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March/April

What is the best way to clean a black faux leather chair? I would like to keep it from drying out and cracking. Thank you for your prompt response.
Dear Star: try using some Amorall cleaner, found in auto supply stores. Try it out first in a small corner, and then proceed to the whole chair. Good Luck, Andy

We have lots of tulle that we want to use for a wedding, only thing, it's old and kind of grey, how can we get it white and new looking again?
Dear Claudette: tulle is the best fabric to use for weddings. It is relatively inexpensive. Don't scrimp here. There are lots of great sources here at Fabrics.Net that offer tulle. Use the old tulle to protect your berry plants from birds. Congratulations on your wedding and Good Luck, Andy

I have a pink suit I would like to dye a different color. Since the fabric is dry-clean only is it possible to dye it?
Dear Evans: the suit may be dyeable. Visit www.ritdye.com. Before you dye it, you should know that according to Women's Wear Daily "pink is the new Navy". Whatever you decide, Good Luck, Andy

I am a jewelry designer and I am looking for the best wholesale price on thin suede tape or ultrasuede lacing on the internet to use in some of my designs. The only company I have found so far is MJtrim.com and the price is $.98 a yard. Any recommendations?
Cindy
Dear Cindy: we know the folks at MJ Trim and they will be happy to work with you on price. Call them directly and tell them how many thousands of yards you will be buying and ask them for the best price. While they do have a great selection, they do need to mark up their products. Price is almost always dependent on quantity. Good Luck, Andy

Hi Andy,
I reside in Brooklyn, NY and I'm looking for a reputable reupholster company that can redo my leather bar and bar stools for me before I even begin to shop around for another one. I hope you can direct me somewhere or drop a phone number for me to follow up with..
Thanks!
Lisa
Dear Lisa: open the yellow pages in either Brooklyn or Manhattan. There are pages and pages full of furniture upholsters. Try to find one with a large ad, that have been around for lots of years. Ask a decorator for a recommendation. Good Luck, Andy

Andy;
I'm hopping you can help, I have designed a new beach bag an I am looking for beading (not sure if beading is correct term) this product would be sewed around the outside of the bag to give it a finished look and help maintain the shape of the bag It is the same type product that is used in luggage and upholstery.
thanks
Ed M
Dear Ed: try visiting www.tinseltrading.com. They may have what you need. The best thing would have been for you to attend one of the fabric trade shows. Visit www.fabricshow.com to find out when the next one will be. I think that it may be in Los Angeles in April. Good Luck, Andy

I AM TRYING TO LOCATE A SEWING TOOL THAT I KNOW IS FOR SALE SOMEWHERE BUT AM HAVING TROUBLE LOCATING IT. CAN YOU HELP? IT IS A SEAM RIPPER ON ONE END AND ON THE OTHER END ARE TWEEZERS.
THANK YOU.
CONNIE
Dear Connie: visit www.nancysnotions.com. They have exactly what you need. Good Luck, Andy

Hi I was wandering if you could help me I washed a tan sweater before I put it in the washer I put a little bleach and let the washer start to agitate then put the sweater in well when the laundry was done the sweater has a pinkish cast is there a way to get that out.
Thanks
Margie
Dear Margie: what were you thinking? Time to send the sweater off to someone who doesn't need the fashion, and just needs the warmth. In the meantime, start shopping for a new sweater. The retailers are waiting for your business. Good Luck, Andy

I have a plastic shower curtain that is scalloped on the edges. It is starting to curl up. How can I get it to stop curling?
Thank you
Jean
Dear Jean: buy a new shower curtain. Good Luck, Andy

Dear Andy,
I have a 50/50 cotton and wool sweater that can be washed. I have washed it before in Woolite and then dried it in the dryer on low setting with no problems. However, the last time I must have left it in too long or the temperature was higher than I knew. Anyway, it has shrunk about 20% and the texture is a little different. Is there any reversing solution or any way to relax the wool again, or any other solution to restore it?
Thanks,
Diane
Dear Diane: try bring it to a dry cleaner and see if they can help restore the size. I doubt that you will be able to get the texture back to what it was. Consider buying a new sweater. Good Luck, Andy

Hi Andy,
I was wondering if you could tell me how to get a major department store to pick up a clothing line or invest in one.
thank you, Jazy J
Dear Jazy: if I knew the answer to this question, I'd be a millionaire. If you figure this out, maybe you could find out the meaning of life and some other questions that seem to go unanswered. Let us all know. Good Luck, Andy

Hi Andy, My name is Mel and I am currently a dress design student in Ireland. We have a college project to design a babygrow and I was hoping you could help me by telling me what fabrics are safe for baby clothes? Thanks.
Dear Mel: the term "babygrow" is unfamiliar to us here in the States. Any fabric that is flame retardant and has little or no harmful chemicals would be acceptable for baby clothes. Consider natural fabrics such as cotton, linen or silk. Good Luck, Andy

I am in an interior design history class. The other night a question came up, to which i was hoping that maybe you could provide an answer: what types of fire codes govern running a fabric store. Any answer would be much appreciated as it would help me with the class. Thank you
Dear Marc: each state has it's own rules and regulations. I suggest you call up a local fire station and speak with the Fire Marshall there. They might have the answer or be able to direct you to the place that does. Good Luck, Andy
Dear Andy,
My husband and I are shopping for furniture and have come across many that are upholstered in microfiber. We like the feel, look and seemingly high durability of it, however, we've noticed that when we sit on it, there is a lot of static electricity that is generated. My hair stood on it's end and my four year old son asked me if I was "crackling" like he was! What is the cause of this? Also, what is your opinion on microfiber furniture?
sheetal
Dear Sheetal: the static electricity could have been a result of lots of other factors, notwithstanding the fiber of the upholstery. It could have been the humidity or lack of humidity in the air of the furniture store. It might have been the floor covering of the furniture store. It could be affected by what you were wearing. When all else fails, we've always liked a natural cotton for upholstery. It tends to attract less static, Get yourself grounded before you go shopping. Happy Decorating and Good Luck, Andy

Hi Andy,
I hope you can answer this question for me no one seems to know the answer. How do you make a waterprrof seam using gotex? Jerry
Dear Jerry: I assume you mean "a waterproof seam" using Gortex, because gotex is a bathing suit manufacturer. There are some chemicals available in marine supply stores that will help you make a waterproof seam. Visit them. Stay dry and Good Luck, Andy

Hey Andy, there's been a lot of people that have been taking stock white leather sneakers (normal Nikes and Reeboks) and dying parts of them different colors. I would like to customize my sneakers, what's the process?
~Michael
Dear Michael: the process is the same as it has been since the '60's, Get yourself in a "happy mode", get some fabric markers available in your local craft stores, some stickers, some glitter and paint and draw away, Have a great time expressing yourself. Happy Days and Good Luck, Andy

I AM MAKING LAMP SHADES AND WOULD LIKE TO FIND SOME BEADED FRINGE TO GO ON THEM. ALL I CAN FIND IS THE EXPENSIVE STUFF AND AM INTERESTED IN THE STUFF WALMART CARRIES THAT IS PRE PACKAGED AND MADE IN CHINA. DO YOU KNOW WHERE I COULD BUY BOLTS OF THIS STUFF?
THANK YOU
Dear SL: you too will have to go to China, as does Wal-Mart. I'm sorry to say that not everything that you see in Wal-Mart is available for purchase here. Try attending some of the fabric shows. Visit www.fabricshow.com to find out when the next one is. The folks that are selling it at the fabric show, have already made their China connection. Good Luck, Andy

I'm trying to find someplace to puchase patent leather in various colors. I work with leather and need some patent leather for accents. I would appreciate any suggestions you could give me.
Thanks,
Robin
Dear Robin: start your search here at Fabrics.Net. We have some of the best suppliers listed anywhere on the web. Good Luck, Andy

Hello
I am currently doing research for my start up business. I have some basic questions that although sound trivial, to me are essential to my plans. I am curious about production measurements. How many T-Shirts can be produced from a 60 yard and 60" wide roll of COtton or Hemp fabric? Also how many pairs of jeans and Long sleaved shirts can be produced from a roll of fabric, 60 yards by 60" wide.
Thank You Very Much
Carlos
Dear Carlos: time to go back to school, as in Fashion or Sewing school. A lot will depend on your designs. You also didn't mention if you are cutting garments for kids, or The Big and Tall men's stores. Either way, you will have to experiment with your patterns. There are no easy answers to your questions. Good Luck, Andy

I was going to make a dress out of baroque satin and was told that it can be difficult to work with if you haven't worked with it before. Do you have any tips that could help me? Thanks much. -J.R.
Dear Jose: we've passed this question on to Judith. She sews more than I do:) Good Luck, Andy
Hi Jose,
Any satin can show needle marks from the sewing machine and from hand sewing as well as pin holes. If you make a sample garment from the pattern you are using first, you can then test the pattern before you sew on the satin. When you press the seams or satin garment, be careful, use a pressing cloth. You didn't say what the fiber content of the baroque satin is but a sharp sewing machine needle would work best, not the universal needle nor a ball point needle.
Hope this helps!
Judith
The Fabrics Network http://www.fabrics.net
Hi Andy!
Do you have any suggestions as to how I can find Mexican Wholesalers of vintage type oilcloth? I appreciate your time.
Crystal
Dear Crystal: you may be able to purchase what you need here at www.Fabrics.Net. Good Luck, Andy

Hi Andy,
I purchased some wool roving and though it is really lovely, and soft, I do not know the breed. It has a staple length of about 4 inches, is very very soft, and has a nice wave (or crimp) to it. The color is an off white, but I'm not sure if that's natural, or bleached - if they even do that. Is there any way I can find out what breed or possible combo of breeds this is?
Thanks much,
Crystal
Dear Crystal: wool comes from several different animals. It could be anything, maybe even Poodle. Best bet would be to ask the place where you purchased the wool. Good Luck, Andy

Andy,
I am starting my own company and I cannot find a fabric that I really love. So, my bright idea it to make a pattern and have a manufacturer make a fabric for me with my design. Is this possible? Who should I contact? I'm totally lost!
Thanks!
Dear Beth: you've got to slow down, before you really hurt yourself. Yes, you can have fabric custom made to your design. You will probably have to print about 6000 yards, create custom made screens and all of this will cost probably over $10,000. Then you have to hope that someone will buy all this product from you so that you can make a profit. It's better to find some small quantities that you can sample and sell before you go spending lots of money. Visit www.fabricshow.com to find out where and when the next fabric shows are being held. Attend these and ask lots of questions. Good Luck, Andy

Dear Andy,
Is there a problem with using a designer fabric to make items for sale to the public? I am thinking of starting a business and have found a line of print fabrics I love and want to use to make tote bags. Are there copyright issues I should be aware of? Any advice or resources would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Kate
Dear Kate; this is a tricky question and actually I don't have this answer. I'd suggest you speak with an attorney before proceeding. Good Luck, Andy

Dear Andy,
My labrador puppy put two small tears into sheer fabric of my luminette curtains on the patio door. Is there any way I can attempt to repair these rips?
Mitzi
Dear Mitizi: try some clear tape. It will never be a perfect repair, but..... we all love puppies.....so enjoy the puppy. Good Luck, Andy

I am hoping you will be able to help me - I am interested in selling my designs for fabric to suppliers and am at the initial stages of finding out how to go about this - could you telll me if you offer that service or if it would be worth forwarding you my designs.(I am currently a graphic designer and know little about textiles themselves but love design for fabrics)
Any help you may be able to offer would be wonderful.
Best wishes,
Penny
Dear Penny: we suggest you pack up your portfolio and plan on attending the Surtex show at the Jacob Javits Center, in New York City in May. Visit www.surtex.com for more information. It is the show for designers to get their designs to the fabric market, as well as other companies that buy designs. Good Luck, Andy

Dear Andy,
I made my own wedding dress out of silk dupioni and silk organza. The bodice has spiral steel boning inside. I need to clean it, but I am unsure if dry cleaning is the way to go, or if I should handwash it. I am concerned about the chemicals used in dry cleaning, as I would like it to last for a long time. I intend to store it in an unbleached muslin bag. Do you know the best way to clean and store the gown in such a way that the silk fibers will be best preserved?
Thanks
Alisa
Dear Alisa: forget about cleaning it. Call up a local museum or Historical society. They can tell you the best way to preserve it. Good Luck, Andy

I am looking for Burberry Fabric to make my 3year old son a tie to go with his Easter outfit. Were can I get the Fabric to have one made in the Dallas/Fort Worth area
Freddie
Dear Freddie: Burberry is a registered plaid design. They do not sell their fabric. The ONLY place to buy Burberry is at a Burberry store or authorized Burberry retailer. I'm sure there is one in the Dallas area. Good Luck, Andy

Dear Andy,
I only have a few days left to attach pearls to my daughters veil. What type of glue would you advised me to use. Or would you advise me to sew them on. If so, how should I stitch them on so the stitching doesn't show. The wedding is Sat.and my time is running short with a million things to do. Thanks,
Diane
Dear Diane: Judith will be happy to answer this question. She has been sewing for a long time. I can hardly thread a needle. Congratulations on the Wedding and Good Luck, Andy
Hi Diane, with your time limit, glue would be your best bet and also would eliminate the concern for the stitches showing. The fabric store should have some special glue that would work for pearls and tulle.
Judith

Andy,
I am helping with a church play and doing a backdrop for the play (22' X 13"). What kind of treatment is needed to prepare the cloth for painting? That is, to minimize shrinking and facilitate the painting process. Would appreciate your help.
Sam
Dear Sam: we contacted our friend Julia, for help in answering this question. She suggests that you visit your local art supply shop and pick up a product called Gesso, Painted on the muslin, will help prepare it to accept the paint. Good Luck, Andy

Hello there,
Fabulous column!! If you can answer this question, I will be forever in your debt. What is the plastic that gets covered in fabric and goes in the bottom of a handbag? Does it have a special name? Where can I find it? Most people I have asked have suggested plastic mesh, but that's not exactly what I want. Any thoughts?
Beth
Dear Beth: there is no standard item used here. I have taken apart some expensive bags to find that they used "cardboard". It is whatever is at hand that you can get at a price. Some have used wood, plastic, heavy fabrics. Thanks for the compliments and 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.