Well, I *am* a Connecting Threads fabric fan but I "usually" do not wash fabric from any manufacturer (Moda/Benartex/TimelessTreasures/etc.etc.) before the quilt is made. I then wash with color catchers.
That quilt has been well handled, fallen to the floor, sat in my lap while I snacked, carried to guild meetings while being quilted or bound, marked on for quilting....it's dirty, I don't want it against my face or on the bed afterwards!
Jan in VA