Dear Andy
I am looking to dye my white cotton sofa which is fixed. Is there a fabric dye that I can
use to fix the dye?? Perhaps an aerosol? Please, please, help. I'm wanting to dye the sofa
an earthy red colour.
Debbie
Dear Debbie: you may want to visit the site: www.ritdye.com. They have lots of information
on dyeing fabrics. I never heard of anyone trying to dye the fabric while it is still on
the couch. Have you thought of making slip
covers in the color you want? We have lots of sources for great looking fabrics, right
here on Fabrics.Net. I have not heard of spray on dye stuff, although it may be possible
with the Rit Dye. Good Luck, Andy
Andy:
I am a manufacturer of medical coats, and am looking for wrinkle-free cottons. I
understand there is a process called "baking" that renders the fabric wrinkle
free. I researched somewhat, and it seems that most wrinkle-free is sold by garment
manufacturers, suggesting that the wrinkle-free property occurs after manufacture of the
garment. Is wrinkle-free cotton duck and twill available in wrinkle free in 4-7 oz per
yard weights?
Thanks.
Dan
Dear Dan: the wrinkle-free is a process put onto the fabric when it is finished, before
being made into garments. Ask the companies where you are urrently buying your fabrics. If
you have no luck with them, try some of the major companies such as Burlington Industries.
They should have what you need. Good Luck, Andy
I have discovered that the standard issue Pea Coats for the U.S. Navy is named
from a fabric called Pee Cloth or Pilots cloth. Can you tell me what PEE cloth or Pilots
cloth is and where it can be found?
thanks marie
Dear Marie: I've always thought that Pee coats were made from a wool melton. As I
remember, they were made from reprocessed wool for the real Navy Issue coats, and in later
years when it became a fashion item, they were made from Virgin wool melton. Maybe one of
our fabric historians can better help you on this question. Good Luck, Andy
Andy
Can you tell me where I might find information about felting wool (e.g. old sweaters etc).
I would like to use the resulting fabric for baby quilts etc. JC
Dear JC: if you just need a few old sweaters to make blankets for your own baby, the best
thing to do is ask some friends. If you need thousands to make blankets on a commercial
basis, that's a whole other matter. There are
companies that sell waste wool and old clothing. Search the web for either or both. Good
Luck, Andy
Hi Andy,
I am looking for 2 yards of upholstery fabric. Particularly, Robert Allen
"Beckwith" in the color Moss. This fabric was shown in Robert Allen's book
called: Romantic Gardens II. Where could I purchase this fabric. Would it be possible to
purchase it from Robert Allen directly. How can I contact them? Thanks for your help. Pat
Dear Pat. I doubt that Robert Allen would sell directly to you. Contact them for one of
their retailers or visit our sources here on Fabrics.Net. We have a great list of
suppliers that will have exactly what you want. Good Luck, Andy
I am looking for plastic or metal clips for adjusting straps on bags and clips
to clip straps to bags. Can you help? Bryce
Dear Bryce: visit www.bobbin.com. They have a list of their advertisers on that web site.
I know I've seen advertisers for the exact product you need, there. If you are still
stuck, get back to us and we will look into it. Good
Luck, Andy
Andy, in need of help fast!!!
I have a six month old puppy. He try to get his bone out from under a swivel chair. By
grabbing at the bone he rip a panel off the chair. I have called several repairs stores
and they cannot look at it until after Xmas. I need to get this fix in a Jif.. It is a
chair that has like panel flaps at the very bottom of the chair to hide the feet. there
are four flaps. I was told by one repair to go to a fabric store and buy a sewing needle
for material and the colored thread of the chair and sew it back on. Is this true. I live
in Bayonne New Jersey. Please let me know.
Thanks, Barb
Dear Barb: I'd follow the advice of the professional. Short of that, while in the fabric
store, see if they have some fabric glue. Try this as a temporary fix, until after
Christmas. Don't worry too much about the chair until after the puppy is trained. Those
little pups will get into some mischief sometimes. But, they are sooooo cute. Good Luck
and Seasons Greetings. Andy
Hi, Andy. I recently purchased a hand knit sweater from the Andes. I t is a
beautiful, bulky knit sweater. t smells strongly of kerosene....Is there anyting can
wash it in to get rid of the odor? I have washed it in the delicate cycle with a delicate
wash produt, tried Fabreez...tried hank=ging it outside for awhile..You can still smell me
coming from around the bend :) Ny ideas? thank you
Dear Debbi: First, you might want to bring it back to the store where you bought it, or
call the mail order company. If that smell is in the fibers, I don't know that you can do
much else. You may want to bring it to a professional dry cleaner and see if they have a
solution (no pun intended). Or try to cover the smell with a more pleasant odor such as
your favorite perfume. Maybe some of our readers have the answer. Good Luck, Andy
Hello. I have a project at school and our idea if to explain how technology
changed over time. My project is on clothing and that had to do with fabric. can you tell
me how fabric change over times and the types there are? Thank
you
Dear Tran: we're not going to do your homework for you. I've already done mine. But I will
tell you that man has been wearing clothing ever since he left the Garden of Eden or
before. The major change in technology was during
the Industrial Revolution. After that, machines were developed to make the fabrics that
had been made by hand for eons. There are lot of great books on the History of Fabric.
Good Luck on your project. Andy
dear andy, i am looking for the manufacturer of fiberfil batting that you put
in quilts---. we are going to start making quilts to sell and we need some sources so we
can buy the fiberfil cheaper than the what you can get at retail stores---. thanks karen
Dear Karen: Fairfield Processing is about the largest and best known. There are other
companies as well. It depends on where in the country you are located. This is bulky stuff
to ship. Get the names and addresses off of the packages you see in the stores. You may
still have to buy from a distributor. Some of these companies are only interested in
shipping bulk (truck loads). Do your research. Start by visiting (on the net and in person
if possible) and calling some of our sponsors here at Fabrics.Net. It is an excellent
source of information. Good Luck, Andy
Dear Andy,
I am trying to locate a reasonable priced source for high quality chenille, chenille
tapestry, brocades, velvet brocades, silk, etc. for my decorative pillow/bedding business.
I have seen fabrics of this quality used to produce items in Nordstroms, Horchow, Sweet
Dreams, etc., but a ticket to Italy is not in the picture right now. Surely someone in the
USA produces a line of upper-end fabrics, and if not, do you know of a source for imported
fabrics like these located in the States? As a last resort, in certain cases I could even
use "seconds" as long as the piece is big enough to creatively handle the flaw.
Oh, deliverer of knowledge, please help me.
Thanks, Jan
Dear Jan: thanks for the flattery. I'll try to live up to your expectations. First of all,
when selling your pillows to these upper crust stores, you'll have to have THEM believe
that you HAVE traveled the world to find the most
interesting and unique fabrics. If you haven't traveled already to Italy, get a travel
book and read it. This way you can talk the talk and walk the walk. You have not said in
your email where you are located in the U.S., but you'll have to do some travel to find
the best fabrics. You can't expect anyone to show you all of their samples by either mail
or on the web. There are lots of great trade shows here in the States. Visit www.wwd.com.
This is the Women Wear Daily newspaper. They have a list of trade shows. The
IFFE(International Fashion Fabric Expo) is highly recommended. They have shows twice a
year in New York: October and April. Two weeks ago was the largest home furnishings show
in North Carolina. The Home Textile show is coming March 30-April 2 in New York's Jacob
Javits Center. Visit www.glmshows.com for more info. Try to get your hands on magazines
that cater to your market: Accessories and Home Textiles. And the best place to start this
trip is right here at Fabrics.Net. We have lots of resources that may have the fabrics you
need. Search the web. Part of the fun of finding the "right" fabrics is in the
search. I'll look for you at some of these shows. Good Luck, Andy
Andy,
I was wondering if you could tell me the difference in muslin and percale? What is the
best thread count to look for in each type of fabric when purchasing sheets?
Thank you,
Janet
Dear Janet: Muslin is a course cotton fabric. Percale is a smooth combed cotton. Percale
is a much better choice for sheets. The higher the thread count on a sheet the
better(smoother,softer) it is. The highest thread counts of 600-800 will result in bed
sheets that can retail for over $500.00. On a recent vacation to California we visited a
store that was selling Egyptian cotton sheets of 800 count that were "on sale for
$595.00. I had to go in to just touch those sheets. Now I know why all "the rich and
famous" buy them. They were like silk. Soft and buttery. You'd never want to get OUT
of bed. Good Luck, Andy
Hello!!!
I am designer from Poland.
I am looking for the information about new trends in designing of fabrics. I intrested in
cutting fabrics, destructing fabrics. I need the information. Can you help me?
Thanks, in advance.
Emilia
Dear Emilia: please visit www.wwd.com. This is the Women's Wear Daily Newspaper. You
should probably get a subscription if you are serious about designing fabrics or are
interested in seeing what others are doing with
fabrics. The Tuesday edition usually has a review of fabrics. This is only a start. You'd
have to travel the world to see all the new things being done with fabrics. The Premiere
Vision trade show is an excellent way to see all the latest and new European trade shows.
Continue to search the web to find additional information. Good Luck, Andy
To whom it may concern,
I own a fine music retail giftware store Northwest of Chicago in Geneva, IL., and am
interested in wholesale music print fabric for purchase by the bolt. I have looked
everywhere. Please fax me with the name of a sales rep. in our area, and if possible
pictures of any fabric you may have available for purchase.
Beth
Dear Beth: we don't have exactly what you want. However, if you visit www.fabrics.net and
visit their search area, you may be able to find the exact fabric for your needs. Good
Luck, Andrew
I`m searching for fabric that has sweet heavenly angels that are about 3 inches
tall in shades of white, pink, and lavendar. It would be very suitable for a child`s room.
The fabric was featured earlier this year in the catalog Quilts and Other Comforts. It was
titled Folk Angels Yardage. I contacted Quilts and Other Comforts, but the only
information that they could give me was that the fabric was supposedly manufactured by
Hi-Fashion fabrics. I have not been able to find out any other information. Any help would
be greatly appreciated.
Dear Ann: It's rare that we can find a needle in the haystack of the thousands of fabrics
that are available. Your best bet would be to begin in search right here at Fabrics.Net.
We have some of the best fabric suppliers anywhere. any one of them may know of the exact
pattern you are looking for. Hi-Fashion fabrics may have a link on this site. You may want
to call them direct, see if they made that pattern and find out what retailer has it. Good
Luck, Andy
Dear Andy i wonder if you could help me, i have to look at 'Modern Fabrics' for
a Textile project. I have to look at 'Wonder Fabrics' and 'Smart Material' what they are
and what they mean. Do you think you could please help me it would be a great help thanks.
kerry
Dear Kerry: what an interesting project. There have been lots of new developments in the
textile industry. To me, some wonder fabrics may include:Gore-Tex and Kevlar. Gore-Tex
protects in cold or bad weather and Kevlar can protect one from a speeding bullet. Smart
Fabric are being developed now that change colors, have scents added to them, and that
will be compatible with your computers. For more info, please continue to search the web.
We've all already done our homework. Now it time for your to do yours. When you are done,
we'd love you to post your paper on this site for us to review the information you have
found. Good Luck, Andy
Hi Andy,
I am proposing a silk-cum-linen fabric as drapes for a massive upmarket residential
project somewhere in the Middle East. Besides the glass windows, architectural glaze will
be used, followed by the drapes.
Question:
1) In view of the harsh weather conditions in the Middle East, what is the general
lifespan of a silk fabric in such places
2) How far away from the architectural glaze do you propose we install the drapes
3) Do you propose installing blinds in addition to the draperies I am proposing?
Any additional input you may will be highly appreciated.
Thank you
Miss Fariza
Dear Miss Fariza: most fabrics have a long life span in the dry air of the desert; visit
the mummies in the pyramids. Keep the fabrics a few inches away from the glaze so there is
room for the air to circulate and the fabrics to "breathe". Blinds are a must to
keep the room temperate and fabrics soft. Don't worry about the life span of the fabric.
I'm sure you'll be replacing them sooner than waiting for them to wear out. Good Luck,
Andy
Andy, can you tell me who would have Bayer-Fibra Textil (85% acrylic-15%
polyester) used for blankets...... having trouble locating it
........................thank-you ...............peter.
Dear Peter: this sounds like a specialty fabric. It may have to be custom made for you.
Search our web site here at Fabrics.Net. Where did you get the specs for this fabric? Good
Luck, Andy
Dear Andy
I hope you can help me. Recently a friend of mine told me that I could get fined up to
$10,000.00 and my inventory confiscated because I use fabrics that are copy righted. I sew
baby cloths using Sanrio prints and sell them at craft fairs. The fabrics are purchased at
retail. How true is this and what types of fabrics do these laws apply to?
Thank You,
Shari
Dear Shari: You have two choices. First, contact a lawyer that specializes in copyright
law. He can advise you the best. Or, you can read the copyright laws yourself and try to
determine if you are breaking the law. On the surface, it would not appear that you are
breaking any laws. If, on the other hand, you were buying thousands of yards and trying to
sell it to a retailer for resale, that may be against some law. I wouldn't worry about
this too much. Have a great day. Andy
Hi Shari,
I wanted to add that the owner of the copyright logo fabric may or may not pursue
litagation for the smaller retailer. However, this is not true of all logo owners. For
example, Looney Tunes and Disney and also Malden Mills are very strict about use of their
logo fabrics for items for resale. To be on the safe side, contact a lawyer or contact the
owner of the logo for permission to use their fabric.
Judith
Hi Andy,
Thank you so much for your column. I am a quilter. After I buy my fabrics, I wash and
press them with sizing. Then I put them away in my fabric stash until I am ready to use
them. I have noticed little worms or silkworms on my fabric. What I am doing wrong and
what is the cause of these little critters. Is it because I am keeping silks and cottons
together or because of the sizing or what? Any information you have I would greatly
appreciate it.
Thank You.
Dear Quilter: Worms? The worms are not coming from the fabric. They are coming from the
area you are storing your fabric. Try encasing the fabric in a clear plastic bag, after
washing and sizing. This should help. Or call
your local exterminator. He can spray for worms. Have a great day. Andy
Hi,
I wanted to add a little to what Andy wrote. Yes, the worms are coming from the area where
you store the fabric, not the fabric. Calling the exterminator is the best suggestion and
then wash or dry clean all of the fabric from your storage area. DO NOT enclose the fabric
in plastic. This used to be the suggested storage but it has been found that plastic does
not allow the fabric to breathe. The fumes from the plastic may damage your fabric even
more than sunlight or bugs. If you want to wrap the individual fabric yardage, use acid
free tissue paper or muslin that is dye free and has not been bleached. Wash and dry the
muslin several times to take out any sizing.
Judith
Hi Andy:
I am trying to find a nylon mesh like they use for soft pet carriers. No one seems to
carry it -- or know where to get it. Any suggestions?
michael
Dear Michael: try some of our suppliers here at Fabrics.Net. You didn't say if you were
looking for one yard or one thousand yards, but if you search our site here, you'll find
someone that has it. Good Luck, Andy
Hi Andy:
I am looking for a retailer of fabric name labels. I only need a few, but I am willing to
buy a roll of several dozen if I have to. Thanks for the help.
........Henry Fales. Orleans, MA
Dear Henry: visit www.namemaker.com. They have what you need. In the future, you'll save a
lot of time and effort if you begin your search right here at Fabrics.Net. We have some of
the best sources anywhere. Good Luck,
Andy
I have a few piece of acetate clothing and desire to hand wash them. Or sponge
clean them.
Pam - Tacoma, Wa
Dear Pam: for the best results follow the washing instructions printed on the label inside
the garment. Hand washing may be a problem if the garment should be dry cleaned. Good
Luck, Andy
Andy,
I want to fray the bottoms of my jeans. What is the best way to go about doing this?
In response to your question, regarding denim, you can undo the hems and just throw them
in the washing machine. The raw edges will fray in the wash. Trim any uneven ends. If you
want a longer "fringe", you can pull away more of the horizontal threads. If
your jeans are too long you do not even have to undo the hems. Simply use a sharp scissors
to cut away the excess length and follow as above. Andy
I have to repair a high school mascot costume that is a tiger. I need to find a
small piece of faux fur that looks like tiger fur. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks for
any help you can give me!
Dear Patti: you've come to the right place. Please visit our fabric resource area here at
Fabrics.Net. Several of them sell faux fur. As Tony the Tiger would say, "Have a
GRRRRReat Day. Good Luck, Andy
Andy:
Please explain the significance of the RN number in the garment. My understanding is that
it identifies the manufacturer of the garment. Where does one get an RN number, and can
one find the identity of the
manufacturer from the RN number? Can manufacturers share RN numbers?
Thanks.
Dan
Dear Dan: RN's are required on every garment. Visit www.ftc.gov and go to the business
section. A list will pop up for registering a new number and looking up existing numbers.
The identification number is to protect the public. If there is ever a problem with the
garment, one would know which manufacturer had produced it. However, lots of garments are
private label for a store and the store doesn't want to broadcast the name of the maker.
Manufacturers should not share numbers. If your friend makes a garment that results in a
someone getting burned because he used a fabric that was not flame retardant when it
should have been, do YOU want to get sued? Get your own RN number. Good Luck, Andy
Dear Andy
I made a denim skirt for my 9 year old daughter. The pattern has a drawstring at the
waist. I followed the pattern to the letter up until I got to the drawstrings which were
impossible to turn onto the right side once I stitched them. I tried putting a stafety pin
in the drawstring to help turn it, I used a pencil to push it through nothing works. My
husband and I have done everthing to get them onto the right side so that I can complete
this project. I used the right measurements, it's just to narrow to turn. I even made it a
little wider and still ended up with the same problem. Could it be the fabric is to thick?
Please Help. I still have another one of these skirts I have to make for my daughters
friend for X-Mas.
Drawstringed out
Tracey
Dear Tracey: I don't sew but I do have a drawstring trick that I always use. I get a metal
hanger that comes from the cleaners, remove the cardboard on the bottom, and take a pliers
and form a tight loop on one end of the metal wire. Tie a knot in the drawstring, push the
wire coat hanger through the opening of the pants, attach the knotted end, and pull it
back through the opening. Good Luck, Andy
Andy-
I just got off the phone with friend of mine that bought a "felt" cowboy hat
today. The person that she bought the hat with told her that "felt" is made out
of beaver skin. This sounds totally ridiculous to me, but maybe I am wrong. Do you know
what felt is made out of? Is it made out of beaver's skin???
I hope to hear from you soon
Dear Sarah: Felt is one of the first fabrics developed by man. It can be made from beaver
skin as your friend said. Some of the best, most expensive felts are made of animal skins
or wool. Don't be fooled by the synthetic
felts you see in fabric and craft stores. Good Luck. Andy
dear andy,
i am looking for pearl or beaded trim for a formal dinner suit i am having made for my
daughter's wedding. i would like to shop online for this item can you help? thank you-b.
Dear B: start by searching right here at Fabrics.Net. We have a complete listing of anyone
and everyone that sells the items you need. Good Luck (on the wedding too), Andy
I want to see some period material from the forty"s? do you have any
pictures on the the net.could you tell me what was popular then . thanx s.burke
Dear S: please visit our sourcing area here at Fabrics.Net and look up vintage fabrics. We
also have some companies that advertise here on our site and offer Vintage fabrics to
purchase. You can always visit your local library for another source of information and
pictures. Good Luck, Andy
Andy -
I am looking to source numerous kinds of fabrics so that I can manufacture vintage
handbags. I am looking for vinyls (PVCs), tapestries, metallic leathers or vinyls, beaded
materials, etc. Any hints on where to start
would be great. Thanks, Risa
Dear Risa: you've come to the right place to start your search. Start by visiting our
sourcing section here at Fabrics.Net. Some of our advertisers also sell Vintage fabrics.
This is the second question of the day dealing
with the same subject. There appears that we have a "trend" for Vintage fabrics.
Good Luck, Andy
Hi Andy
I love your column very much. It is very informative. I have bought a leather jacket, but
it smells awfully. Is there any way to get rid of the smell?
Thank you.
Annie
Dear Annie: bring it back to the store where you bought it. Did it always
"smell" or did you wear it in the rain? We never say that it "smells".
Only your nose can smell. The jacket may have an "odor". Try wearing lots of
perfume. See what the store tells you. Good Luck, Andy
Andy-
I have inheireted an silk christening gown from my mother-in-law. My husband and I would
like to use it for the baptism of our child, but the dress has really yellowed. It was
handmade in Japan, probably in the late 40s or early 50s. How do we go about getting it
cleaned, or how do we find a reputable cleaner in our area (Atlanta) to do the job? Thanks
a bunch!
Catherine
Dear Catherine: You are in luck in that you are in a major metropolitan area. You should
be able to find someone in the "yellow" Pages of your phone directory. The
beauty of really old garments, is that you don't want to touch them. Let the baby wear it
the way it is. Good Luck ( for both the baby and the garment) Andy
