As a mostly self taught quilter I have learned so much from this board. I have also had some wonderful suggestions from sales people in the quilt shops. In the beginning I didn't wash my material and then I had a bleeder and I thought I need to wash and iron my material before I use it. If I am going to applique or have really small pieces I starch them. it is a hassle to iron. I try not to iron anything but my material is special. I usually wash and iron my material right away because I love whatever I have bought and I want to admire it. After I get it ironed I put it away waiting in line for the desired project. I try not to keep a "stash". I try to buy with the knowledge of a quilt in mind. I have found that I am getting ahead of myself in the buying department so I am going to try and get a couple of projects done before buying more material.