love this topic and lots of good comments, keep them coming

Thank-you again for all the solutions. I am sure they each work in their own way depending on the situation at hand.
To do my test I have left everything in the bedroom because I can't use the sun in the winter.
I tupperwared: baking soda, fabric and notions. No smell.
I tupperwared: activated carbon, fabric and notions. No smell.
I put activated carbon in open containers in the dresser drawers, closet and in the closed room. No smell.
Now, I want to take the activated carbon away and see if the smell comes back. If it does not I will use the activated carbon in the sewing room and borax for the things I wash.
Many thanks, Dorothy

You could also try coffee... place some in a plastic container with holes in a lid. Place it near all the items. What the coffee does is absorb the odors. It works.
good luck.

If you are going to wash them, try cheap shampoo, without conditioner. I used to wash my vintage finds in this, and it works well. I used a tepid wash and gentle long cycle.