Sorry, another question, please!
 

Sorry, forgot to ask this. Since I'm not only a new user to this site, but a new quilter also, I have a number of dumb questions. Here is my first one. Why do you spray start your material? Thanks!

I prefer spray sizing, because it does not draw any insects. In either case, the idea is to have the fabric relatively stable when you are cutting and handling it. The more intricate the pattern, the more this matters. The spray also tends to get rid of any wrinlkes, as you iron it. I bet the next question is why wash and iron. The washing is to preshrink and get rid of exess dye. In some cases, it's to identify fabrics that would run in splotches over your quilt, making a real mess after all of your work. If you don't iron, your measurements can be WAY off because the fabric is not really flat. I'll be honest. I hate ironing, but I am really convinced that it matters.

PS. Don't worry about asking dumb questions. I bet every one of us has asked the same questions. "older" quilters shared their knowledge with us, now it's our turn to pay it forward.

I don't use starch, probably would be a good thing if I did, I don't know. I have allergies and asthma so can't use it.

Do you wash all your fabrics before make projects? I've heard pros and cons

starch (can) make your fabric hold/stay better for more precise cuts- it helps give the fabric body/stiffness making piecing easier- and gets out those wrinkles-
some people simply spritz with a little water- or use steam- or use sizing (which is like starch but does not give the stiffness) and some use starch- it is a personal choice-
i've been using starch for 50 years-so prefer that when water is not enough-
it washes away when your project is finished and laundered.

You'll get lots of answers to wash/not wash...starch/not starch. It really boils down to personal preference. I pre-wash; I starch. I want to pre-shrink my fabric. I've pre-washed and still had things run due to excessive dye. Color catchers are a beautiful thing. I'm also older than dirt and grew up starching cottons when ironing. Just normal for me. But it does give the fabric more body and does make cutting/piecing more accurate - at least for me.

Not dumb, very brave and very sensible to ask what you don't know. You are in a safe environment here, so ask away. BTW, I don't starch unless the pattern is very intricate and stiffer fabric would be easier to work with. That happens once in a blue moon because I like the quick and easy.