Originally Posted by Candace
To me, it's not about shrinkage per se although that's a good reason on its own. It's about all the chemicals and who knows what else coming from (usually) Asian countries. It's about fabric bleeding. I've had LQS quality fabric bleed horribly. It's about killing off any critter eggs like bedbugs and even maggots! It's about knowing what the final product will be like ahead of time. I want the best control of my project and I guess control is my main reason.
If your LQS has bedbugs and maggots you *really* need to find a better LQS!
Every time I've been in a LQS when fabric arrived the bolt was shrink wrapped in plastic.
Go in any LQS and ask where their washer and dryer is.
One of the oldest quilt instructors in the country, Harriet Hargrave doesn't prewash.