Originally Posted by sarahrachel
I don't usually wash, I like the "wrinkley" look as I like to do traditional designs and I feel like they look older than they are. I only wash the fabric if when I pick it up it feels like it would bleed or is stiff. Gentle cycle cold always. I only usually iron if it's really wrinkley too. I don't have enough time to worry about washing and ironing fabric before cutting. and as most are scrappy, I don't think it really matters much anyway
I don't wash fab before using it....exception, of course, with red, dark blue, black (just in case)..then I don't "wash" it, simply cut a small piece and put it in a cup of HOT water and see what happens...if it bleeds, it NEVER will be used by me, I give that away. I don't use starch when piecing(bug food), occasionally sizing.....never washed batting in all these years.....don't wash or even rinse after completing. I just rec'd the fall edition of fons/porter mag and in the antique quilt section there was a quilt featured from the 1800s and museum curator comment on its pristine condition included the phrase....and never washed........Quilts on our beds (3/4) are only washed once a year, aired and fluffed weekly. Some that I have made are still in cedar chest (in pillowcases) not yet ever used.....I take them out once a year, put them on a bed for a week, let them relax and then refold(not the same way) and store again....or give away a few - to make room for the new ones. that is my quilt-life.