I always ~
Wash FQs and yardage. Pink the edges, then machine wash by colour (ex. all blues) in hot water with colour catchers. After checking colour catchers, machine dry on low or rewash.
Clean the bobbin area and put in a new needle at the start of a new project.
Make a sample to be sure pattern directions are correct. Especially if it's a kit and the yardage is no longer available.
My Mom always said "Do your very best or don't bother!" It's important to me that points match and are not cut off. I'm definitely not in the galloping horses camp.
Unplug the iron if I leave the room.
All electronics are plugged into a surge protector: I unplug
everything including the surge protectors during thunderstorms.
I usually start quiltmaking at 10 AM and always stop by 4 PM or earlier if I get tired.