I did a BOM at a local quilt shop. They gave us precut pieces, red was one of them. And of course the other pieces were white and a print. They obviously did not wash their fabrics...I used my Best Press (no flake starch) while piecing and the red bled all over the white. So I am glad you are washing your fabrics. I also use a dye grabber in the wash, sometimes use Retayne and now after joining wonderful groups like this, I found I could use Epson Salts in the wash. I don't dry my fabric all the way, I take it out and press and use Best Press where I need to.I always PRESS during piecing..no steam since I use BP..result is the same.If the fabric is damp from the washing or using BP, you are still steaming if using a dry iron. Never iron, only press while piecing.After pressing all of your blocks, don't forget to square them up. I learned the hard way, thinking that my quarter inch was perfect on all I had sewn...first quilt was not perfection. Live and learn.
Welcome and enjoy your new found art.
D in TX