making a quilt

[overripe.livejournal.com]

QUESTION ONE:
i bought a quarter flat of a batik print today at joann's.
it occured to me, as i was about to cut it up, that perhaps i ought to prewash it a special way because it's a batik.
what should i do? soak it in cold water, then rinse it?
or is it pre-treated?


QUESTION TWO:
are there any other tips i should have for first-time quilt making?
my mum has made basic quilts before, so she vaguely knows what to do,
and i've read the memories. i just figured i'd check because i'm already posting.


also, if this makes a difference: i know i'm supposed to preshrink all of my fabrics for my quilt, but i haven't done that for any of the other squares. i know, i know, i'm supposed to.


thank youuuu.