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October Questions

Dear Andy,
I recently placed a washload on and unbeknown to me my favorite Hugo Boss woolen sweater was in there. It has now shrunk! Can I bring it back to the original size? I love that sweater so much!
Thanks in advance!
Dave.
Dear Dave: time to buy another Hugo Boss sweater. Next time be more careful. Happy Shopping. Think of the joy you'll have in giving the sweater to a friend. Good Luck, Andy

I have been told that my daughters band uniform is made from wool and is dry clean only. My daughter is asthmatic and I do not want to expose her to the chemicals used in dry cleaning. Do you have any suggestions for cleaning or even just refreshing the uniform. I have already heard of dryel and have tried misting the uniform with fabreeze. Is there any home remedy for this, such as a wet towel in the dryer on tumble only or using cold water and woolite to wash and then drip dry? It has no stains at this time and just gets smelly from being in a garment bag and perspiration. thanks Holly
Dear Holly: I feel for you. We're going to open this question out to our readers. We don't have an easy answer. I'm sure one of our readers must have the same situation in their homes too. Good Luck, Andy

Dear Andy,
Please I need your help.... I have a gorgeous mohair jumper with a huge off the shoulder collar that would not fit a 5 year old now! I followed the washing instructions on the item and it shrunk considerably, I have been looking for advice on how to unshrink the shrunken and no where has any tiips... Please could you offer any advice or should I give up??
Much appreciated,
Hanah, considerably bigger than a 5 year old.
Dear Hanah: alas, like a head, once shrunken, shall never return. Try returning the jumper to the store where it was purchased. Or, try to track down the manufacturer. Think of the joy of finding a new home for your very small jumper and going out and getting a new one. Good Luck, Andy

Dear Andy,
I'm looking for a baby wool blanketing, Doctors Flannel manufacturer/ wholesaler in order to import these materials to Poland.
Could you give a hint how to find them?
Thank you,
Dagmara
Dear Dagmara: what we found when we searched is that Doctor's Flannel is merely a light weight flannel. Some folks refer to this as Cashmere Cotton. We did find a source here in the US. Try calling Spechler/ Vogel in New York City at 212-564-6177. Good Luck, Andy

Hello Andy,
I am making a travel sized laundry bag and I'm in need of a nylon cord & plastic toggles. I'm having such a difficult time finding these items ... any suggestions?
Many, many thanks!
Dear Beth: try visit the Industrial Fabric web site at www.ifai.com. Some of their members stock these products. Good Luck, Andy

I would like to get some information on the above mentioned fabric. I'm interested in getting my wedding dress in this fabric, however, I have been told that silk Mikado does not come in brilliant white but only off-white. I have searched the web and seen wedding dresses in silk Mikado which look brilliant white to me!
I would appreciate any information you can give me on this.
Whilst I thank you for your kind attention, I await your earliest reply.
Best regards,
Marie
Dear Marie: what appears on the web, may not be exactly how the fabric would appear in your hand. Different monitors show colors differently. As far as the silk Mikado wedding dress in brilliant white....this may be a problem. As far as I know, the color white, for the folks that make and wear Mikado(s), symbolizes "death". Therefore, no one would want to start their wedding with a dress of "white". The color Red symbolizes good luck, health and wealth. You may want to reconsider your options here. Good Luck, Andy

Hi Andy,
I am a graduate Fashion Design and Knitwear student at the Academy of Art in San Francisco. I am looking for a jobber for yarn and/or fabric that is really good and that possibly would donate to me. Do you know of any yarn jobbers at all?
Thanks!
Jamie
Dear Jamie: visit our friends at Lion Brand yarn at www.lionbrand.com. Call them to see if they can accommodate you. Good Luck, Andy

Hi,
I'm looking to put some kind of a rubber coating on a canvas but I'm unsure who would treat the fabric for me? Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Dear Beth: thanks for all the questions you've been asking this column. It helps make sure we stay in business for at least another week. We can't wait to see the finished product(s). Visit www.sbifinishing.com for a backing that may meet your needs. Good Luck, Andy

hi , i am doing a project on the weather and want to find material that reacts or changes somehow in the sunlight or weather conditions. can u help? thankyou, hayley
Dear Hayley: visit: www.solaractiveintl.com for fabrics that will change when exposed to sunlight. Most other fabrics will fade in sunlight if the fabrics are not protected by a UV Inhibitor. We usually pass on doing "school homework", but this color change fabric, also know as HyperColor, is a frequent question of this column. Good Luck, Andy

Hey Andy,
I was wondering if you knew of a way to remove an iron on transfer from a t-shirt without ruining the shirt? I recently ironed on a logo on this t-shirt but it went on quite crooked. I want to remove the transfer from the shirt and then try to iron on another logo. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Gur
Dear Gur: time to buy a new shirt and start over. Your iron on transfer is there to stay forever. Good Luck, Andy

Dear Andy, I give alot of Bridal showers, Open house, Baby showers etc.etc... I would like to sew my own table skirting to use on the average banquet tables. I know the average length is 29" . What is the best way to gather the top and do I sew elastic or hem binding or velco??? I am award of the table clips to use that have the velco. My friend suggested using draprey hooks, but I'm not sure how to do this. Any sewing instructions you may have would be greatly appreciated.
Dear Brenda:we've passed your question on to Judith. She is our Sewing guru. Happy Decorating and Good Luck, Andy
Brenda, the skirting that I like best has inverted pleats and is sewn to velcro. Easy to attach and remove for washing.
Judith

Dear Andy,
I am currently doing a science fair project on my school uniform and what part of it burns fastest. I'm doing my bibliography and need some more sources, so here we go......
Do you know what fabrics burn with the strongest flames and what fabrics burn the fastest?
I'm sure anything will be great
Harrison
Dear Harrison: visit www.mtl-acts.com. The answer you need may be with them. Good Luck, Andy

dear Andy my husband has a shirt which is 97% cotton 3% lycra. He swears I shrunk it I swear I did not. If I did shrink it and that is a big IF , how much would a shirt of this blend shrink? Directions said to wash in warm, but I washed it in cold because it is a dark color, threw it in the dryer for a bit and hung to dry. Just wondering if you could give us your expert opinion on the matter to settle a tiff?!?
Dear Jill: well, putting it in the dryer may have caused a bit of shrinkage. Combine that with one 'extra' beer that your husband had, and there you go, a shirt too small. Tell him not to "sweat the small stuff" and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. Good Luck, Andy

I am looking for a type of thread that my dad used during his life to repair backpacks and tents with. I have the spool, which says:
Belding Corticelli extra strong button and carpet
70 yards 15 cents shade 1677
I don't expect the 15 cents price to be around, but where can I buy the thread?
I hope some store within 30 miles carries something like the wonderful thread which still holds my tent together, after over 20 years, at least.
Thank you.
Khadyja
Dear Khadyja: for our tent we used, the more widely popular Dental Floss. It sews great, is available in any drug store, and is stronger than most of the threads on the market. Happy Camping and Good Luck, Andy

Hi Andy, I have a product that needs to be mixed with any spray or liquid that is used on fabric.I will be spraying this on clothing and other materials...denim, canvas etc. The product is a powder that needs to be mixed with whatever is available and it has to adhere to the material.The powder is like a paint if that helps? Hope to hear from you. Thank you for any help. Carlos
Dear Carlos: Is there a question here? We read your email a few times and cannot figure out what the question is. If there is no question, well then, Good Luck, Andy


To all our readers, we just came across this important Press Release.

1. PANTONE DEBUTS NEW MAGAZINE SITE

Pantone has launched a new online magazine, "MIX: All About Color," that will offer its readers articles on the psychology, history and culture of color, as well as seasonal color trends and other color-related topics. The inaugural fall 2004 issue features articles on clothing designer Stella McCartney's collaboration with retailer Universal Design, as well as how color helped a city family achieve a calm atmosphere at home. Published quarterly, "MIX" is projected to have 1 million page views a month.
http://www.pantoneuniverse.com
Use this information to the best of your advantage. Good Luck, Andy

Hi Andy,
I am looking for a Chanille Lamb Filled like a binny baby. It was bought around Easter of 2001 and is pastle colors. Can you help me locate one. It was purchased from Hallmark.
Susan
Dear Susan: try www.ebay.com or write to customer service at www.hallmark.com. Good Luck, Andy

Hi Andy I just have bought a 100 percent acrylic I thought it was chenille sweater (burgundy) it certainly looks like it, I worn it over a white t shirt the other night and it "shed" all over the white t shirt. Is there any way to wash this sweater so it doesn't do this anymore. I had bought a blanket (burgundy) of the same material and it shed the same way and I threw it out. Please HELP!! thanks Joanne :)
Dear Joanne: it sounds like the "answer" to your question is already in your question. Instead of "throwing it out" try donating it to the more needy. You can always were it over a black T-shirt. It will still shed, but will show less. Happy Shopping and Good Luck, Andy

Hi Andy,
Wondering if you know the answer or lead me in the right direction...I purchased a Micro-Touch Down Comforter at Hecht's (king size 29oz of down, washable, good for lofting, boxed construction) and thinking about returning it. I am in search of a comforter that doesn't start "pilling" or balling after repeated washing at home. There is no listing of the manufacturer so the quality is questionable. Also it has no listing of what the thread count is but did say that the shell is polyester. I wonder if this will "pill" after repeated laundering? Someone told me polyester has likelihood of "pilling". I paid $75 so did not want to waste it on a poor quality comforter. It feels so soft now though.
Thanks for your help/advice.
QT
Dear QT: returning the Comforter is the best thing to do at this time. Save your money, and buy the most expensive Comforter you can afford. Make sure there is a manufacturers name on the product. Try to buy a product that is 100% cotton. Sweet Dreams and Good Luck, Andy

Do you know where I can find velvet cord? It usually comes in black or burgandy and has a hallow core.
thanks
HUGH
Dear Hugh: depending on how many yards you need, you may have to have it made for you by a local upholstery shop. Visit www.rosebrand.com. They are a Theatrical supply shop. We could not find Velvet cord on their site, but a friendly call to their customer service department, may lead in you the right direction. Good Luck, Andy

I have just purchased a boiled wool jacket and discovered that it sheds on my clothes. Would dry cleaning before wearing help or would you suggest what I could do. It is so cute and wasn't very expensive but it is discouraging to take it off and discover fibers all over my clothes. Help! Thank you.
Dear CG: we just had the same experience here. We returned our jacket and are looking for another. I suggest you do the same. Happy Shopping and Good Luck, Andy

Dear Andy
I've just bought a wool scarf but it has started to molt, how can I stop this from happening?
Many Thanks
Andrea
Dear Andrea: enjoy your scarf the way it is. It is a "natural"product and will do what it does, naturally. Stay Warm and Good Luck, Andy

Hello andy,
I have a wall hanging design, which is 28"x28". I am thinking of getting it screen printed and then have someone stipple it for me for the finished look. I am looking to sell these to stores, catalogs, internet, etc.. My question is, would it be better to find a place who would like to buy these before I do the screen printing? If so, how do I find these people and what exactly are they called(manufactures or?). I have no doubt that this design will sell, but I am still cautious about spending all that money getting the top of it screen printed without having any orders upfront. Do you agree with this? And when approaching companies, do you send them a picture of your design on paper or the actual fabric of it all sewn together?
thank you,
jennifer
Dear Jennifer: you've got some good questions. I can tell that you've thought about this for some time. You are on the right track. It is a good idea to have something sold, before investing in the money to have a screen made. What you may think is a great item, your wholesale customers, may not agree. If you have designs that are yours, have them copyrighted. You May have some protection from someone copying your designs if you have the money to invest in protecting those copyrights. Speak to attorney regarding copyrights and copyright protection.
If you are interested in selling your designs, try exhibiting or attending the Surtex show (www.surtex.com).
No need to send the prospective buyers the actual fabric. Make a photocopy or scan it and email it to them. Bring actual samples when you are meeting face to face. If you are intending to produce these even if you do not have any buyers lined up, plan on exhibiting at a Gift Show or working with some Giftware representatives.
Good Luck, Andy

Dear Andy, I make tops, jackets, embellish denim jackets, etc. with antique and French Chantilly laces that I hand by. The best way to describe what I do is a collage of different shades and colors of laces, to me it's like putting a painting onto cotton knit tops, jackets, etc. For the past 15 years, I have primarily sold to a local boutique in my area who is now out of business. I am stuck in a very deep rut. What I do is very specialized, I have tried to have one or two people help me in the past and they have just made a mess out of the garment. I work out of my home, which is too small of have anyone work here so that I can supervise them. How on earth do I begin to expand what I do. I have tried a couple of sales reps. at the L.A. Mdse. Mart - they didn't work out! I always said I wanted to give the sales rep. things one last shot at the Dallas Mart. I think the South is more in tune with the antique lace pieces that I do. But now, I'm not sure I can muster the enthusiasm to drive myself to produce orders completely on my own. I'm certain you are aware of all the complications and headaches that selling to the mass market entails....We could trade horror stories. Could you please give me any advise or an ounce of wisdom?
Dear T: sounds like you need the services of Ebay to offer your hand made products to. Ebay is a good start, but not the only solution. Gift shows and sales reps are not really good for your handmade items. I'd suggest that you exhibit at high end juried craft shows. There are several good ones around the country. They get a clientele that know and appreciate fine craftsmanship and are generally willing to pay the price for something unique. If you can't mass produce them, sell more unique items for ever higher prices. When you stop selling them, you've reached the top of the market. Good Luck, Andy

Hi Andy,
I want to start my own clothing line but where exactly do I start . From scratch is really the question
Dear Mepelisa: follow your dream to start a clothing line. Begin at a local college by taking some business courses or a design school where you can learn the art and science of fabric and clothing. Read Women's Wear Daily (www.wwd.com) if you are thinking about ladies wear. Read Daily News Record (www.dnrnews.com) if you are thinking about Mens wear. Attend wholesale trade shows. Ask a lot of questions. Start to look for a focus in your line. Start slow. Good Luck, Andy

I've been looking for a wholesale manufacturer to make my designs on flannel fabric??? Any suggestions. Thanks for your help.
Dear Bunny: I'm not sure from your question if you have "prints" that you want printed on flannel fabric or if you have patterns that you want made into garments. If it is the latter, visit www.seams.org to find a sewing contractor. If it was the former, try attending a wholesale fabric show (www.fabricshow.com) to find a printer that will print your designs on their fabrics. Expect to spend some serious money. Good Luck, Andy

Dear Andy,
I am wanting to find a material that is super absorbant to use to wipe my dogs feet after she has been in the rain or snow. I have used towels, but they get wet too fast. I have heard of micro fiber. What do you suggest I use? Thanks Barb
Dear Barb: use cotton towels. He will love you and thank you for helping to keep his paws dry. You deserve an extra lick today. Good Luck, Andy

Hi Andy,
We're in the market for our first "real" couch -- that is, one that we plan to keep for a long time. We want something durable that also looks nice. We plan to have kids, and probably a dog. What would be the best material -- leather, microfiber, or other fabric?
Thanks,
KC
Dear KC: no couch will last forever. I'd suggest a nice cotton, that has been protected by Scotchguard. If you treat your new puppy to a nice bone, he won't chew on the couch. If you teach your kids to eat in the kitchen, you won't have to worry about the food stains on the couch. The "real" couch should last for some time, but not forever. The only thing that will last "forever" is the love for your kids. Happy Shopping and Good Luck, Andy

Dear Andy,
I am redoing a room for utility purposes; bought some oilcloth & I want a glue that will allow me to create a hem on the blinds that I am making Have tried several and they will not stay. Can you give me the name of a glue that will work?
Please help.
Thanks,
Phyllis
Dear Phyllis: we contacted our vinyl glue expert. They advised us that gluing vinyl is difficult. They suggested you try Shelby 210 General Purpose Web Spray Adhesive. Call them at 800-325-9572 for the closest retail source. I've also seen some ads in Autoweek for Gorilla glue. You can find them at www.gorillaglue.com. Make sure that you only glue the vinyl and not your fingers. Good Luck, Andy

Hi Andy, I have let some darts out on a velvet evening dress and have stitch marks that I would like to try to remove. The dress has only been worn once and was dry-cleaned at that time. Is there a way to get the old stitch line out?
Thanks
Gaye
Dear Gaye: fashion is on your side. While you may try steaming your velvet, it probably won't matter. Try getting a nice new or old mens tie and wrapping it around your waist. It is all the rage in Women's Wear Daily and it might just cover up the seam marks. Good Luck, Andy

 

Andy has been in the fabric and textile business all his life, but professionally since 1969.

"I love what I do, selling fabrics around the globe. I've met lots of interesting, creative, dynamic folks; some have become dear friends. I love to help new businesses find the things they need to become successful. It works for everyone."

You can ask Andy questions at Andy@Fabrics.net.

If you are looking for fabrics, the fastest route is to fill out a request form at http://www.fabrics.net/swatch/

The "Ask Andy" Column is an opinion Column and may or may not reflect the views of Fabrics.net.