I found out about my formaldehyde allergy in my zoology class. It was unfortunate that the course was required (the hives cleared miraculously after it was over). Be careful, formaldehyde is a very common industrial chemical. It will often "out-gas" as things age i.e. insulation, carpeting, fabric dyes.
Invest in a pair of pinking shears. I always prewash and never pre-iron because I iron just before cutting anyway. I have had good luck with small loads, drying in the dryer until completely dry when I'm really lazy and don't want to hassle but I really like using my "solar dryer" (a clothesline) for drying uncut fabric on large loads.
My mother actually thought I had something high tech when I told her I was using a solar dryer. Got to love that part. :lol: