I see nothing wrong with mixing machine and hand quilting. I think using the machine for the sitd would work for you Steve (and no, it's not hard) and you could have a little fun with patterns in the sashing and borders by hand. Whatever you decide, it's going to be great.

Will give it a go then when I get to that point. Thanks for the words of encouragement. :-)

When I machine stitch in the ditch I use the the open-toed sole plate on the even feed foot. I think it makes it easier to stay on the line.

I also pretreat all batiks with Retayne to set the dyes.
http://www.prochemical.com/directions/Retayne.htm[/url]

thanks for the tip on pretreating batiks, I would hate to have spent so much money on them to have them fade away.......

I've been using vinegar thus far, isn't it OK to use as well?

I have never tried to set the dye with vinegar but when I first started sewing with batiks I used salt to set the dyes. I had to do it over and over again to get the rinse water to run clear. When I use Retayne I only have to treat the fabric once.

Judy

I hand wash the fabrics now to get the sizing out, then rinse and wash again in a vinegar water mix, rinse it again, put it though the salad spinner and then heat set in the dryer. I notice the dark and red colors are the most susceptible to bleeding, though have started the process with every bit of fabric. I note also that there is a heck of a lot less fraying when done by hand.

Picked up a couple more yards this morning to practice the paper piecing with. I want to see how batik will hold up against regular cottons when done this way, though imagine there will be little problem on that score.