Don't be afraid of flannel! I love working with it. Sometimes I prewash--sometimes I don't (I do it less for shrinkage--than because sometimes deep colors run--especially, in my experience, reds). I do use a half inch seam, but I have old ones with quarter inch seams that are still fine after years of use. I don't use waxed paper--have never had trouble without it. It is a bit stretchier than quilter's cotton, but I spent years making clothing with stretchy fabric--flannel is much easier to handle. Plus, the end result--the snuggle factor--is priceless!
