printer friendly version

April Questions

Andy where would I find Woven Solids or Prints approx 42 to 60 inches wide. No Linings or knits. They can also be Sellable seconds.
Jack
Dear Jack: list your fabric needs here at Fabrics.Net. We have some of the best fabric suppliers available anywhere on the net. Good Luck, Andy

I love my angora sweater, but it sheds all over my clothes, how can I stop it from shedding?
Dear Rocsmam: keep the sweater in the drawer and don't let it out. Good Luck, Andy

Hi Andy:
I was directed to your web site by google. I have the following questions that I hope that you can answer for me. What is a " fabric RN" number? what is the numbers significance? Is there a code for interpreting the number? Is it a unique number? who assigns the fabric this number? Does this number have meaning to a dry cleaner? Appreciate any help you can provide.
Gayle
Dear Gayle: RN numbers are simply a Register Number with the Federal Government to identify the manufacturer of any garment sold in the USA. The are issued by the Federal Trade Commission. To lookup an RN number, follow this link: https://rn.ftc.gov/pls/TextileRN/wrnquery$.startup. Good Luck, Andy

Andy,
I have a screenprinting company and we would like to put our own label at the back of the collar. We don't necessarily want to remove the "hanes" label, although that is an option. We would just like to have our own label in the shirt.
We don't have time to purchase our shirts from a wholesaler and then send them off to be labeled before printing. We would like to just do it ourselves in our own facility but we don't know where to start. I can figure out where to buy labels, but how do you put them in? Is there a type of machine that can do this quickly, and maybe even more than one at a time (kind of like a 6-head or 12-head embroidery machine)? Also, can it do tee shirts, sweatshirts, etc.? We probably print and ship approx. 3,000 shirts per week.
If you could please start me in the right direction I would really appreciate it.
Thanks,
Mike
Dear Mike: start with the label companies themselves. There are probably some heat processes whereby you iron on the label. Ask a lot of questions of several different label manufacturers. They have the answers you need. We wish you continued success and Good Luck, Andy

Hi Andy! Well I am from Northern California, north of Sacramento. I have read some of your columns and found a few people asking the same questions as I am. I have started a business with a name I have come up with to print on apparel items. The name is going over well in my town, and I would like to venture out bigger than I am. I wanted to know how to do this? Can you sell you name to a company? What options do I have for starting a great name and company for myself and my partner? I buy my tees from a wholesale distributer but it has their label on it and I cannot sale that to stores. How have the celebrities started their own labels(like Krista Allen's new shirt and hats) who is representing them? I would like to talk to people about this, but who? I have spent endless hours online, but have come up with few options. PLease help
Jamie
Dear Jamie: there are no simple answers to your questions. Don't be fooled by Krista Allen's new shirt and hat line. I'm sure some company that was already making these items, contacted her to lend her name to this new line. She merely gets a royalty on those sales. She probably didn't start a company. If you want to grow your company, try to make your own T-shirts. Visit www.seams.org to find some commercial contract sewing companies. Visit google.com and search for cotton knit fabrics for your shirts. Plan on exhibiting at wholesale apparel trade shows, to sell your shirts. All it takes to get to the next level is hard work. It sounds like you are already on the path to success. Good Luck, Andy

Hello Andy, this Lela. Somehow I found the site with your email address. I would like to know how I go about getting bridal teardrop tulle wholesale and from which wholesaler? I have searched the web and have not found the teardrop tulle anywhere. Please , I appreciate any help you offer.
Thanks
Lela
Dear Lela: I've seen lots of tulle in my time, and I am unfamiliar with the term:"teardrop" tulle. You may want to attend some wholesale fabric shows. Visit www.fabricshow.com to register and attend. Good Luck, Andy

Dear Andy,
My name is Stevie, I am from New Zealand. I am in the sixth form at Wellington Girls' College (which means im sixteen.) I am entering the 'Young Designers Fashion Awards' in New Zealand, this is a big event for students to present their design creativity in the clothing and design industry. It is really important to me that i do my absolute best in this. My inspiration for this project is 'Gucci' and his designs and techniques that he uses for designing and making his clothes. I am having a bit of trouble, as i have looked on the main internet site for Gucci, but it isnt exactly what I hoped for, and I was reading some of the advice you give and was wondering if you could help me please??? If so, I was wondering if you had any idea how he does that sort of weaving technique, its almost like fish scales, because that is the main feature I want to focus on researching, but havnt had much luck. Also if you have any other information or know anything about Gucci's structural and applied design techniques, please tell me. I know you are a very busy person but I REALLY need help on this, and would be so greatfull if you could help!!!! Thanx so so much. Please get back to me.
Stevie
Dear Stevie: sorry, but I can't be of much help with Gucci or his fabrics. What I can tell you, is that many major name designer companies, have custom fabrics made for them, which are not available anywhere else. This is another part of their design philosophy that keeps them unique. Stay on course and Good Luck in school. Andy

How do I clean a microfiber sofa and loveseat. No stains, just to clean up and refresh. I know I can do it myself but what do I clean it with? Can you help?
Dear Lady with a Smile: I don't believe in excessive cleaning of anything. Just a light vacuuming from time to time should keep your sofa and loveseat good as new. Happy Entertaining and Good Luck, Andy

I have a rayon dress, I followed washing instructions but it shrunk anyway. Is there a way to fix this, returning it is not an option as I bought it a while ago. Thanks.
Belinda
Dear Belinda: time to start shopping for a new dress. Good Luck, Andy

Hi, i am interested in buying to sell, burberry baby and toddler clothing can you help me.
Dear Jan: sorry to dash your hopes, but I doubt that Burberry will sell to you. Try to find another brand. Good Luck, Andy

Andy,
I just recently purchased a couple of synthetic leather seat covers for my car. When I took them out of the package, I noticed they had a sort of mothball smell to them. I searched around and found out how to get that kind of smell out, tried the different solutions, and I still have smelly seat covers. I think though that it is not really a mothball smell, but that it is just the smell of the synthetic leather. Do you have any suggestions for getting rid of the smell? I cannot take the covers back if the packages have been open, so that is out of the question. Thanks in advance.
Scott
Dear Scott: the only thing to do is to BRING them back to the store. The only way you could have known about the odor was to open the packages. If they refuse to give your money back, you'll have to make your own" stink" there. Speak to the manager. Write a letter to the Better Business Bureau. If you put it on a credit card, write to them. Remember, the Customer is always Right. Good Luck, Andy

Hi Andy,
I am looking for a soft, high thread count cotton in a solid but I am having a hard time finding the kind that I want. I want higher than a 200 count but that is all I seem to find. Do I need to resort to buying a sheet or is that fabric available out there? I also am looking for a pink and green combination toile. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Diane
Dear Diane: yes, you may have to buy sheets to find the cotton fabric you want. Search at www.google.com or one of the other search engines. Happy Shopping and Good Luck, Andy

Dear Andy
I recently bought a beautiful t-shirt (size: large) but it is too small. Is there some way I can stretch it?
Many thanks
Jane
Dear Jane: forget about stretching the shirt. Either buy a new one that fits, or they say that diet and exercise, may help. Good Luck, Andy

The drapes were 96" long now they are 85" after washing and drying in a dryer, any ideas besides letting out 3" hem Thank you Anita
Dear Anita: next time dry clean them. In the meantime, consider adding a fancy trim, on Velcro, to the bottom. Remove it before having them cleaned again. Happy Decorating and Good Luck, Andy

Hi Andy,
Are there any restrictions on me using a fabric to make a "product" to my own design which I then intend to sell?
Also, if I wanted to purchase fabric and then have it vinyl coated both for my own products and to sell to the public by the yard do I need the permission of the manufacturer/designer?
Many thanks for your help.
Best wishes
Esther
Dear Ester: you do not need "permission" to use the fabric you buy. After all, everyone does something with the fabric they buy. As long as you don't take credit for designing the fabric, you'll be O.K. The same goes for laminating the fabric. Once you purchase it, it is yours to do with it as you please. Good Luck, Andy
Ester,
After reading Andy's answer, I want to add a little more information. If you purchase fabric that has copyright logos or designs such as Disney, pro sports teams, Gucci, Harley Davidson, etc., you will need the permission of the owner of the logo before selling any type of product or yardage.
Judith

Dear Andy:
I have read some of your responses to people who are considering opening a fabric store. Your comments are very honest and realistic. I understand that many people (mostly women) have found they have better things to do than sew. However, I believe there are a minority of people out there who believe they have nothing better to do than to sew.
In a small mall in Carrboro, North Carolina there is a fabric store that seems to be doing quite well. (At least they have been there for some time.) Most of the fibers are natural but not overly expensive. I have bought several things there and love the store.
I have moved from the area to Charleston, South Carolina and would like to start a similar shop. My idea at this time is a niche market of exclusive fabric from all over the world. I would like to start and bricks and mortar store, albeit a small one. I am in a position to work for at least two years without any income for myself.
I have tried to find out how to import fabrics through search engines without much success. Can you offer any suggestions or advice? I would love to talk to people who have similar shops throughout the country. Any help you can provide is greatly appreciated.
Lynn
Dear Lynn: it sounds like you have a good plan. You may want to consider both a retail shop and a small online business together. Consider joining the Home Sewing Association at www.sewing.org. They produce two fabric shows a year that you should attend. Also, visit www.fabricshow.com to learn about their fabric shows. One just ended yesterday at New York's Javits Center. It had many suppliers of just the fabric you seek. Spend some time learning the market, before spending your money. Good Luck, Andy

I have some rather old rubber-backed drapes, at least I think that's what they are. Can I wash these or do I have to throw them out.
Thanks loads.
Have a nice day :-)
Sandy
Sandy: throw them out. Happy Decorating and Good Luck, Andy

Dear Andy,
I fell in love with some fabric and am considering a couple of options. The deciding factor will be this, the fabric is 56 in wide, it would make a beautiful comforter, obviously not wide enough for a queen size bed. I don't recall ever seeing a seam in a comforter, is there a reason for this? Thanks in advance
SM
Dear SM: the major bedding manufacturers purchase their custom made fabrics 120" wide. They don't seam because they don't have to, and it saves them money. If you found a fabric you really like, don't worry about the seam. Enjoy and Sweet Dreams. Good Luck, Andy

When ironing a pair of nylon running pants, I accidentally burned a hole through them. Now the iron has burned nylon on it. How can the iron be repaired? Thanks!
Dear Su: trying warming the iron, and using a plaster scraper, scrape off the burnt nylon. 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.