I made mine with Batiks -- I had the worst time with getting that 45 degree angle going the right way and side. I still don't know why - its just like sewing fabric for a (really, really looooong) binding. If that was part of the race I would still be on the starting line. When I had it all pieced I decided that I wanted it longer so I sewed another set of strips (eight or so) and sewed them alternatly to the top and bottom, cutting the first off at the width of the large pieced area and then going to the other end and doing the same. Can't tell where the original ended and the add ons started.
This pattern is a lot of fun --- but don't start with batiks, find something with a clear front and back and save your sanity.