Dear Andy, I am a manufacturer of pants and
need to find some mills or converters of camouflage fabric. I know of East Bank and
Brittany but don't have any phone numbers. Could you provide some help? Thanks Bill
Dear Bill: visit the resource area at www.bobbin.com. Also www.textileweb.com has some
info. Good Luck, Andy
Dear Andy,
Help! I'm making a costume and i'm using pleather and vinyl...is there any way i can press
it? Thanks, Maryanne
Dear Maryanne: You might want to be careful with ironing "pleather". It is
plastic and may melt under the iron. Best thing may be to hang it out. Call the place
where you purchased the fabric. They either have the answer or can call their supplier for
the answer. Good Luck, Andy
Andy: is 80% cotton 20% nylon a good fabric for a sofa and chair and ottoman.
If not, what is the best fabric for wear.
Dear Sparky: the blend of yarns you gave me could be good for upholstery. However, it is
the weight of the fabric that will determine it's wearability and the construction will
determine it's strength. Also, some upholstery fabrics are treated both for flame
retardancy and soil resistance. Make sure your fabrics are up to the task. Good Luck, Andy
Andy: I recently bought some T shirts that has some new silk screen printing on
them, and before I wear them I would like to wash them. Do you know of a solution to wash
them in to set the silk screen so it will last longer? I head you should use a vinegar
solution, but I not sure if this is correct.
Dear Charles: after having researched this answer, the best we can suggest is to visit a
local fabric store or the store where you purchased the T-shirt. I have seen T-shirts
"preserved" under glass and frames at both The Rock 'N Roll hall of fame and at
The Hard Rock Cafes. Of, course you couldn't wear them, but the color will stay in for a
long time (keep them out of direct sunlight if you choose to frame them). Good Luck, Andy
Charles, there is a product that will help "set" the color of your T-shirt,
called Retayne which you can find at quilt shops. The other "hint" is to wash
your shirts wrong side out either by hand or by gentle cycle on your washing machine. Let
your shirt dry on a hanger or flat, not in the dryer. This should increase the life of
your T-shirts and the silk screened images.
Hope we have helped you!
Judith
I keep seeing all these new cars with that paint job that appears to
be a different color depending on the light and or the angle that you see it from, and
also, glasses that when exposed to light darken. My question is, is there a fabric that is
photosensitive? One that can change maybe not color, but shades of it's color from darker
to light and vice-versa?
Dear Dan: I have seen T-shirts that react to the sun. I have also seen fabrics change from
green to blue when exposed to fluorescent lighting. The former was done with intent, the
latter was done by error. However, I have not seen any fabrics change from light to dark
and then change back again. Lots of fabrics are light sensitive and will change colors:
the sun will cause fabrics to fade. I hope this answers your question for today. Good
Luck, Andy
Dear Dan: since we last wrote to you we have found the company that is making all the
light sensitive stuff. They are Solaractive International. you can find them at any good
search engine. The fabric that was sensitive to fluorescent light was 100% nylon tulle. It
was a permanent, though unwanted
color change. Solaractive International now has buttons, nail polish, and other things
that change colors when exposed to the sun. Good Luck, Andy
Andy - I'm looking for some variation of blue Army camoflague fabric to make an
outfit for my teenage son. I've seen the heavier winter-weight, polar fleece fabrics but
am looking for something more for summer or fall. I'm in GA and today visited Hancock,
JoAnn, and WalMart with no luck.
Appreciate any assistance. Thanks, Kyle
Dear Kyle: please visit the sourcing area right here at Fabrics.Net. We have some of the
best suppliers listed anywhere on the web. Good Luck, Andy
Hi Andy-Re: Nylon/Spandex fabrics; I recently was told that Raschel weave will
not curl/roll when cut but Tricot weave will. Is this true? It makes a difference if
sewers want to make , say a dance or skate costume & just cut the skirt hem & not
finish it with a serger. (Hard to believe there are still people sewing without these
wonderful little machines!)Since I sell fabrics to other costumers I really am curious now
about this question. Thanks-Gail Blanchette
www.dancingdesigns.com
Dear Gail: In regard to your question, let me start by saying that both Raschel and Tricot
are not a "weave" but a flat knit. My experience has been that the tricot, if
finished properly, will not roll when cut and does not need to be hemmed. Good Luck, Andy
Dear Andy,
I have two curtain sheers which I had purchased at a discount store. When I went to hang
them I found out why they were there. They are sheer white and I don't know the type of
material - I guess you probably do. One of them is very stiff. I assume it got too much
sizing from the manufacturer? My question, which I have asked all over, is can I get this
stuff out?
Thank you in advance for your reply.
Sincerely,
Julie
Dear Julie: don't assume that the sizing is why they were in a discount store.
Manufacturers put sizing in to help keep the appearance of the fabric fresh. If you don't
like the feel of it, try washing them and ironing them before hanging them. Good Luck,
Andy
Hi Andy
I refer many of our visitors to your site . I just happen to come across an inquiry in
your Jan / Feb column about "chop chop" and it brought back old memories .
Chop chop is a fabric that was popular in the late 70's early 80's for blouses and
dresses. It was an inexpensive polyester that had the hand of a lightweight taffeta and a
smooth surface but the look of texture, resulting from highs and lows of reflected light
due to the type of yarn used. It was manufactured in Japan and called "fujiginu"
by the Japanese. I never knew why it was called "chop chop" but the texture did
have the look of a well used cutting board. It was sold extensively in the US by Merry
Mary, a California fabric company that kept inventory in many colors.
Best regards
Paul
Thanks, Paul!
Dear Andy
How do I get rid of a burn mark (an imprint of the iron) on black rayon fabric. Thank you
Dear Corinne: you can't remove a burn mark. Be happy that it is on a black fabric where it
may not be as obvious as on a white fabric. Good Luck, Andy
Hi Andy
My husband just returned from Indonesia with a wonderful batik print of parrots. I want to
have it framed for a sun porch. I need to know if I can press the material to get the
wrinkles out before I have it framed. Please let me know as soon as possible. Also, any
information as to what procedure I should use will also be very helpful.
Thank you.
Jo Ann
Dear Jo Ann: I'd not press it in any way. This may be a hand made fabric using dyes that
are natural plant extracts. If you feel a need for it to be more flat, tell the framer to
try and pull the fabric when they are framing it. If not, leave the wrinkles in. It will
give the fabric a nice textured look and feel. Actually, it may look better with the
"wrinkles" in the fabric. Good Luck, Andy
Dear Andy,
I was just reading the email sent to you from Marsha concerning Cuddl Duds. I was not sure
if your answer to her question was, who makes Cuddl Duds is Hanes, but if it was that it
is incorrrect. Cuddl Duds is manufactured by O'Bryan Brothers, who's Sales and Design
office is in NYC.
If Marsha is looking for Cuddl Duds up in the New England area, she can find them in both
Macy's and Filenes, as well as some specialty stores.
Please feel free to contact me regarding our product or with any questions you might have.
Sincerely,
Alan Hans
Account Executive
Dear Alan: thanks for the updated info. We will forward it on to our readers. Have a great
day, and Good Luck, Andy
Hi Andy...can you explain to me the difference between these materials? I went
to the fabric store and asked for "sweatshirt material" to make sweatshirts for
my family. I was told they only carry "fleece." And then somewhere along the
way, I heard the word "interlock." Are there different types of weights as well?
I would like to make some sweatshirts such as you can buy in the store.
Example: Sweatshirts made by Russell, Camp David, Jersey, etc. Can you help?
Joanne
Dear Joanne: the large sweatshirt manufacturers usually use fleece. Now they are going
into Polar fleece. Interlock is usually used for shirting. It is usually a lighter weight
fabric than the fleece. The fleece is made in such a way that it catches and holds the
'air' to keep one warm. All fabrics can be made heavy or light depending on the
application. Good Luck. Andy
Hi again Andy...I am making some pillows and have decided to use a "rope
cord" trim with a tab. Now, I know this is supposed to be easy. But, I don't know
what sewing foot to use. (I have a Viking Designer I machine.) When I sew the material
pieces together with the tab trim, I have a pretty wide gap between the stitch and the
fabric when I turn it right side out. I want very much not to have the tab showing at all,
just the cord. Must I do this by hand to get it close? HELP! thanks!
joanne
Dear Joanne: I don't do much sewing. I'd go back to the store where you purchased the cord
and ask the store owner or one of the sales people. They usually know about sewing machine
feet. Good Luck, Andy
Hi Joanne,
Try using the zipper foot so you can stitch as close to the edge of the tab as possible.
This is what I do when making corded bias trim in the seam.
Hope this helps!
Judith
Hi Andy,
I am starting a new company designing baby quilts and blankets, I am looking for suppliers
in Canada, if possible, where I can buy wholesale fabric. I need cotton chenille, stripes,
ginghams etc.
Hope you can help.
Thanks,
Ruth
Dear Ruth: Start your search here at Fabrics.Net. We have some of the best resources
anywhere on the web. Don't be concerned about only buying from Companies in Canada. Most
wholesalers today will ship their products anywhere in the world. Also, visit
www.bobbin.com for a listing, by fabric type, of all the companies that make the fabrics
you need. Good Luck, Andy
Dear Andy;
I have recently moved into a high rise condo in Chicago and would like to make swag window
treatments. Because of the large expanse of windows, I need many yards of drapery fabric.
I have tried to locate a "mill end" type store in the Chicago area, but have had
little luck. Can you recommend an area store or supply house that would offer very
reasonable prices on drapery fabric?
Thanks,
Marilyn
Dear Marilyn: Chicago has its own garment center and lots of retail fabric stores. Try
your Yellow Page Phone Directory for fabric stores. Then try the sourcing area here at
Fabrics.Net. Then visit www.google.com. When I typed in "drapery fabric" there
were 14,700 listings. Have a great time
finding the perfect drapery fabrics. Good Luck, Andy
Hi there! Great web site!!!
I am a dancer and I need a white shirt that shines, that wears well, and that I can sweat
in. I've been thinking that either rayon or satin might work. Could you suggest a suitable
fabric to try?
Thanks!
Dear David: I've been trying to think of some fabric that would meet all of your
requirements. Maybe on of our readers can help us out here. Good Luck, Andy
Hi Andy! I was wondering if you knew of any web sites that may have pics of
window treatments starting in 1919.Thanks, Jessica
Dear Jessica: this question is more about old homes and the way they were decorated.
You'll have to do your homework on this one. We don't know of any particular web site that
answers you question. Maybe one of our readers knows the answer to this one. Good Luck,
Andy
We are trying to find a gauze type fabric with sailboats and/or lighthouses to
use for display tables. Can you help?
Dear Karen: you can first start your search here at Fabrics.Net. We have some great
resources that might have exactly what you want. If not, try the Google search engine at
www.google.com and type in "sailboat print on fabric". We found 843 listings.
Good Luck, Andy
I have a pair of pants that has a stretchy cord in them, but the chord broke! I
need to replace it. It need to be 46 inches long, 1/8 of an inch wide, and preferably red.
Can you help me?
Dear Robert: what you need is some stretch "cording". Visit a local fabric store
or search here at Fabrics.Net. Good Luck, Andy
Dear Andy,
First of all you are wonderful! My husband won't fork out the cash for a new couch because
I have two small children who don't hesitate to spit up and spill up. I want to make the
couch look nicer, so I decided to make my own slip cover. I currently have one that is
wonderful and drapes over the couch. I can easily remove it and wash it. I want to make
one, but wish to buy my own fabric (very dark and durable fabric). It is 90 inches long.
Can you please direct me to a site where I can find a pattern to make the slip cover for
my couch? Thank you.
Dear Elizabeth: thanks for the compliment. I visited www.google.com and after typing in
"slip cover patterns", 50,700 web sites came up on the screen. The first one was
at www.slipandcover.com and it appears they have exactly what you want. Don't worry about
the kids spitting up on the couch. It's all part of the growing process. We've all gone
through it with our own kids. It does get better soon or later. Before you know it, you'll
be worried about them spilling beer on the couch. Enjoy them now. Good Luck,
Andy
Hi Andy-
I finally tracked down a seersucker suit for summer. However I am also looking for the old
fashioned blue pin cord poplin in a 52 extrra long. Can you help?
Thanks,
Alf
Dear Alf: have you tried the Big and Tall Mens shops? They may have a web site for you.
Good Luck, Andy
Dear Andy:
I have been searching online and everywhere else that I can think of for quality
seersucker in unique prints. All I have been able to find are the standard gingham check.
Do you know of a place where I could find this item? I have designed an item that I will
be marketing so I hope to purchase this fabric wholesale. Thank you, Joy
Dear Joy: I don't remember ever seeing printed seersucker. It probably can be made, but
you will have to look long and hard to find what you want on a wholesale basis. Try the
sourcing area here at Fabrics.Net. When I visited www.google.com, and typed in
"printed seersucker fabric" 348 listings came up. You'll have to go through all
of them to maybe find the fabric you desire. Good Luck, Andy
Hi Andy:
I have done business in the past with The Fabric Center in Fitchburg, MA and been very
pleased with products and service. I can't find them on the web and when I phoned, the
number had been disconnected. Shall I assume that they are out of business? Has someone
bought their stock? They had a wonderful catalogue--does someone else in the northeast
match them for products and service?
Thanks for any assistance you can give me.
Sherry
Dear Sherry: I don't have their phone number here, but I know we've been through this
before. Research some of our past Ask Andy files. It's in there somewhere. Good Luck, Andy
Sherry,
The Fabric Center went out of business. We don’t know any more about them than that.
Sorry!
Jessie
Hi Andy,
My partner and I are starting a linen rental service. We are in search of damask material
and other 120" wide material we can make tablecloths out of. Can you point us in the
right direction?
Thanks!
Hilary
Dear Hillary: we are very familiar with the linen market. We sell them every day of the
week. Most all of the fabrics that is purchased by that market is either 54" or
60" wide. They are then sewn into the different widths that the market requires.
There are several fabric trade shows that all of your competition attends to find their
fabrics: the IFFE which is the International Fashion Fabric Expo and the West Coast Fabric
show. I think one of these shows is at www.fabricshow.com. There are lots of great
resources on the web to find the fabrics you need. You will also have to consider
attending The Special Event Show. This is a traveling show, next January in Phoenix,
Arizona. Every linen supplier either attends or exhibits there. Good Luck, Andy
Andy,
Our office is now business casual during the week. We all love it. However, I have a pair
of cotton pants on. My boss thinks they are "jeans". I told him they were not
jeans. I stated this is not denim but cotton. I thought denim was a blend. What is the
difference? Thanks for your help.
Kat
Dear Kat: If they are "blue" and look like jeans to your boss, then they are.
Denim is actually a construction of a fabric. They can be made out of cotton,
polyester/cotton, cotton and Lycra and a lot of other yarn combinations. If you want to
continue to enjoy "casual dress" wear chino's.
Good Luck, Andy
How much fabric does it take to make a wedding dress with about a 3ft...
Dear Howie: find yourself a pattern that you like in your favorite fabric store. The
amount of fabric you will need will be there right on the pattern package. Of course, this
was a "trick" question. The amount is dependent on the style of the dress. Good
Luck, Andy
