I've made a Manx quilt and I teach this class at the shop where I work. It is the most relaxing handwork I've ever done. The history is added bonus. I've seen this made in many different fabrics and they have all turned out lovely. I do not recommend using batiks as they are more difficult to hand sew through. Not impossible, just more difficult. It makes a nice summer weight type quilt. Try it, I think you will like making one.