I bet that is the reason. she figured you had already prewashed your top. I imagine (andI've never longarmed before) that when they stretch the backing to quilt and it hasn't been washed, then it might shrink and draw up real bad, making the quilt look puckered. A longarmer's reputation is often by word of mouth and if the work looked bad agtter washing, it might fall back on her. That is just what I think. (That and a buck will get you a cup of coffee)