I too, love the vintage crinkly look! I DO NOT prewash anything on my quilts and use Colour Catchers when I wash them after completion. Stay with all cottons and to go to the laundry mat to wash and dry your quilts. Quilts become very heavy in the washer and unless you have a heavy duty washer at home I wouldn't wash them at home -especially as yu may want to make larger quilts as you become more experienced. Wash on warm or cold and a warm dryer.
Good luck with all your future projects!