I read before I started the project about the fraying issue, and was prepared for that, and this taffeta actually hasn't been too bad--I've worked with much worse. It's really the runs in the fabric from the needle that bother me, even though I'm using exactly the needle recommended for it. A woman at the fabric store told me that a really sharp needle makes all the difference, so I tried sharpening my new needles with the little strawberry pin sharpener on my pin cushion--and it worked really well! I can still see some of the runs, but they're not nearly so noticeable, and after a pressing, they don't show up at all. I'll have to post some pics when I have the project done. Thanks for all your suggestions!