I am not a prewasher either. I personally like the feel of the new fabric and my time is limited in sewing so it won't go into ironing:))Plus I like the look of older quilts so this works great for me:)) I do know that people that prewash their charms, jelly, etc...they usually put them in panty hose or a netting that is w/a zipper and made for washing smaller items.
As far as her being accurate w/her rolls now...depends on how much she lost washing them. If they were frayed beyone the correct measurements..then she will just have to recut to one that works for all the strips so they are even. (which will throw the measurments off w/specific patterns) I would imagine she is very frustrated at this moment:))Skeat