Thanks for all this great input, so much help (francie yuhas - 'read the instructions; brilliant!). I'm so glad I joined this board!

I've made over 300 handquilted quilts, never had a problem with them shrinking. some I would hang across 2 cloths lines, I didn't want to much fading

I always wash mine in the machine - I do have a hand wash cycle that I use - then dry them on cool heat in the dryer. I even used the same washing when I washed a Gma's Flower Garden that my aunt made during the 50s and was hand pieced. I will say that I use a laundry soap that is delicate - like Dreft (just 'cuz I had it in the house.)