This post is part of a series {Colorbrick} a Beginner’s Quilt-Along.  You can join in anytime, even if you’re not a beginner!  Please see this page for links to all posts, and join us on Flickr to share your questions and work-in-progress!

Are you ready to get started?  This first part is so easy, but it does take time.  We need to prewash all of those gorgeous fat quarters and your sashing/backing solids too.

1. Prep Your Fabrics:  If you have a wide range of colors, separate your darks from your lights to guard against color bleeding.  If possible, place your fabrics in laundering bags for delicates.  This will prevent excessive twisting and fraying.  It works to double up, two prints two one bag, if the bag is big enough.  If you don't have any delicate bags, just go ahead without them (and be prepared with scissors and patience to deal with the results).
2. Wash Cold:  Wash your fabrics on "light" and with cold water.  Do put in a little detergent to help remove manufacturing chemicals.
3. Machine Dry:  If you're using delicate bags, leave the fabric in the bags and toss in the drier.  Loose fabrics should be untangled and trimmed to remove unraveled threads before machine drying.  It's ideal to remove your fabric when its almost dry, as a full dry will often set in wrinkles. 
4. Iron:  Trim unraveled threads.  With your iron on it's highest setting and using lots of steam, iron out each piece and fold into a delightful little stack.  Enjoy the process! 

Next up:  Rotary Cutting 101.  I can't wait to start cutting!!!