Richbrote, your quilts are awesome!
QuiltingQueen, I didn't think to smell the Walmart fabric. Wish I had. Just an interesting point. I am glad you mentioned it. I have noticed the shrinkage.
Grammypatty7, (I like your user name!) I also feel my quilts are more inviting to snuggle after I wash and fabric softner them. I wash each new quilt from 3 to 5 times right away. (Vinegar soak each time.) If anything wiggles out of place I want to know it before it leaves home.
I think I might do it in part because I want to handle them and enjoy them some before they go away.
Penny Doty, thank-you so much for reminding me that some people are alergic to laundry detergent. I wash my quilts and afghans in the Walmart store brand detergent and fabric softner. I have never had anyone mention a reaction but maybe they wouldn't tell me if they had one. I have never once thought about it. Maybe they know to wash before using it if they know they are allergic? OOOOPs, my bad. I will have to think about this for awhile. UMMMMMMMM. Anyone know what detergent people are less alergic to? A whole new topic. Ummmmm.