stitched" Sashiko and Appliqued quilts by Sylvia Pippen. Since I lived in the tropics for 19 years, I thought I would give it a go. Great instructions and patterns. It says to buy Sashiko needles and Sashiko thread, or you can use perle cotton #8 or #5 or embroidery floss,and embroidery or crewel needles instead. My question is can you use normal quilting cotton for the fabric? It specifies not using batiks as the thread count is too fine for Sashiko. Has anyone done this method?? Would love some guidance to get started!