I always wash my fabrics because I have allergies to the chemicals in the fabrics and all the perfume that they accumulate in the stores. I don't use sizing or starch, its an unnecessary step in my opinion. Some blocks just need steam pressing. I'm not a fan of paper piecing, but will do it if there's no other way to accomplish it.
I've been quilting for 25 years and have learned lots of things in that time frame.
I buy fabrics from Joann's,Hobby Lobby and LQS, but only good fabrics, not the sort that feels harsh.
My machines vary from TOL machines to treadles. More often than not most of my quilts are pieced with one of my treadle machines, I like the simplicity of them and the great stitch quality. I don't like poor quality machines, its not fun to sew if the machine won't behave. My quilts are made entirely by machine, straight grain binding.
For my larger quilts I'll rent a LA machine so I can quilt them myself.