I was told recently by a curator of antique fabrics, which were mostly home wovens, that they have a very hard time to keep them from deteriorating as the bugs like to get into them. Cotton homespun will actually disintegrate over a number of years. Microscopic bugs eat away the natural fibers. Those that came from England dyed fancy lasted longer because it killed these bugs. However, the colors change over a period of time. He said fabrics today will last much longer due to the way they are processed. Washing them before use, only removes a stabilizer that they use to make the fabric smooth and flat on the bolt. The dyes and chemicals have been largely removed due to allergies. They don't want to be sued. The stabilizer also serves to keep out silverfish which will eat your cottons. It's a toss up what to believe today!