dont wash if you are using overdyes - many of the colors will run, spot clean if possible. always wash hands before stitching to remove any oil from them.
I wash with cool water with a couple drops of mild soap. Then I roll in a clean towel and then transfer the fabric to another towel to iron the backside.
hmm, If I am unsure of colorfast floss, I fix them (with vinegar or special solution) - so they won´t bleeb when be washed. I grid my fabric with a special pen (disappear if in contact with water) or special thread, .. when I am finished I like to wash my piece in lukewarm wter with a little drop of soap - let it soak a bit and clean itunder fresh water, Put it on a colth and let it dry! Be careful when you have beads on the fabric, wah it first and iron it - THEN bead it! When the fabric is dry I iron it - you can damp it a bit, and make sure you use a cloth as protection. Keep ypur iron not too hot, it takes a little longer, but you can be sure of you donßt "hurt" it =) have fun!
Never use pencil on the fabric. It is so hard to get rid of them after finish. I suggest water erasalbe pens and always try on edges before use it in large scale. Hope it helps