I checked out the tute by Eddie. That makes it look so much easier than doing it totally by hand.
I see what you mean about crazy amounts of fabric. The pattern I have says that you'll need 26 yards for the framing fabric and then 4 yards worth of scraps for the little squares. I think I'll do mine traditionally with muslin. I may have to buy a whole bolt of muslin.... 26 yards will add up $$.