I once had a crazy quilt made by my late grandmother, and she used all kinds of fabric in it! They weren't all small pieces, either. One piece I recall was sheer, navy blue, and pleated. Another was a pale background and had tiny flowers on it. These pieces were large, and sewn on a muslin foundation, and had no batting, just another piece of material for a back. Sadly, I have no photos of this qullt, but it was well-loved and was worn out from our use of it.

I pre-wash EVERYTHING. I use a lot of clothing cut up and fabric from yard sales, and you never know what's been washed or not. And you know the clothing has been. I wash in HOT water and dry on cotton. That way I am never surprised after something is put together and then washed.
Carol B