Thanks - I took it to my lqs to have it quilted - with black thread as I wanted something a bit dramatic to show up, in case I decided to hang it high in my foyer. I think the photo pattern I purchased shows it being quilted with gray - which would have blended into the fabrics more. I did not dye the fabric, luckily it came that way. I enjoyed working with hand dyed fabric, but that is one hobby I just can't include with all the other interests I have! I did as the pattern suggested, and pre-washed, it did bleed quite alot, even with proper preparation.