I am allergic to new fabric. I have a formaldehyde sensitivity and most fabrics are treated with formaldehyde so that they will store longer without pest damage. I do not use fabric without washing it first. I have places on my hands, where there is the most fabric contact when sewing and quilting, that have a weepy rash if I am not very careful. I have unfinished items that I work at slowly because they were started before I figured out what was happening and the fabric is not washed. The less expensive the fabric the worse the reaction. I am not sure why but some stores produce a greater reaction - type of fabric?? or individual store circulation?