Went on a shop hop with some friends the other day and after a very short time in the first shop I became congested and started coughing. Tell me it's not true.....a quilter with fabric allergies!!!!

Yes..lots of us are allergice to fumes on fab and develop breathing issues. I can breathe ok but have to wear doc exam gloves till I wash the fab three times. For me not cureable but manageable.

it might not be the fabric but elements in the store. there are some stores that have animals or strong smells or a certain cleaning product that can be problematic for people with allergies.

Rita it might be some chemical they treat the fabrics with. A lot of it has fire retardant chemicals on it now. Just take an allergy pill when you plan to go and then make sure you wash your hands & fabric as soon as you get it home. Allergic to fabric is NOT a good thing for a quilter!! Happy Stitchin' crafty_linda_b

I have that exact reaction but only in one particular quilt shop and one yarn shop. I know the owner of the yarn shop sprays Fabreeze all over her shop and that is what I can't tolerate.

Many quilt shops also have store pets in them. Could be a critter causing you distress too.

Hubby has that problem with fabric shops, candle shops and bath and body works. It means I get to go inside by myself and he is not there to hear the total bill. LOL

Maybe that was my problem. This particular shop has a section of high dollar hand-dyed wool yarns and I spent a lot of time near that section. I'll have to experiment next time I visit that shop. Thanks for the "clue."

I would never take a baby or toddler to a fabric store. The fumes of the fabric sizing used may not affect older kids or shoppers but for a baby it could cause life long allergies. Just like not giving eggs to a baby under the age one. Clothing stores are okay, the fumes have long gone in the making of the clothes. Bolts of fabric are wrapped in plastic and not opened until in the store. Some shops with poor ventilation the fumes can be overpowering to many.

Some do that to me too. Probably the dyes, etc used in making the fabric.