KellyPete, several friends and I are going to make this quilt this year too. It's going to take a L O N G time and it is costly. The pattern tells you how many Bali Pops and/or strips you need based on the size quilt. Check page 17 (I think) for the numbers. Several of us are doing our own fabric choices and others have purchased the Bali Pops and then substituted other fabrics. The Pops are much more colorful then the package appears. Nice variety of fabrics and color. The important thing seems to be "8 colors - light to dark".
Take the time to plan and do follow her organization plan -- you'll be so glad you did. I wish you the very best on this, the end result will be spectacular.