Hmmm! I like the idea of sewing the ends together of the long piece. I don't like to cut my piece in smaller pieces because I like to use the straight of the grain to cut borders whenever I can.
This may be a good place to ask a question about washing flannel. I have never used flannel on quilts. I bought two pieces and washed because I had read about the shrinkage. Well, one piece came out great -- nice and fluffy. The other piece looks almost pilled -- little fuzzies all over it. I'll probably use it as batting. What a bummer! Is it the fiber content or what? Both were labeled 100% cotton.