DO
YOU KNOW OF ANYONE THAT WOULD MAKE ME SILK SCREENS OF MY DESIGNS?
Dear Tully: there are different types of silk screens for
different applications. Do you want your designs printed on
T-shirts or on fabric. What is the width of the fabric you
are going to print on? Are you making one screen per color?
How many screens per design will you be doing? Screens can
run to thousands of dollars per screen for large intricate
patterns. Are you ready to spend that money? There is a printing
show for the T-shirt industry. Good Luck, Andy
Dear
Andy,
I am wondering if you can give me a decription of a pee coat.
(fabrics, style etc.) What is the difference between a man's
wool over coat and a pee coat? Thank you,
Maria
Dear Maria: the only info we could find on the naming of the
Pee coat was that the Pee referred to a heavy Dutch wool fabric
originally used in the coat. Sorry we don't have a better
explanation. Good Luck, Andy
Hi Andy -- here's one origin of this coat. It was a commercial copy of
sailors' pea jackets and made in navy melton. All the rage in the early
40s, of course WWII inspired, and lasted into late 40s. I had one that I
wore every where. They were so popular and usually worn with pea green
pleated skirts -- yes, the jacket fad gave birth to that color. Pea
coats or jackets [interchangeably used] go in and out of style. High
school kids several years ago were wearing them.
Joan
Dear
Andy,
Your input is very much appreciated.I have a simple question.
How do I best care for (wash/iron) velvet. I have a velvet
item that has wrinkles and I don`t want to do anything till
I consult an expert I have had bad experiences with the material
getting matted.Thanks ever so much-Mark
Dear Mark: best idea we've had is to leave these types of
fabrics to a professional dry cleaner. They are best prepared
to handle these types of fabrics. They will steam it out so
there are no wrinkles or iron marks on the fabric. Good Luck,
Andy
I am
not sure exactly if this exists, and to what degree. But I
was wondering if you could answer a question I am looking
for a fabric, possibly like spandex, that is transparent.
I am looking for the most see-thru, clear, protective fabric
that may exist if any. Any information that you may have would
be great. Thank you very much for your time.
Dear Joe: I don't think anything exists today that meets your
needs. The only item I can suggest that is sold as a "fabric"
that is clear is either a clear vinyl or a clear plastic that
is sold for upholstery or table toppers. There is a fabric
that is very sheer, that would be a 15 denier nylon tricot.
It is not "clear" however. l Good Luck, Andy
DEAR
ANDY,
PLS. LET ME KNOW, WHERE IS THE PREMIER VISION FABRIC SHOW
IN OCTOBER?
AWAITING YOUR REPLY.
THANKS
RAG.
Dear Rag: I believe the show is held in Paris every year.
Safe travel and Good Luck, Andy
Andy-
I am looking for contract clothing stitchers in my state of
Maine. How do I go about finding them in my area/state? Is
there a site that specializes in this kind of thing?
Thanks big guy! -Stacey
Dear Stacey: It may be difficult to find the exact type of
sewing that you need in Maine. What products are you sewing?
These contractors usually specialize for the type of work
they are doing. The company that is sewing leather jeans are
usually not also doing lingerie. Try visiting www.google.com
and search "contract sewing." You will find 51,800
listing there. Also visit www.bobbin.com.
Good Luck, Andy
I am
doing a research project for a materials testing lab. I am
curious to know what factors affect the durability of fashion
fabrics. Are there specific characteristics that I should
be looking at as the most important regarding a fabric's durability
(i.e. tensile strength, stretch, avoidance to pilling, resistance
to
abrasive wear)? Finally, what would you consider to be the
most prominent fabrics in the fashion industry today? Which
fabrics would you suggest testing? Should I look at natural
fibers such as wool,
cotton, linen, or the new fabrics such as microfibers? Thank
you very much for your time and assistance. Thank you again.
-Diana
Dear Diana: "Durability of Fashion Fabrics, to my mind
is an oxymoron. That is to say, that these fabrics are not
meant to last any longer than the fashion itself. In our fashion
conscious society, the style changes way before the fabric
wears out. In fact, the fashion industry wants the consumer
to buy new garments every 6 months or less. This drives the
fashion industry. We stop wearing something because it looks
out of style, almost never due to the fabric wearing out.
Fabrics
are chosen for fashion because they project a look, a feel,
a hand. A heavy cotton twill is an excellent fabric for strength
and durability, but will you wear it as lingerie? It is hard
to narrow down a particular fabric or fiber as the most prominent
in the fashion industry. The market covers too broad a spectrum
of styles and garments. Good Luck, Andy
I am
looking for a quick inexpensive way to attach a lable to the
inside of the ribbed cuff on cotten gloves. I want something
quicke and simpler than putting it under the machine and sewing
it in. Is there such a thing as a thread stapler? Thank you,
Ida
www.plainjans.com
Dear Ida: sounds like you need a Tacker for your labels. Try
visiting www.bobbin.com. Also, ask the folks you buy the labels
from. They surely know. Good Luck, Andy
Dear,Andy
My name is Ebrahim Morovati and i am fabric jobber and converter
in Los angeles. I buy and sell closeout fabrics finished for
men's,women's and children's from manufacturers and Greige
goods from mills (Homefurnishing Too,).If you can find me
the mention item's please contact me.
Thank you
Dear Ebrahim: We also were a jobber of fabrics for over 20
years. In the 1980's as lots of our suppliers and customers
were going overseas for their production, we went into selling
for some of the mills still left here. In the last nine months,
over 100 major textile mills in the U.S. have closed their
doors forever. Just last week, Guilford Mills closed one of
their factories in upstate New York. It is getting more difficult
for a jobber such as yourself to buy off price goods here
in the U.S. When we were still jobbing fabric, we used the
services of many different Textile Brokers to bring us goods.
They may still be around. Try to find them here at Fabrics.Net
or on the web. Walk the Los Angeles Textile Show as well as
visiting the IFFE, International Fashion Fabric Expo in New
York in October. There you will find a world of fabrics. Good
Luck, Andy
Hello,
Andy..I am hoping you can help me. I am looking for 100% cotton
chenille in colors other than pastel blue, pink, white and
yellow. I want vibrant colors and some other muted colors...any
suggestions on where to look? I plan on making baby quilts..
Sincerely,
Tammy
Dear Tammy: you didn't say if you are making baby quilts for
a few friends, or are going into business. If you are doing
a few items, check out our sources here at Fabrics.Net. You
may be able to buy white chenille and dye it yourself. Visit
www.ritdye.com for the
details. If you are doing this as a business and need thousands
of yards, most any mill that is running this style will dye
it to order. Visit www.bobbin.com
for list of mills. Good Luck, Andy
My
sister has a light cocoa colored cashmere coat. Something
was spilled on it----it has orange spots on it. Could she
have the coat dyed a darker color? Do you know where she could
take it--i.e. the cleaners.
Thanx for the help.
Anne
Dear Anne: rush right over to the cleaners and have them look
at it. They can make it brand new. Good Luck, Andy
Hi
Andy
Where can I find a list of compannies in North America that
do custom Bisa manufacturing?
Thanks for your help
Bob
Dear Bob: visit www.google.com
and search "bias binding manufacturers" for a list
of 5170 web sites. Also try www.bobbin.com.
Have a safe day. Good Luck, Andy
Hello
Andy,
I've got a little problem I'm hoping you can help me with.
My daughter has a new tie died shirt and I'm not sure how
to wash it. Any help you can give me will be a blessing.
Thank You,
Sherri
Dear Sherri: follow the wash instructions on the label. If
no label, contact the store where it was purchased. If they
don't know, try washing in cold water with a little soap.
Good Luck, Andy
Hi
Andy,
I am starting a specialty linen rental business and would
like to know which is better to use Wooly Nylon or Polyarn.
Is there a better product? Where can I find a wholesale distributor?
Thanks,
Hilary
Dear Hilary: while we sell the rental linen market everyday,
we have never heard anyone discuss the merits of either yarn.
Call your sewing machine dealer for his opinion. Also visit
www.bobbin.com. You should
be able to find a yarn distributor there. Good Luck, Andy
Andy-
I could really use some help with a situation I have. My mother
made me some drapes out of chocolate brown velvet. When they
were done she was lightly ironing with steam the underside
of the lining and now we have iron imprints on a few spots
of the material. My question is, is there any way to get those
crushed spots out of the material? I don't need them to be
perfect, but I would really like to improve on their condition
right now.
Thank you for your help!
Suzanne
Dear Suzanne: call up your local dry cleaner and ask them
if they can answer the question. I'm sorry, but they are better
equipped on these sorts of questions. Good Luck, Andy
Hi
Andy
I am a fashion designer in South Africa.
Many clients ask me to make handbags for them, but I do not
have much experience with this field. Could you please let
me know what are the best fabrics to use for handbags, and
where I could get a list of international manufacturers
Thanks
Talya
Dear Tanya: fabrics for handbags are as varied as the customers
that buy them. I've seen them in leather, vinyl, straw, old
tires, old license plates, cotton, linen, wood and oilcloth.
Visit some of the wholesale fabric shows. Ask your customers
what they are looking for. They may just want a new design
on an old fabric. Visit www.bobbin.com
or www.ifai.org for some
bag manufacturers. Good Luck, Andy
Hi
Andy!
What type of fabric/s is preferred for making shower curtains?
Dear Shanita: Today, folks are using all kinds of fabrics.
The "sheers" have been very popular lately. Make
sure you have a good heavy duty antimicrobiodal liner on the
inside. Good Luck, Andy
Dear
Andy, I have a product that requires solar fabric. Where do
I find it? Usual searches for solar fabric do not turn up
any. Thanks for your help. Judith
Dear Judith: the words Solar Fabric do not mean anything by
themselves. Do you mean a fabric that protects something or
someone from the Sun or are you looking for a fabric that
reacts to the sun, by creating a new design or color on to
the fabric. For the former, visit www.ifai.org
and search there. For the latter, search the web for Solaractive
Fabric or visit www.solaractiveintl.com.
Good Luck, Andy
Hello,
I read your column in the Fabrics.net website and would like
to ask you a questions, namely:
1. Where can I find statistics on how much Terry Cloth apparel
is sold in the US?
For that matter, how much Cotton knits, polycottons, etc..?
Thanks,
JJ
Dear JJ: The US Government may have that answer somewhere
in one of their data bases. I'm sorry that we don't have a
better "answer". Try searching www.ftc.gov.
Good Luck, Andy
HI
ANDY,
I HAVE A PAIR OF WHITE COTTON PANTS WHICH I WOULD LIKE TO
CHANGE TO BLACK, HOWEVER, I'M NOT COMFORTABLE DYING THEM MYSELF,
DO YOU KNOW WHERE I WOULD TAKE IT TO HAVE THEM PROFESSIONALLY
DYED. I LIVE IN RICHMOND, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA.
THANX LR
Dear Leona: While I don't know anyone in your area, there
is a great web site that can lead you right through the process.
Visit www.ritdye.com Dyeing
from white to black is relatively easy. Good Luck, Andy
I purchased
some black velvet from a fabric store. I want to know how
to pre shrink it before making it into a dress. What is the
care for velvet, after I make the dress?
Dear Amy: do nothing to the fabric except sew it. Then, if
need be, have it dry cleaned. Good Luck, Andy
Dear
Andy,
I'm trying to locate a Tea Towel manufacturer located in Milan,
Italy.
Can you help? Thank you.
Sincerely,
Ralph
Dear Ralph.: The Italians have a web site for their trade
through their embassy. Try searching it out by visiting www.google.com.
Also, you could always attend the MACEF trade show in Italy
(Milan). Visit the Duomo while you're there.
Safe travel and Good Luck, Andy
Dear
Andy,
I was wondering were I could buy an Old Fashioned Apron like
Joan Cleaver wears in the old movie series, "Leave it
to Beaver". I really don't have expirience in the sewing
subject if I did I would have sewed my own! It is a gift for
a friend She owns a big house in the suburbs and we make a
big joke of her being like Joan Cleaver. I live in the ormond
beach area of Florida. Please send me and info. you may know.
Sincerley, Clueless
Dear Clueless. embrace your friend with the Apron of Old.
Visit www.google.com and
search "vintage aprons". There are 4300 web sites
that offer exactly what you are looking for. Let me know when
your friend bakes a nice big apple pie. I'll be right over.
Good Luck, Andy
I am
doing a presentation on fabric finishing and am having difficulties
finding information on this subject. Can you send me information
on fabric finishing or some helpful on-line sites or books
to help me get started? Any informaiton you cna give me will
be greatly appriciated!
Thank you!
Dear Morgan: visit www.bobbin.com
and www.ifai.com. Good Luck,
Andy
Hello,
Would you know where I could find cotton jersey fabric for
cloth dollmaking? I have bought a nice quality of such in
both Germany and more particularly, in Switzerland, but have
not found any quite as good in the US. It must have a bit
of give, without being able to be stretched out of shape,
and be thick enough to stand a layer of glue on its backside
without it seeping directly through.
Thank you for answering my queery if you have any ideas.
Sincerely, Lisa
Dear Lisa: we have some of the best sources of fabric anywhere
on the web. Start your search at www.fabrics.net.
Good Luck, Andy
Dear
Andy,
I am looking to buy some custom Apparel Labels, as opposed
to the ones sold in the fabric stores (ie, "Sewn with
Love" or some such tripe). I have seen a sewing supply
web page that sells custom tags, but I can not find it, or
any other. I have used two search engines, with no luck.
Can you reccomend someone?
Thank you,
Shirley
Dear Shirley: visit www.namemaker.com.
Good Luck, Andy
Hello
Andy,
I just fell upon your site during my research trying to find
out where to get started in selling some of my original designs.
My work is unique and each piece is one of a kind. I am interested
in working as a subcontractor - designing as well as selling
the rights of use to my designs. I'm a mom of 5 and have been
involved in the arts and crafts (Heritage) for 13 years. I
love to design and would enjoy sharing my designs with others.
I've worked with a vast amount of medias. I live in Vermont
and not sure where to get started and who may be interested
in the intricate work that I do. Any suggestions? I've also
done shows in the past. I find however with the quality of
my work it is difficult to shows. The Weston Play House in
Weston has been one of the shows I have done in the past that
holds a higher juring of quality levels. I am looking forward
to being able to move forward with my venture. Thankyou for
any ideas and suggestions or leads you may be able to share
with me.
Ya'vonne
Dear Ya'vonne: you never did say what you are trying to sell.
Is it original art work on paper or is it quilted fabrics?
To sell your designs you could exhibit at Surtex or the Licensing
Trade Shows. Both of these have been held in New York City.
To sell at juried Art Shows, there seems to be lots of these
around as well. Check the Internet for shows around the country.
Follow your heart. Good Luck, Andy
Hi
Andy!
It's so cool that I found someone who might be able to answer
this question! I would not blame you at all if you were afraid
to answer. I am very petite and cold-natured and am moving
to Prague in a month---freezing!
I am
obsessed with a full length down coat that is on sale for
seventy dollars. I am so picky about clothes and want to try
lightly spraying it with a water bottle (as if it were being
rained on, which of course it will be. . .) spraying it and
then putting it in the dryer on low heat for two or so minutes
at a time to shrink it/distress it just a bit, trying it on
every two minutes. It's just the tiniest bit too big, and
it's the smallest size. Yes, I am just barely crazy, but I
think it would work. Everybody says no way, but I have the
faith.
What
do you think? Please give me your educated guess if you're
not sure. I am not ridiculous enough to blame you if it doesn't
work out. I'm poor, but seventy bucks is not sooooo bad to
loose. I want to take the chance!
Thank you ever so much.
Best wishes,
Shannon
Dear Shannon: crazy: Nah. Moving to Prague may be crazier
than what you want to do to that coat. For a sure way of making
it smaller, bring it to a Tailor. They will make it smaller
for a few bucks and you'll still have a coat to wear. If you
are "poor", you'll want to protect your $70 dollar
investment. Good Luck, Andy
ANDY
I WANTED TO KNOW IF MAYBE YOU COULD HELP ME OUT OR MAYBE YOU
KNOW SOMEONE THAT CAN. MY PROBLEM IS I USED TO GO TO THIS
FLEE MARKET IN NASHUA N.H. AND THERE WAS THIS WOMAN THERE
THAT SOLD LOTS OF LACE IN ALL DIFFERENT COLORS AND SHAPES
WELL THE FLEE MARKET CLOSED AND I CANNOT FIND HER ANYWHERE
AND BELIEVE ME I HAVE LOOKED AT EVERY FLEE MARKET AROUND.
I TRIED STORES LIKE JOANNE FABRICS AND A.C.MOORE'S AND MANY
OTHER STORES BUT THEY JUST DON'T HAVE ANYTHING GOOD. DO YOU
KNOW ANYWHERE THAT SELLS LACE OF ALL KINDS EVEN WHOLE SALE
WOULD BE GOOD AS I DO ALOT OF CRAFTS WITH IT. ANYTHING YOU
CAN TELL ME WOULD BE APPRECIATED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
Dear Lost Lace: you could try and contact the folks that ran
the flee market. Maybe they can tell you the name of the lace
seller. We have some of the best resources of lace right here
at Fabrics.Net. Visit our sourcing section. Then visit www.google.com
and search "lace". You'll find over 1 million listings
for lace. Have fun looking. You might find some new sources.
Good Luck, Andy
Will
spandex material give a little after been put in a hot dryer?
Dear Doey: Careful not to make the dryer too hot. It should
still maintain some stretch. Of course the word "hot"
is important. You could make it so hot, the fabric could melt.
Be careful and Good Luck, Andy
Dear
Andy,
I bought my husband a hat, but it is too big. It is 35% Wool,
and 65% Acrylic. Is there any way to shrink it just a little?
Thanks,
AD
Dear AD: Have him wear a wig. Never heard of shrinking a hat.
May be easier to grow more hair. Ask the store where you bought
it. I always take my head with me when I go to buy my hats.
Good Luck, Andy
Hi AD,
I wanted to add a little information too. First, you didn't
say what kind of hat - is it knitted, felted or ? The knitted
hat may shrink when washed but you won't be able to control
the shrinkage. You might try putting an elastic band around
the crown of a knitted hat to make it a little smaller.
A felted
hat can be shrunk by steaming but this needs to be done by
a person who knows how to steam and reform a hat. You might
try going to a western store and asking if they know of a
person who can steam the felted hat and make it smaller.
Hope this helps!
Judith
Dear
Andy:
I just wondered if you have any helpful hints in "stretching
out" a 100% cotton shirt (manufacturer, Old Navy) after
it was ACCIDENTALLY thrown in the dryer after laundering.
I ALWAYS hang cotton shirts to dry; however, this time I forgot
and threw in dryer by mistake. Is there any way to "reshape"
this shirt or am I stuck with it in its now shrunken state?
Please help if you can.
Thanks!
Claire
Dear Claire: bring it back to Old Navy. They may just help
you out of this one. There is no good way to restore the shirt.
If Old Navy won't help, pass it on to a friend. Good Luck,
Andy
