Hi I just did a friendship braid using the half-hexie. I did not use the layercake though, I used regular material and cut into strips as wide as my template. This is an easy quilt to do, however you need to know to make your ends even on each side. If you are using the 10inch half-hexie it takes about 36 pieces (18 on each side) for a queen size length. If I can do it, anybody can. Good luck! If you are a more visual person there is a great how to video Jenny does just for this, you probably already know that though - kellie