Me, too! I don't prewash unless I suspect possible bleeding--use a color catcher. Proceed as usual without regard to what you think is shrinkage. I'm a hand quilter and I'd stitch 1/4" inside the seam to stabilize the brown. Don't fret on the "dense quilting". Also I almost always use poly batting. I like the puff and I have had no problems with any issues suggested here. This is a cute quilt. Finish it and find something else to worry about! Love it, dear.