I PREFER batiks not only for their beauty but also because I find them easier to handle whether prewashed or not. I find they don't fray easily, don't shrink, press nicely, don't need starch. I do find them a *tad* harder to hand quilt, but not much. So much better for hand appliqué, IMO.

I do.. My avatar is made from all batiks - has been washed several times, and no fading or bleeding - and I have a lot of the "Raven" black batik in her.

Haven't used them.

Where would I go to learn how to make batiks?

I join with the rest who *LOVE* batiks. I began buying fat quarters of them before I knew what a batik or fat quarter was and YEARS before I learned to quilt. I've accumulated a small stash I'm just now beginning to use. I took my first quilting class in January and headed straight to the batik section of my local quilt store to select the fabric for my quilt (top). I think it turned out beautifully and am anxious to finish it and get it up on the wall where I can proudly display it.

No one warned me about potential pre-washing problems or advised using Retayne. I've not had one issue or disaster!

I also appreciate the fact that they're less likely to fray.

You do not like them, So you say.
Try them! Try them! And you may.
Try them and you may, I say.

(credit to Dr. Seuss, Green Eggs and Ham)

Where do you get the colour catchers?

I bought mine at the local supermarket. They are made by Shout. Walmart, Kmart might have them too.

The only "problem" with batiks for me is that they are more tightly woven than quilting cotton and it dulls my quilting needles faster. Batiks are beautiful and I love them!

Question: When you use batiks, do you mix regular cotton fabric with them?

I love batiks but haven't worked much with them. I had heard they are hard to quilt by hand and not to try, but so much for that advice!