hi there. i know your dilemma. i too am allergic to certain types of fabric but you know what? - i worked in a fabric store for 25 years and am still going! i refuse to let that stop me! :) i've learned i'm most sensitive to metallics, wools, burlap and batiks. washing with soap right after working with those fabrics helps immensely if you can't avoid those you are particularly allergic to. also using those gloves on both hands like you see on fons and porter shows helps. or using vinyl or if you're not allergic to latex, then the latex medical gloves works as well for me. and yes, of course washing the fabrics when i get them home helps. hang in there and keep on sewing!