I love Minky, and so does my niece. I put it on the back of a double bed quilt for her, in addition to several small things.
It is tough on the cutting board, but I ALWAYS wash it first, and there isn't a whole lot of shedding. Have always used the brand Joann's has, too. There isn't any cotton in it, so you can wash it and still use a top made of unwashed cotton. I have always put binding on the quilt, too, and never turned it. Also glue it together with 505 spray baste.