The Designers likely purchase the fabric from the manufacturer....esp if the Designer is selling fabric via their online website. The problem lies with the source...the Designer. He/She most likely works from their house as lot of onlines do. My quilts come back from my long arm smelling of musty air as she has her long arm in her garage. The smell dissipates once I get it home.
The mildew concerns me. That issue , to me, is more troubling than smoke. Are there lots of black spots on it??? Would a light spray and water and vinegar work? I should google it.
Sandy