I've made a couple of these for clients and my suggestion is to pick all the fabrics for sashing and backing yourself. Most of these folks don't sew and really don't have a clue. They will bring you discount store fabric that will shred, fade or worse and then be very disappointed. I also agree that they are time consuming, but oh so nice when they are done well!
Love my Kai! I picked mine up at the Des Moines show a couple of years ago and since it's just a month away, I might have to have another size. I like the gift idea, too. Hadn't thought of that.