I wash everything that comes into the house to remove chemicals, but also find that every single piece shrinks or "reshapes" itself after washing and drying, EVEN the "higher quality" stuff from the LAQ stores!
I buy nice fabrics at garage sales for 50 cents a yard than 12.99 a yard for the same stuff at the LAQ stores...just needs to be washed!
Once washed & dried, I iron, going with the grain to keep from stretching it out of shape. I DO use sizing because it really does make it easier to cut. I thought some were nuts to say that, but found out for myself. I think it makes a big difference.
Steam? Yes
Walmart- rarely
Hobby Lobby- don't have one that I know of nearby
Joann's- often, but am picky about what I buy there, most often remnants at 1/2 off! (Ok...my "cheapness" is starting to show here. lol)
Any machine is a sewing machine as long as it sews properly. Yes, some of the newer features are very nice, but you're paying dearly for them...sort of like having a remote for your TV...does it make the show any better? No
Applique- ok, if I have to. I'd much rather piece, and love paper piecing results!
Haven't done the LAQ trip yet. I'm cheap...oops, there it is again. lol
Definitely stitched over tied.
Binding definitely cut on the straight grain- it doesn't stretch as much and I think it produces a much nicer finish to the edge.
If I had to choose a topic I do feel strongly about it would be that I cannot, I repeat, cannot work in a messy area! lol I'm a bit OCD.