Batiks are awesome and you should in no way be intimidated. I do find they lose a little color with the first wash because of the wax processing they go through, but it is generally minimal. A Shout color catcher in the first wash usually handles it. They are a woven a little tighter than other quilting fabrics so you may want to start you project with a fresh blade in your rotary cutter and a new needle in your sewing machine. And you can mix batiks with any other fabric in a quilt, no problem. So, sit back, relax and ENJOY!