Andy,
I am looking for material that would be suitable for making the lettering that goes on
high school and college cheer uniforms. I have had no luck at all searching the internet.
Can you help me. It is so expensive to order them made and they are look terrible.
Thanks
Bonnie
BJ Sewing
Dear Bonnie: First I need to know if you need this for one garment or for 100
garments. If you need this for only one or a few garments, I suggest you visit a Jo-Anns
fabric store and look for Kunin Felt stick on letter/numbers. However, if you need the
"real mc coy "for a production run, I will get you the name and number of AA
Embroidery.. I think they are in New Jersey. They probably have what you need. Kunin has a
web site of their own if Jo-Anns doesn't carry it in your local store. Andy
Bonnie at BJ Sewing: AA World Embroidery can be reached at 800-526-0411. They do work
with consumers, but are a resource "to the trade".
Hi Andy,
I purchased a pair of nubby weave silk slacks marked '100 % silk - made in China'. I
noticed a pungent, unpleasant odor when putting them away and washed them in Woolite
believing it to be caused by sizing. After drying them outdoors, I found the odor was
still present in the fabric. I went to the Q&A section of fabrics.net and got an error
message.
Therefore I am asking my questions of you.
1) Is the odor a common problem in nubby silk manufactured by Salene Sport ?
2) If washing will solve the problem, how many times to achieve and should a particular
product be used ? These slacks fit well and are very comfortable but I would like to be
able to wear them around people. I appreciate your response and assistance.
Thank you,
K.R. Schafer
Dear K.R. your pants shouldn't have any odor. You have several options. If you
bought them in a reliable store, bring them back, and try to get a replacement pair. If
you know the location of the manufacturer, try calling them directly. Silk has been made
into fabric for thousands of years, and by now they should have it right. If washing
hasn't removed the odor on the first round, don't overwash them. Silk is a delicate
fabric, and should be washed as little as possible. Andy
J&J: add anything to this writing as you see fit.
Some of the companies who specialize in cleaning after a fire have an ozone room that
removes smoke odor from clothing. You might check with this type of company and see if
they can help remove the odor. Judith
Dear Judith: ozone room? Sounds expensive for a pair of pants? Unless Elvis wore them
first. Andy
Sophie, a reader writes: I would like to tell K.R. Schafer that I too
had a garment of silk that had (as she describes it) a "pungent, unpleasant
odor". (My nephew and nieces had much more colorful descriptors!) I also tried
washing with Woolite (and other soaps) and hanging outdoors (for multiple days and nights
-- including through one rainstorm) to no avail. Finally, I used a fabric rinse sample
that had come in the mail (very perfumed) and that did the trick. It seemed to eliminate
the odor, not just mask it. The fabric rinse sample was "Ultra Downy -- Fabric
Softener" ("Mountain Spring" or perhaps "April Fresh").
Dear Andy,
Help, Please! I have been searching for HD Biker fabric everywhere with no luck. You
are my last resort. Where can I find fabric with either the Harley Davidson, Harley's or
just fabric with motorcycles. Your help will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Geri Mahler
Dear Geri: this is a tough one. First, how many yards are you looking for? If its
only a small amount let's say 100 yards or so, then you either may be looking for that
needle in a haystack. Have you ever seen the fabric you seek, or is it something you
"just want"? If it's been made already, then we have something to pursue. You
may want to call Harley Davidson headquarters to see if they have licensed out their name
for use on fabrics. They can tell you who has it, and track it down from there. Keep us
posted. Andy
Hi Andy,
Can you recommend a particular fabric or a combination of fabric that is durable, water
resistant (perspiration), and will not stain if rubbed against other clothing material and
will not bleed? Oh, and I forgot to add, will not shrink when washed...
Thanks,
Mel!!!
Dear Mel: sounds like Goretex to me! Andy
Hi, Andy,
RJR Fabrics this fall is issuing a collection for quilters called Art Nouveau.
We're restoring a Chicago bungalow and could use these wonderful designs for slipcovers
and drapes, if only they were on heavier fabrics.
Is it possible for us to have 30 or 40 yards of this quilters'-weight fabric
profesionally Scotchguarded or coated in some way so we could then use it for furniture?
(Or do you know of a company that offers designs like this (lots of Calla lillies
outlined in black or gray) specifically for drapes and slipcovers?)
Thanks so much--April
Dear April: The "Hunt" is part of the fun of finding the right fabric for
your purposes. Ask you local dry cleaner if they can Scothguard your fabric. Try looking
in your local Yellow Pages. Or, purchase three cans of 3M Scotchguard, and do it yourself
after the chairs/drapes have been made. As far as recommending a particular company for a
special pattern, that's really hard to do. You've got to "do your homework".
Happy Hunting. Andy
DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS ON STARTING A WHOLESALE CLOTHING BUSINESS FOR PLUS SIZE
WOMEN. IS THEIR ANY GREAT RESOURCE BOOKS OUT THERE. I'M A CREATIVE PERSON, BUT WHEN IT
COMES TO MANAGING A BUSINESS I HAVE NO CLUE WHAT TO DO. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME AND I WANT
TO USE HEMP AND LINEN FOR MY CLOTHS. DO YOU KNOW ANY TEXTILE COMPANIES WHERE I CAN GETY
THE EST PRICE FOR USING HEMP AND LINEN THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP,
TYLA
Dear Tyla: Whew. You ask a lot. First, if you want to go into business, try your
local college or junior college. They sometimes offer evening classes for budding
entrepreneurs. As far as hemp is concerned try yahoo and search hemp. There is a company
called American Hemp Traders that has the fabric you need. Starting a business is always
both exciting and scary. but if you go slow, do your homework, and apply yourself, anyone
can do anything. Good Luck. Andy
Hello Andy,
My question is quite simple, where do I find someone who makes woven lables with company
name to place inside the garmet a designer has designed.
I am a bridal designer and I need labels for my gowns I am also looking for very fine
silks the best at a good price and at wholesale, I did find one source, however, I have
not been happy with some of the quality silks swatches that been sent to me for my book,
can you recommend someone?
Thank You and Best Regards, allyson
Dear Label Lady: in regard to labels, we don't have a source to give you at this
moment. I've do remember that in the classified sections of most sewing magazines there
are several ads for these exact types of labels. The best advice I can give at this time
is to surf the web. They are out there. Will keep your name on file and send you the info
when we have it.
Dear Allyson: In regard to SILK fabrics, the best advice I can give about Finding some
good suppliers is for you to attend the upcoming International Fashion Fabric Expo on
October 19-21. For more show information visit www.fabricshow.com or call 1-800-8NY-Show
or 212-594-0880. There are many different types and qualities of silk. If you are serious
about your business and want to find the best fabrics, this show is a must attend. The
last show did have a supplier from United Kingdom selling silk at $40 yard in 20 yard
rolls. I can't say whether it was a bridal weight silk. Good Luck in you fabric quest.
Andy
Dear Allyson; In regard to your question of August 8, we did finally locate someone
that sells labels. Please visit their website at www.widbylabel.com. I came across them
while surfing one day. Please let us all know about your experience with them. Thanks,
Andy and the rest of the Fabrics.net team
Dear Andy:
I have ironed a light blue polyester cheerleading skirt without putting a cloth between
the skirt and the iron. It was wet and I thought I could dry it faster by ironing it. It
has become shiny material. Is there any way to get rid of the shine by soaking the skirt
or having it dry cleaned?
Thanks!
Sharon
Dear Sharon: the last time I wore a skirt was when I was thirteen years old, for a
summer camp costume party. I was the Bagpiper. I don't remember ironing the skirt. Alas,
poor lass, I am unable to help you about the consequences of improper ironing. Any help
from any of our educated readers? Andy
Andy,
I am considering adding some quilt fabrics to enhance my gift shop. Can you help me as to
finding reps for fabric and supplies? I would be very grateful. Our shop is in Ellendale,
ND. Thanks
Melvina Thorpe
Jellybean Junction
Dear Melvina: After careful research, here is how you can find some sources: Search on
Yahoo under: National Quilt Association. The Association puts on trade shows about twice a
year. You will be able to find lots of new resources there. In New York, October 19-21 is
the International Fashion Fabric Expo. They have a web site at www.fabricshow.com. There
are resources at the site, and lots more at the show. There is also the Hobby Industry of
America trade show Jan. 30-Feb 2, 2000 in Anaheim, California. What you need will be there
too. Access HIA at www.hia.org. Good Luck in your search. Hope this info helps. Andy
Dear Andy, can you advice me how can I seek for special fabrics for decorating
walls. Our firm deals with interior decorating materials and we buy such fabrics
(manufactured by Lesura) from Kiev's distributor. But we don't satisfied with colours and
design of these fabrics and would like something more suitable for us.
Best regards, Yuriy
Dear Yuriy: We don't have lots of experience with the types of fabrics you seek.
However, I can tell you after years of searching the web, these fabrics are out there on
the web. There are several trade organizations that put on trade shows, both here in the
United States and in Europe. The best way to see a collection of these fabrics in one
place would be to attend a trade show, in person. If that is not possible, then continue
to search the web. I will do the same and see if I can find some site for you that may be
useful for your needs. Good Luck, Andy
An answer for Yuriy from a reader: Andy, We own a retail drapery and
upholstery fabric store in Durham, NC. The writer, Yuriy, was seeking fabric to place on
walls. Most drapery fabric can be placed on walls, but first the fabric must be treated.
The fabric is treated with a solution like an acryllic so that adhesive may be applied. We
have done this on several occasions and it looks terrific. Chester Redman
Dear andy,
I am going to start my own readymade garment business . I have got business license as
well as sales tax ID no. I am looking for wholesale suppliers of fine cotton, linen,
satin, organza ,taffta, orgendy etc. Please help me.
Thanks,
Pratima Mishra
Dear Pratima: You are in luck. Your timing is perfect. the International Fashion
Fabric Expo is from Oct 19-21, in New York's Jacob Javit Convention Center. Please visit
their web site at www.fabricshow.com. You may be able to register on line. Fabric
manufacturers from around the world exhibit at this show. You will be able to find all the
fabrics you need. We will see you there. Andy
Dear Andy
We are looking for non flammable fabrics for infants clothing .The fabric should be FDA
approved . What fabrics are the manufacturers currently using for baby sleepwear ?. Would
you happen to know a company that carries these fabrics.
Sincerely
Kim Roemen
Dear Kim; We sell Flame Retardant fabric every day, so I am really "up"
on these fabrics. First the FDA does not approve fabric. Maybe the FTC sets some
standards, with California having their own (stricter) standards. And with certain
retailers setting their own (even sticker) standards. For baby sleepwear it is usually a
polyester fabric that has been treated. Call Fab Industries or Guilford Mills, both
located in New York City, New York. All fabrics should be independently tested at outside
lab, so that you are covered should any problems arise. Good Luck in your search. Andy
