Did you wash your batiks? They do fade. Especially if you are using a light background. My dd was engaged at Christmas and said they were getting married that May. Well, she did not know what pattern but she asked for browns and peaches. I had that thing cut out and pieced queen size in 3 months and had it quilted by my Amish friend ready for her shower. I did not have any trouble with it at all. Time was my only factor. I used I believe a Doris Yoder's clear plastic templates (out of TX I believe). I still have them somewhere. I did not have to consider the bias edges at all. I handled everything as usual. I cut the "melons" that you sew the fabric to. Count about how many you need. Then sew your strips together, remembering you have a top and bottom. Attach them to the melons. Then attach the four to a center piece and you just work from there. As I said, I found it really easy, a lot easier then the pineapple or some of the other squares. Good luck. Any questions, email me.