Prism,
You've finally managed to get through my head why some choose not to pre-wash. A 3 percent shrinkage overall is not bad, and even twice that on one fabric is only 6 percent so big deal. Plus you don't lose the fabric to raveling. I haven't used retayne but will check it out. And I would never have to iron a miserable wrinkled up ravelled-edge yard of fabric again, only to spray-size it into its previous shape which will only shrivel up again.
As we say here in MA, "Light dawns over Marblehead!"
I can't wait to try my next project without the prewash!
Thank you!!