This one is on my bucket list too. My guild is supposed to do a class on this later this year, I'm very excited about that! I love how this quilt looks - I saw one done in yellow and orange and red batiks at the county fair a couple years ago and the quilter did an amazing job shading the fabrics, it was so luminous it looked back-lit. One of my most favorite patterns in general and that particular quilt was just gorgeous. I stood and stared at that quilt for a good 20 minutes, LOL.
I think if/when I get around to doing this one I will use batiks as well...I think bias-cuts are easier to handle on a nice tight-woven batik. (Plus I just love batiks...) But I think I will probably stick to a more traditional color palate.
I'm surprised the Accuquilt people haven't made a SAS die yet.