I use Hobbs wool batting on almost all of my quilt. I like the Tuscany since it is not packed as tightly as Heirloom, but my understanding is that they are the same batting. One reason I really like it is the weight— it is so much lighter than cotton (This matters both in quilting and in making up a bed).
I have not prewashed and I have no trouble washing the quilts in the washer. Since my dryer is so small, I lay the quilt on a bed to dry withe the ceiling fan on high. I turn it over after a few hours to dry the other side.