I always prewash. Once I buy a fabric, even if I'm not going to use it in the near, or far, future it gets washed and ironed. Actually, I rinse and dry my batting, so there's no shrinkage (unless I want that wrinkly old fashioned look). I just throw the fabric in with my regular wash (the batting goes in alone just on final rinse). Yes, I agree, it IS a pain to iron.
An update on the quilt...it is HALF quilted!!!!! No problems so far...but I still have my fingers crossed. Again, my thanks to all who wrote in.
bev.