SVS about your fabric allergy. I can relate and sympathize because I also have the same thing. Mine was diagnosed a couple of years ago but it was through some backtracking of things I had done, where the little pimples started (on my lap where fabric sits when you're at the sewing machine) that I realized it was the fabric that caused it. After about 2 months of itching and looking like I had some dreadful, contagious disease which had escaladed to huge welts all over my body; steroids and ointments were the only help for my problem besides staying away from a "particular" fabric. I am very cautious now about what touches my skin, where the product (or fabric) is manufactured (China) and things of that nature. Sorry to say....it is something we have to live with but on the plus side, we can still quilt.

It isn't really the fabric, it's the chemicals they put in the fabric as you said. I have the same allergy, so I wash my material, and I wear washed cotton gloves. Where there is a will, there is a way, so don't give up!!!

Hello Natalieg, sorry to hear of your allergic reaction to fabrics - I hand wash all fabrics up to 4-5 metres long before use and hang them in the shade to drip dry, then iron when quite damp, thus removing all wrinkles.

My granddaughter is allergic to dust mites and I had severe reaction to antibiotics a couple of years ago so needed to be 'challenge tested'. At same time bought woollen underlay for bed which was made in China so there was concern as to where I might have picked up anything (we had learned about laminate in baby milk powder etc in China then).

You can try leaving them partially folded and pouring boiling water over them, said to remove the sizing etc. Willalso let you know if the colour is fast!! LOL. CB

Do you drink or eat anything "sugar free?" Aspartame in sugar free products turns to formaldehyde at 86 degrees F and then turns to formic acid, that is the poision in the ant sting. Check it out with your Dr.

If you clip all the corners on the diagonal before putting in the washer, the fabrics won't ravel...I did not believe it until I tried it...

I'm allergic to fabric too...but..I take an allergy pill daily and keep on quilting!!

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!

Your husband bribed the doctor to tell you that. Just ignore it.

So sorry about your allergy! When I wash fabrics, I just dry them all the way and handpress them as I fold them up. That works pretty well. Then I will just iron before I cut.