Welcome to the board. I hope you have good luck with your quilt. If you do not wash before using I would wash the quilt in cold water and with a color catcher. I am one that always washes all my fabric before using because of a mess I made early in my sewing days, but is really up to the person doing the quilting if you wash first. I hope your love of quilting grows. Be sure to show us your finished quilt.