craftgrrl | Softening of cotton crochet project

I am just about to finish a crocheted capelet. I used the following pattern:

Chanson en Crochet - http://www.interweave.com/knit/books/Wrap_Style/chanson_crochet.asp
(I added a few tweaks to make it "better.")

Question: I used Peaches & Cream cotton yarn and the finished item is kind of stiff. I am wondering what your opinions are on soaking this item in fabric softener, putting it through the rinse cycle of the washing machine, and then into the dryer for some fluffing and, hopefully, softening. Then steaming it with the iron to try and block it a bit.

Whaddya think? Will that work or ruin it? What do you suggest?