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November Questions

Hi Andy...
I have an ultrasuede couch ( a large sectional that also has 4 throw pillows in same fabric) that I purchased in Aug. 03. It has always had an odor, but I thought it was just from being new. Over this past summer the odor has increased and is very disturbing to me. It almost smells like old rubber erasers. I love the couch (it looks great and is very comfortable) but I don't know what to do. My whole living room smells from it. I have tried Febreze, but that only helps very short term. Once that odor dissipates, you can smell the couch as strong as ever. I also purchased an ultrasuede chair at another store and that is fine. Any suggestions about what I can do.
Thank you, Evie
Dear Evie: call the store where you purchased the couch. The odor should be gone by now. I hope that you purchased the couch using a major credit card. There may be little that you can do, after one year. You should have reacted sooner. Good Luck, Andy

Hi Andy. I had a quick question. Do you know if they sell Burberry Pillows. Or if not if i could by the fabric, or if burberry doesnt sell it, if you know where i could find imposter fabric? Thank you! Devon
Dear Devon: yes, we did find some Burberry pillows at www.vivre.com. As far as "impostor" fabric, I could NEVER suggest doing anything illegal. I could lose my license to sell real fabric. Happy Shopping and Good Luck, Andy

Hi! Andy
I am searching for rayon acectate velvet remants that are for sell. I live in the state of Va. I have searched the net but I have not had any luck. I would appreciate any information that you would have.
Thanks
Minnie
Dear Minnie: list your request here at www.fabrics.net. We have a sourcing area where hundreds of wholesalers will read your request and contact you directly. Good Luck, Andy

Hi Andy i dont know if you can help me, i am looking for an example of a label which you normally get in the neck of clothing for wool products which tell you you can wash it or iron it ect
Many thanks
Louis
Dear Louis: there are different labels and different labeling requirements for each different fabric. Try visiting the web site at www.ftc.gov. This may give you an idea of the way it is done here in the USA. Good Luck, Andy

Dear Andy, I have a champagne-colored 100% polyester (face) coat that has a 100% rubber back. It was made in Bulgaria and I bought it six or seven years ago. The last time I washed it I put it in the dryer at too high a temperature. The result is that it now crackles like paper when I wear it.
Is there anything I can do to restore its softness? It says on the care instructions not to use fabric softner but, at this point, what do I have to lose?
I hate to give up on this coat because I really like it.
Anne
Dear Annie: wear the coat the way it is and forget about the way it sounds. If you really like it, wear it and enjoy it. No one on the outside of the coat will know what lurks underneath. Stay warm and Good Luck, Andy

Andy:
I have a question about dyeing denim. I recently purchased several pairs of jeans that have been pre-faded down the front thigh area. I know it's the style, but I was wondering if there's any way to re-dye the jeans so that they're not so faded? Will it look uneven if I do? Can you recommend any dyes that might get the job done?
Thank you,
--Colleen
Dear Colleen: forget about trying to dye the denim. You will only spend time and money and they will never come out the color you want. The best advice is to buy them the color that you like. See if you can return these and start your hunt for the perfect pair. Happy Shopping and Good Luck., Andy

Hope you can help me! I stumbled upon your web site and am not too good on the computer. I have a small business, The Cotton Patch of Virginia, that sells wholesale Crib and Cradle bedding to baby furniture and bedding stores in Virginia and Pennsylvania. I would like to attend a Wholesale Textile Show in NC, VA, MD or PA area. Looking for fabrics (Quilting and Home decor) and embellishments. Could you recommend one or tell me who I would need to contact? Thanks, Barbara
Dear Barbara: you are going to have to expand your horizons. One of the best wholesale trade shows for fabrics starts on Saturday, October 30 in Houston, Texas. Visit www.quilts.com. Twice a year there is a wholesale trade show in New York City. Visit www.fabricshow.com for that information. If you will only travel to NC, MD, PA, or VA, you are going to have to put on your own trade show. Happy Trails and Good Luck, Andy

i got an oil stain on my nylon prada handbag - what is the best way to spot clean it? thanx, nancy
Nancy: bring it to your local Prada store and see what, if anything, they can do for you. Anything that I would recommend may ruin a good pocketbook. Good Luck, Andy

Dear Andy:
It's late at night here in the GREAT WHITE NORTH(CANADA) I am having a glass of Chardonnay and am trying to find out any info you might have on regenerated leather. I am a sales rep and am working(very late) on my first big job. It is for seating for a chain of restaurants. We have quoted regenerated leather ,but the problem is, I need to know if it will stand up to abuse in a public place. I would so appreciate any technical info you may have .
Look forward to hearing from you!
Peace
Trudy
Dear Trudy: try to stay warm up there in the North of Canada. As far as "regenerated leather" , visit www.ifai.com. The Industrial Fabric Association should have some members that may have the answer to your question. Our knowledge base has always been in apparel fabric. Good Luck, Andy

Andy,
I was playing ice hockey for a time an ordered my jerseys to fit over the equipment which depending on size typically took me from a regular everyday normal size of Large in shirts to wearing a XXL in the jersey. Now that I'm not playing do you have some suggestions on how I can have these jerseys altered down so that when I wear them they don't look like a dress on me? These jerseys have pro hockey logos on the front and on several of them there are numbers with a nameplate The material is Air-knit cotton poly. I'm looking to take them up, in and shorten the sleeves. Please help. I love my jerseys and I don't want to sell them. Thank you in advance for your assistance in the matter
With appreciation,
Galen
Dear Galen: bring them to a local tailor and have them sized to fit. It may be less expensive however, to offer them to a friend and buy some new ones. Good Luck, Andy

Hi Andy
I recently bought an oilcloth tablecloth in France (so have no care instructions) it is becoming stained with newsprint which doesnt wipe off - I understood that these types of tablecloths were pretty stain resistant can you suggest anything. I've tried hot water and kitchen type cleaners to no avail.
Thanks
Kim
Dear Kim: enjoy them the way they are. Cover the "stains" with large plates and don't read at the table. Next time, try to buy an American product that comes with care instructions. Bon Chance (that's Good Luck in French), Andy

When I did a Google search that produced your site it referenced tapestry fabric seen in the Horchows catalog. We recently purchased bedding from Horchows called Sweet Dreams which consists of pillows in a floral tapestry. Do you know where we might find this fabric. We want to do some window treatments that incorporate this fabric.
Thanks,
Charmaine
Dear Charmaine: contact Horchow's directly. A lot of the fabrics you see in catalogs are made especially for the products shown there. Happy Decorating and Good Luck, Andy

Andy,
Some time ago I bought some T-shirts at Blaine's Farm and Fleet Wholesale in Madison, Wisconsin. They are the best T-shirts for the price that I have ever seen and I want to get some more. The name on the neck label is Old Mill with a drawing of an old mill and they were made in Russia. Blaine's no longer has them and has not been helpful in locating a source for these shirts.
I searched the net but found only T-shirts with logos and designs. Apparently a race team has monopolized the net, or maybe the Russians pirated the name.
Can you please help me.
Dear Jonldom: with the price of T-shirts at $3.00 or less, it hardly pays to spend too much time looking for a special brand. The web is full of shirts and so we wish you Happy Shopping and Good Luck, Andy

Hi Andy.
How do I remove ball point ink from our "BRAND NEW" (!!) micro fiber sofa! Ahhh two year olds and ink pens...why why why!? Thanks so much if you have an answer ;-)
Dear Laura: visit www.carbona.com. They have the answer and the chemical to remove ball pen ink. A two year old shouldn't have access to a ball pen. It can be dangerous. Just wait,"terrible twos" become "terrific three's" before you know it. Good Luck, with both the stain and the child[rearing], Andy

Hi Andy,
I'm positive I remember that back in 1960s, the width of fabric (from selvage to selvage) was 36 inches. Do you know approximately when the width evolved to 45 inches? Also, when did the width of 24 inches ended?
Many thanks for your effort in answering these questions.
Sincerely,
Patti
Dear Patti: the truth is that there is no "history of fabric width". Still today, different fabrics are available in many different widths. Search around and ask around. "They" are all still out there. Good Luck, Andy

Hi!
At a going out of business sale at a clothing manufacturer, I bought a box of odds and ends. In this box was a metal ruler looking thing. It has markings from 1-14" then it says Percent Shrinkage, and has smaller markings from 15-0 and then 0-12. It also says Sanforized Company Troy, New York. Noone I know has been able to figure out how to use it. Can you help? Thanks, Elaine
Dear Elaine: sorry, I cannot be of any help. Consider calling or visiting:http://www.fitnyc.suny.edu/ . Someone there probably knows the answer to this question. Happy Collecting and Good Luck, Andy

Hi Andy,
Would you please tell me how to remove the wrinkles and folds from newly purchased vinyl cloths. They look terrible when placed on a table in that condition.
Thanks.
Dear Ellen: the vinyl needs some time to "relax". Put it on the table a few hours before you are going to use it. If the wrinkles are not coming out quick enough, consider a blow dryer on a light setting. The heat will allow the vinyl to relax. Good Luck, Andy

Hi Andy,
I'm wondering if you know of any place I can purchase leather handbag handles and leather straps for shoulder bags. I would appreciate any info you could give me.
Thanks,
Judy
Dear Judy: I've never seen leather handbag handles sold separately. Usually they are made at the handbag factory from the same materials the bags are made from. However, you can visit www.baglady.com. There don't appear to be leather handles there either, but if you call or write them, they may have the answer. Good Luck, Andy

Hey Andy,
I live in a small town and don't have access to a service that can clean and moisturize my fairly expensive Burberry suede coat. Is there some one I could mail it to and have it professionally cleaned and conditioned or if possible is there someone you might know in Las Vegas as I will be there at the end of the month. I've searched the internet but cant find anyone specifically for my problem.
Thanks,
Keith
Dear Keith: I don't know too many folks in the desert in Las Vegas wearing Suede coats. Your best bet is to contact a Burberry store and ask them to recommend a company that can clean your coat. Don't wait too long. The winter is upon us here in the NorthEast. Freezing temperatures will be here tonight. Make sure you take out extra shipping insurance with UPS or with whom ever you send your coat. Stay warm and Good Luck, Andy

Dear Andy,
I hope you can help. I would like to sew my daughter's school uniforms and I'm trying to find a fabric source. I need a washable, durable plaid- fabric content 100% polyester or poly blend. The plaid is a classic hunter green/ navy blue with a red and yellow windowpane. I tried asking the local uniform supplier for yardage, but understandably they were not forthcoming. I also posted my request on your fabric list, but did not get any response. Any suggestions?
In an unrelated question, maybe you could offer me some direction. I've designed (and sewn) garments that I would like to sell. How would I go about finding a contractor to produce it for me?
Thanks for your help. I enjoy reading the letters you post (and your responses!)
Gitty
Dear Gitty: forget about finding the plaid you need. It was probably made to order for a specific company. It is not available to anyone and everyone. Buy the garment from the source. Only they have the correct plaid. As far as sewing contractors, visit www.seams.org. They can supply a list of sewing contractors in your area or near by. Good Luck, Andy

I was inquiring if you knew of an experienced pattern drafter that has worked with winter coats and winter apparel. Do you know anyone with this type of experience? I currently am located in Utah and I am looking for an experienced pattern drafter to contract out the drafting of new patterns for our 2005-2006 winter line. Could you give me any referrals or areas I might look to find such a person? Thanks for your help.
Jedd
Dear Jedd: simply visit www.seams.org. They have a list of contractors in your area and nearby. Good Luck, Andy

What is the best material between mohair, silk, linen and wool for making suits? I am in the military over here (Air Force) in korea and would like to get some suits made, but I need some clarification on the best type of material from the ones I listed above.
Thank you
Dear Charles: thanks for being there for all of us here!
There is not "one" best material for suits. All serve a different purpose. The wool would be nice if when you get home, you can wear it in cold weather. If you live in a warmer part of the US, a nice tropical wool would be nice. Silk and Linen would make a fine suit for warmer weather citites. Or during the summer months here in the Northeast. What ever you decide, remember that you may put on a few pounds after you get off your tour of duty. Good Luck, Andy

I'm looking for some silk known as "magic silk" among oriental dancers and bellydancers. It's different from the regular silk in that it's much thinner and it "ripples" when you wave it in the air instead of falling all together like regular silk does. It's used for dancing on stage. I don't know what is the correct name for the silk and don't have any idea where to find it! help!
Dear Sandra: we never heard of Magic Silk until your email. Nice to learn something new today. We actually sell a 40 denier nylon tricot fabric that we sell the Las Vegas high wire acts for use as a visual fabric. Try some of the search engines for Magic Silk as I did. There were lots of listings for items made with it, but no place to find the fabric. Consider trying a theatrical supply house. Good Luck, Andy

Dear Andy,
I am looking for faux suede that does NOT have stretch to it. I would love to buy from a wholesaler for the cheapest price, but am willing to pay up to $10 a yard. I live in New York City, and need to be able to get the fabric in bulk when my business demands it (right now we are just in the sample making phase). Is there anyone you recommend either online or in the New York Metro area? I have a car and can travel. I have already combed the garment district and could only find faux suede with lycra in it. I have also found several places online and here in the city that sell mill ends but when they are out of stock, I am sh*t out of luck. HELP!
Love your column,
Laura
Dear Laura: first, get yourself down to 126 W. 23 Street for a visit to the L.P. Thur Store. Call them first at 212-243-4913 and see if they have what you need. Also visit www.fabricmill.com. While it is true that both of these companies are retailers, both of them carry very large inventories and will both "deal" on a wholesale basis as your business grows. When you really need huge quantities, you will or should be attending wholesale fabric shows. There is one coming to NYC in the Spring. Visit www.fabricshow.com to register. Also read www.hfnmag.com for the next show in the South for upholstery fabrics. HFN caters to Home Furnishing News and is a must read. You are back IN LUCK, so Good Luck, Andy

Andy, I purchase a few years back a leather sofa and chair. The color is cream/white. The sitting area of the sofa seems to be peeling, like your skin after being sunburned. I have cleaned it many times with a leather cleaner, and if I take my fingernail to it the film comes off. should I continue to scrape at it or just live with it looking dirty in spots.?
Thanks,
Dottie
Dear Dottie: it sounds like it may be time to redecorate. These things don't last forever. If you can live with the spots, do so. If not, get yourself a large "throw" blanket and cover the spots. Happy Shopping and Good Luck, Andy

Hi Andy -
I recently purchased a wedding gown that is in a light platinum white shade (also known as "ice"). So it has a silvery/bluish hue to the otherwise white gown. It's a beautiful silk satin. However, it doesn't have a train, and I always wanted a chapel train. I met a seamstress who can sew the train in to the gown, but can't find this fabric anywhere!
I've spent hours on the internet, called many fabric stores and even visited the LA garment district to no avail! Is there any solution to this problem?
Thanks so much, and hope to hear from you soon!
Sincerely,
Grace
Dear Grace: call the store where you purchased the gown. Many gown manufacturers have custom colors made for them. You may never find the exact color you need. Only the garment manufacturer may have the exact color, and they may be in China. It may be impossible to ever get any extra fabric. Consider "Plan B" whatever that is. Congratulations on your wedding and Good Luck, Andy

Andy,
I stumbled across you website while looking for the definition of the word "jobber" What is the difference between a fabric converter and a jobber? Also, I am attempting to get a product manufactured here in the U.S. and I have been looking for a good book to teach me about the fabrics industry. Can you recommend one?
Thank you for your time.
Aloha,
John
Dear John: welcome. A jobber is a company or person that buys excess fabric from one company and resells the fabric to another company. It may be a garment manufacturer that bought too much of a color, or it was the wrong color, or they had a cancellation. The jobber offers a price that they can buy the fabric at, and then resell it at a profit. A converter, buys greige(unfinished) fabric and has it dyed or printed to order. He "converts" it from one form to another. I don't know of any books that can teach you about fabric, but may I suggest you visit your local library. They, I'm sure, will have what you need. 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.