I have heard that RIT offers a product which will
reduce the exposure to sun rays if it is used to rinse fabrics. Can you tell me where it
is available or may I purchase it by mail or "e" mail?
Dear Dee: visit www.ritdye.com . They have
their own Ask Rit dye area. Good Luck, Andy
I am looking for Fiberglass Sunscreen fabric used for making roll up shades
(outdoor) I found the fabric at a place called Charleys in Washington, however,
it's on back order and I want to get these shades put together before the summer
heat sets in. I need a lot of fabric as I'm doing three sets of roll up shades
about 7 feet long by 10 feet wide each. Have any ideas where I might purchase.
Thanks.. bev knudson (SD) p.s. I want dense fabric that will keep out
most of the sun, however, lets air through also...
Dear Bev: visit www.ifai.org . They may have a member
that can tell you where to buy what you want. Try searching the web for Fiberglass fabric
at retail. Good Luck, Andy
I am looking for some yardage of Pastel Colors in Solids or Stripes of this
outdoor fabric. I have been looking for the past month in our local fabric stores and on
the internet. I went into an outdoor furniture store and they have the fabric colors but
will only sell the complete cushions. They will not sell or order the fabric. The name on
the sample book was Quality Cushions, but no address, city, etc. Please help!!
Dear Debbie: visit www.ifai.org . They may have
a member that can tell you where to buy the fabric you want. The reason that it is not
sold by the yard to the general public is that you need special equipment to sew and cut
this fabric. They are usually sold to large manufacturers in large quantities. Good Luck,
Andy
dear andy my name is david barber i live in england i n portsmouth on the south
coast. can you just kindly tell me where i might be able to get paper nylon or paper
taffeta a crisp fabric that rustles used in 1950s can can petticoats as i will going to a
rocky horror show at our local theatre for the underskirts tm my outfit being made for me
many thanks. David
Dear David: I too am a fan of the Rocky Horror Show. In fact, they just opened in New York
to rave reviews. With the air fares so low, you can probably jump across the pond and get
to see them here too. About the "paper" nylon. I've never seen or heard of the
product you have mentioned. What you probably want is some very stiff nylon fabric that
has been and is still used for petticoats. We have several companies on our site that sell
the "diamond hole net" that is used for that application. Visit our souring area
here at Fabrics.Net. There are some sites on the web that sell only petticoats, new and
antique.
The prices that I've seen for some of the antique petticoats are pretty dear. Good Luck,
Andy
Hello Andy,
I just read through the questions and the answers you gave and I figure you could help me.
I want to start a female line. I work in an office right now and I know a lot of females
and friends and I feel I could pull it off. I would like to get in time for Fall/Winter
Season. Where could I purchase fabrics for this season and where is it best to get
manufacturers. I live in New York and I know making them would be too expensive. I have my
own patterns. I could copy any kind of female clothing. I had my own label before and I
want to go into this. So I have some experience on how to run a business and keep the
books and also of how to interview employees and all the other stuff associated with
running a business. However, I would be really grateful if you could give me some advice.
Sincerely, Bibian
Dear Bibian: I've waited some time before answering your very important question. If you
are looking to go into business, it's always a great idea. You've got to make sure you've
got a lot of money to invest in the business. Having the patterns and the knowledge to
keep the books is one thing. Getting and keeping well paying customers in another whole
thing. You may want to consider selling your garments through a web site. You should write
up a business plan and present it to a local banker to get their handle on your situation.
See if they will lend you some working capitol to run your business. Go slowly. Start
small and grow slowly. Stay in touch. Good Luck, Andy
Hi Andy, I am designing a unit for school children. They are going to make bags
for their shoes. The material needs to be durable and waterproof in a range of colours,
not too expensive. What kind of materials could I use? thanks Kirsty
Dear Kristy: try Oilcloth or a plastic laminated fabric. It can be either glued together
or sewn. This should work well for shoe bags. Good Luck, Andy
Dear Andy:
I know fluorscent lighting can fade fabrics, but can you tell me if there is a
relationship between the color of the light emitted from the tube and the effect on
fabrics. In other words will cool white fade cloth faster that warm white, or the full
spectrum tubes. If you haven't ventured down this street before, can you refer me to
someone who might know. I have wandered through a lot of websites full of irrelevant
information.
Thank you.
Roger
Dear Roger. for the best answer about the light effect on fabric, try calling or visiting
a web site from any good textile lab. There are lots of variables to this answer. They may
want to charge you to do a professional test on the fabric. There is no simple answer to
this question. Good Luck, Andy
Dear Andy,
I am looking for a manufacturer who produces fabrics (and if possible, wallpaper) that
copy the famous paintings of Early Masters, such as Michelangelo, Da Vinci, etc. Do you
have any knowledge about that? I remember seeing wallpaper depicting famous paintings in
one of the movies of the 80's, but I don't know whether it really exists, and does anybody
have a license to reproduce those monumental works on fabric or wallpaper? The reason I'm
asking, is because I would like to represent the manufacturer who does it, so that I could
sell it in Canada.
Dear Ella: there is a trade show that covers the market you want to sell for. Surtex now
has a Fall show, in addition to the Spring show that they have been doing for years. Visit
the Surtex group at www.surtex.com . We look forward
to seeing you somewhere in the aisles. I'll be wearing my Ask Andy
button. Good Luck, Andy
Dear Andy,
I am trying to locate a label maker that can produce washable stick on fabric labels. A
local Retirement Home needs to label clothing for some of their residents so that it can
be identified after washing and I would like to buy them a label maker that is relatively
easy to use and can produce a washable
stick on label.
Thank You for Your Assistance
Dear Madgucusa: I know this label maker must be out there, but I've not yet come across
it. Maybe one of our readers can help us out here. Good Luck, Andy
Hello, Andy! I was referred to you by Judith at Fabrics.net
My name is Catherine and I work in the product research and development division of a very
high-end furniture manufacturer in the United States (office based in Long Beach,
California).
I am trying to connect with the Quantum (Mills) Co., supplier of suspension fabric to
Herman Miller for their Aeron chair.
My research has led me to Quantum (Mills) of Colfax, NC. However, further research leads
me to a dead end.
Do you know how or where I can connect with these elusive folks? We are very seriously
looking for this fabric to enhance one of our newest designs. Must move forward asap.
Can you help to direct me to this company? Any information greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Catherine
Dear Catherine: visit www.ifai.org . One of their
members probably knows where to get the fabric you need. Also try www.bobbin.com . Good Luck, Andy
Hi, maybe you can help or point me in the right direction. I have an antique
family quilt. It has some small brown spots on it, and I want to know how to remove them.
The cotton fabric is old so need to do it as gently as possible. Can you help?? Thanks.
Have a great day! Joan
Dear Joan: best thing to do is Nothing at all. Leave it alone. Good Luck, Andy
Hi Joan,
There are suggestions about cleaning quilts in our Q & A Section. Just go to
http://www.fabrics.net/discuss/thread.cfm?threadid=1211&Questions=4
Should give you some good information.
Thanks!
Judith
Andy my wife needs to order a few blouses from manufacturer RN 1493 20916 Can
you look that up or tell us how to do it:? Thanks for the help. Walt
Dear Walt: manufacturers usually won't sell you directly. However, to look up the RN
number go to www.ftc.gov and go to the Business area.
There will be an area for RN lookup. Type in the number and see what pops up. Good Luck,
Andy
Dear Andy,
I am interested in designing and marketing men's ties. More specifically I would like to
design the print for the fabric and have it applied to the fabric. I know nothing about
the textile industry only that as a consumer of men's ties I see a void in fashion.
Can you recommend a manufacturer who will take a print that I design and apply or weave
it? If you have answered this already I'd appreciate a pointer to the reference if
possible.
Thanks.
Bill
Dear Bill: you might start by writing your favorite tie designer mow and making some
suggestions. They always like to hear from their customers. Please read some columns where
we've mentioned the Surtex show. It is a show of artists that sell their designs to
various industries that buy new art ideas. Getting into the custom tie business is a
costly idea. Before you invest lots of money, I'd suggest you take some business courses
at a local community college or university. Look for one that focuses on textile design
or the textile or apparel business. Subscribe to Daily News Record. This is the daily read
of the Mens Wear Business. Good Luck, Andy
Andy,
Is it safe to use a 100% jute rug in a classroom for 4 and 5 year olds? Will the fire
marshall and others concerned about school and child safety approve? Given all the paper
that is in a classroom, I know this appearsto be a silly question, but I don't want to
invest in something that someone will insist that I remove from the classroom because the
fire marshall doesn't like it. I'm not condeming fire marshalls. Thank God such people
exist and do their jobs with excellence and concern for all.
I'm also concerned about the odor and dust. I notice that the carpet hanging on display in
the store has no odor or dust, but the small piece I purchased as an experimental piece
has an odor and has dust. Is there a way to eliminate both?
If the safety is approved and there is a way to eliminate most of the odor and
dust--remember some children suffer with asthma--my plan is to hand paint it with the
design of my choosing with the tempa paints used by children. (These paints have no odor
and have been deemed safe or non-toxic for children.)
I'm not planning to coat this with anything as the finished product will be used as a
dancing area by the children and I don't want them to slip. If the design gets dirty I can
always paint over it or repaint it.
I would hope this rug would hold up for at least a year or two. Thanks for addressing my
concerns.
Barbara
Dear Barbara: when it comes to kids, "caution" is the word. You didn't say where
you live, but every state has its owns laws regarding fire safety. Contact your local fire
marshal or visit www.firemarshals.org . They
represent the most senior fire marshal in each state and the District of Columbia. You
said that the rug that was on the wall was free of dust and odor. Do you know how long it
has been up there. My suggestion would be to buy this item from a Teachers Supply firm in
your area. They have these items tested for safety and provide the benefit of additional
"insurance coverage", in the case there is any accident. When dancing on these
items, kids bring dust and dirt inside from the outside, unless they change their shoes.
This is another factor to consider when thinking about dust and dirt for those kids that
have asthma. When it comes to kids, no concern is too minor. Thanks for your good work.
Good Luck, Andy
HY DEAR ANDY I LIKE YOUR WEB SITE IT'S AMAIZING I WOULD LIKE SOME INFORMATION
I WANT TO KNOW WHERE I CAN FIND GOOD sewing MACHINE FOR THE MAKING OF BEDDING
NOTHING BIG BUT EASY TO USE I HAVE A GOOD IDEAS FOR MAKING SOMETHING SYMILAR LIKE THOSE
THEY SELL IN MACYS. BUT I HEARD THEAR ARE NO REGULAR SEWING MACHINES THEY ARE SPECIAL FOR
THESE KIND OF PROJETS..
I LIVE IN NY. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP.
Dear Bedding: before you go out and spend $100,000 on a sewing machine to sew bedding,
maybe you should consider having someone else make the samples for you first. There are
lots of great sewing contractors in the New York area. Try a local yellow page directory.
Good Luck, Andy
Hi Andy
I'm looking for a manufacturer who can supply the "hypercolour fabric" - any
idea where to find them?
thanks viv hulme
Dear Viv: we have come across this question before. Try searching the web. I know they
have been there before. Good Luck, Andy
Hypercolor t-shirts have been popular in the past and then gone. I did a search on Google
and found the Color Change Corporation at http://www.colorchange.com/index.htm
which has color change textile ink
that might be of interest to you. I am not aware of the t-shirts still being
manufacturered but this company may be able to help you. You can also do your own search
at http://google.com
Hope this helps!
Judith
Dear Jessie: please get the word out to our readers that we've found a web site that
offers Solar Active buttons, threads, T-shirts and even shoe laces. Our readers can find
them at www.solaractiveintl.com . It's a real
nice site, the best I can tell. They will be coming out with Solar active fabrics in about
30 days. We seem to have a lot or requests for this fabric over the last several years. We
wish all our readers, Good Luck. Andy
Hello,
I am looking for a manufacturer to make beach towels for me. The towel would entail
certain added features so we would have to speak or meet at some point to discuss details.
Do you have someone in or near the New Jersey area? I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you, Tina Marie
Dear Tina: you didn't say how many towels you are looking to make. If it is only a few,
I'd say try a local tailor shop. If it is in the 100's try to find some manufacturers in
the Southern U.S. . Try searching the web for towel companies. Good Luck, Andy
Dear Andy:
I'm an artist currently working and teaching in Florida. I'm working on this project that
need your advice. First, I'm looking for large bulk of shinny Vinyl in color pale pink or
baby pink. Second, I'm looking for a manufacturing company who can mass-produce my
project.
The idea of my project is making a children's room out of soft bricks, so I need about
500-1000 bricks made in pink vinyl to create a small room and there will be other objects
made out of different colors of vinyl in that room. My difficulties so far is finding the
color vinyl and getting someone or a co. to actually make it. So, I'm greatful if you have
any information or suggestions that you can give me on approaching this project. Thank you
for your time J. Chen
Dear Jaia: I've read your question, and now we have some for you. If these bricks are
going to be used for small kids, they will need to meet certain criteria for safety. I'm
not exactly sure what the criteria are, but they are out there. Visit some search engines
for School Supply companies. These items may already be available for purchase. There are
lots of sewing contractors in the Miami, Florida area. You may want to find some
contractors that work with vinyl. You may not have to sew these bricks together. You may
be able to heat weld them. What will they be stuffed with? Search our sourcing area here
at Fabrics.Net for the vinyl you need. Let us know if you need some more info. Good Luck,
Andy
Dear Andy,
Judith was so kind and refer me to you after she gave me some tips on my question. I know
you have answered this several times, but I wanted to know if you had any specific names
and or simpler/faster way of finding companies that would print custom made designs (of
our designs) on fabric. We're looking for a small quantity and can't possibly afford 6000
yards of fabric.
2nd: What is a convereter?
3rd: Would it be possible to contact the people that have posed the above questions
before, so I could contact them and ask them about their experience (Shery, Diane and
especially Pauline April/May 2000) ?
PS: We're close to NYC so any ideas in that area or NY state would be great. We love
fabrics.net!
Dear Gein-Men: I have visited your web site. Does anything you do there relate to the
fabric you need?
As far as writing the readers of our column, I'm sure you can find their email addresses
by going back into the files. If not, contact Jessie here at Fabrics.Net and she can
either pass it on or leave it as "open" question for our readers to respond to.
A converter is a company that takes a piece of fabric and changes into a new
configuration: i.e. a print converter will take a basic piece of cotton or poly/cotton
fabric and have it printed. Some converters buy greige goods (unfinished fabric) and have
it dyed and finished to meet certain standards.
There are many companies in the New York Area that are print converters. Look them up in
the yellow pages. Good Luck, Andy
Note from Jessie: Anyone wishing to speak more with Gein-Men, please contact me for their
email address jessie@fabrics.net
Hi Andy
I am desperately looking for a supplier/wholesaler and/or dealer who can supply me with a
large quantity of Bias Tape - 150 yds. Per roll - 1,000's of yards. I am on a time limit
and I need to find these people asap. If you could help me in any way to find a wholesaler
I would be most appreciative. Thank you for your time. Could you email me back with
whatever the answer is? Thanks again. Rochelle
Dear Rochelle: bias tape is usually a custom made item. Retail sewing stores sell it in a
more generic form. Visit our sourcing area here at Fabrics.Net. Also visit www.bobbin.com. They will have a sourcing area for you
as well. Any major metropolitan area such as Chicago, New York, Miami or Los Angeles
will have someone there that can make the product you need. Try the Yellow pages tool Good
Luck, Andy
I have a blouse that is 50% rayon and 50% linen. The tag says "dry clean
only." I was wondering if I could hand-wash it in cold water? What do you think?
Dear Meghan: I think you should dry clean it. Let's say you do hand wash it and the color
comes out or it shrinks or falls apart. What will you do with the blouse then? Follow the
directions. They are there to protect the garment from YOU! Good Luck, Andy
Andy,
I hope you can help me because all my search engine searches are coming up dry. A friend
of mine read, a few years back in the Parade Magazine, about a company that recycles jeans
down to their fibers and makes them into new apparel. You ever hear of such a thing? Any
thoughts? All assistance is greatly appreciated!
Regards,
Kelly
Dear Kelly: No, I never heard of a company that recycles jeans to the extent you are
talking about. Try visiting the Parade Magazine web site(if there is one) and try to
search their article data base. Good Luck, Andy
im lookings for sequence material that fades from pink to light pink to white
and back where can i find some or who can i go through to get it.
Dear Melanie: it's all in the spelling. The fabric you are looking for is not
"sequence" but "SEQUINS". The best place to start your search is right
here at the sourcing area of Fabrics.Net. Remember that you want to Source the fabric, not
SAUCE the fabric. Good Luck, Andy
