Hi Sherry. Batiks are expensive, but they are absolutely my favorite. I get mine from Big Horn Sheep on line. Their batiks are $7.60 a yard and some on sale for as low as 6.45. I think the best way to start quilting is to buy a small beginner wall hanging or lap quilt with all the pieces pre-cut. The pieces are die cut and are perfect so you won't make mistakes by cutting your pieces too large or too small. Also, I have a question for anybody else out there!! I bought a beautiful 161/2" by 16 1/2" butterfly fancy stencil and a beautiful butterfly border. I want to make my first Durham quilt and I am using my stencils on whole pieces of Batik fabric. My question is: Do I repeat the larger stencil all over until I get to the border part, or do I use the large stencil only once and use a cross hatch quilting for the rest of the quilt? :shock: :?