I would not wash the small pieces, and since those weren't washed, I wouldn't do any of it. Your quilt shop person is absolutely WRONG about quilt store fabrics not bleeding. I have some black I'll send her. And red. And blue. SHE can get them not to bleed. They are now in my scrap pile for dog beds. Yes, I know about the chemicals to stop the bleeding, but I'm not into more chemicals. I will not name a brand of fabric, but it is a well respected name in fabric and was purchased at a quilt shop. So, since your fabric is a kit, just make it and use Color Catchers (several) when you do wash it for the first time. I will say that the Quilting Treasures brand processes their fabrics after printing that takes care of bleeding and shrinking. If I remember correctly, they use hot water after it's printed. I am not affiliated with any company.