Now, I can see why someone would make you promise to PREWASH it, but I have no idea someone would care so much about not washing...especially batiks that are notorious for running. I also prewash everything and have been quilting for over 20 years. So maybe I can make you promise to wash next time? hehe.. It came out lovely, it's too bad it shrunk so much for you. Remember, that quilting does take up the quilt too and the more you quilt does help to draw it up.