JoAnn's story continued...
 

Some of you read that Friday I bought a ton of flannels, quilters and cozy.
I complained that most were bleeding, then some were pilling.
I was planning on going back to the store.
But I was sidelined by sinus/migraine attack. Did nothing Saturday except take my medicine and try to recover. Sunday I washed a few more pieces in the hope that the bleeding would end (ha-ha on me!). Then I got sick again.
I had to take a prednisone (for severe allergy attacks which up till now has only happened with foods!) to start my day today.
I managed, in pain and shaking, to get to JoAnn's. I showed the clerk my stack of colored color catchers and the pilled fabric. Then I was shaking so badly I held onto the counter and told her I thought I had an allergic reation to the chemicals in the flannel.
They were so nice from the get-go. They didn't question anything. One woman carried my BIG bag of fabric back to the cutting area so it could be verified. But the manager said no need since it had been washed, just make out a new slip for him. The only thing that was ever said to the manager was that I had had an allergic reaction; no more questions asked.
Aside from reds, I haven't had a problem with JoAnn's flannels like this. I've never smelled any chemicals before. Makes me wonder if they've changed something along the way. Only the cozy flannel was a problem. It also was so thin, I thought. Didn't feel good really but I did like the colors!
So, good news: got my money back and they were very nice; bad news: it's either me or JoAnn's flannel that has a problem.

I hope you get to feeling better. It is nice to see a good story about Joann's. Every time I go in there, they are extremely nice. I haven't had any issues with returning anything.
I went in one time to buy a bias tape maker. I read the ad wrong, it wasn't to go on sale till the next day. But the manager let me buy at the sale price anyways.

Well, I hope that you are feeling better now. What a terrible experience for you. I am glad that at least they were nice at JoAnn's. Hope you will totally recover from all those symptoms soon. You probably should just stay away from that flannel. God bless.

Your story makes me wonder where they're getting their flannels from. I hope no one uses them for children's clothing.

Thanks for your kind wishes, Chasing Hawk and Nanquilts44. I am better now, with another dose of medicine, but staying away from all fabric for now.
Too bad too. This weekend my husband was off on his motorcycle so I was going to take the time opportunity to make baby quilts, receiving blankets & hooded towels to start selling.
Ah........best laid plans.

My thoughts, also. I was going to use all the lint to stuff my cuddlies (don't know what else to call them!) When I start selling my baby stuff, a cuddley will go with each. But now I think I'll just throw it all away!

It does sound as if the fabric was making you sick! Pretty scary! I hope that never happens again!!!

Eak! So glad you're feeling better. I purchased some kitty flannel years ago but I didn't remember from where because it was a while before I went to use it. I washed it but there was a petroleum type smell that would not go away. I washed it several more times & then threw it out as I couldn't get rid of that smell. Luckily, I didn't have any reaction but I didn't want anyone else to end up with it either. I never had anything like that happen since and that was probably close to 10 years ago.

Thanks for the update. Sorry your feeling so bad and I hope it wasn't The fabric. I bought some of the Quilters Flannels and hope I don't have a problem.

The quilters flannel I got was OK, joyce888.

And remember: I'm allergic to everything! Almost anything with a smell will bring on a headache at the least, then swollen sinuses in my face, followed by migraine and, at the worst, the allergic reaction (more/different pain in the head).
It didn't really help to find out WHAT it is that makes these smells bother me; it's in so many things it doesn't help to know the name, I just have to know to run as fast as I can from it.

I was glad to find out that JoAnn's was willing to give me a refund (on all except one that was discounted but I wasn't told it was discounted when I bought it/oh well).

So sorry to hear you were not feeling well!!! Hopefully it was not the fabric!!!!

I do hope you continue to feel better! thanks for the update. We have a new Joann's and I have been very pleased with everyone I've encountered so far. Very helpful and friendly. And, they will cut a 1/8 yard piece of fabric.

The last time I went to Joann's I looked at all the bolt ends and every single one said "made in China". I love to buy notions there, but no more fabric!

I bought 2 different brands of flannel from Joann's recently. 1 of them pilled terribly and the other didn't. I took the pilled 1 back yesterday for a refund. At first the girl behind the counter wasn't going to give a refund because it had been washed. I told her that it had to be washed before using because flannel shrinks and the pilling made it unusable for a gift I was making. She called the manager and the manager ok'd it. I guess they have a policy that if the fabric's been washed it can't be returned...I'm just glad they gave me my refund but am a little leary about if it happens again...

Diannia

Yes, how do you know if it bleeds or pills unless it's washed? The first clerk checking it all did not measure. Then she had to go to lunch and the next girl started measuring. The first one told her not to bother, that it wouldn't "measure up" but it was already OK'd.

My son has a similar issue with fabric--even the clothing hanging on the rack. There is some chemical that some manufacturer's use that sets off a migraine. Going school shopping with him is a fun experience. He quickly walks through the was boys--now mens department and we have to take note of anything he likes. Then he stands a safe distance away while hubby & I try to find his size. If we're successful; we all dash to the fitting rooms and he quickly tries them on. This is mainly for pants. Shirts we can usually eyeball for fit. Even with the extra pre-cautions; it is very rare that we are actually able to complete this annual nightmare in one trip. The best way for us has been to make a day of it and stop at many stores for short spurts. His migraine will go away as quickly as it hits him if he doesn't spend more than 10 minutes near the offending clothing. In Joann's, he learned a long time ago to stay away from the fabric section. We do know from an experience with a new car that had been treated with Scotchguard, that will set off his migraines. There is no way to tell on fabric though if it has been treated or which chemical is causing the migraines. Later this summer, on our annual scavenger hunt for new school clothes, I plan to make him take allergy pills for a week before the adventure begins to see if it helps.

That piece probably was a blend with polyester or nylon it. Cotton does not smell like petroleum. Unless it was spilled on it.

Wow. Have you tried shopping online? Has he worn a mask while shopping? It doesn't keep everything out, but it helps. I had to walk around Asheville, NC on a walking tour (the spooky kind at night) wearing my mask because one man bathed in cologne.

I have found that sometimes in the fabric dept's the smell of some of them isn't great and bothers me there so I don't buy them. Maybe it's something with the flannels but I have had problems with other fabrics. I also get those sinus problems and it's not funny. I'm glad to hear your feeling a little better. I have to say that when I have had to exchange at JoAnne's they've always been very nice of course I live there sometimes when they have their good sales. I've got another good coupon that starts June 2nd so I need to decide what I need most. Stay well. Sue

oh my dear.....I am sorry to hear this happened to you....sadly it is happening more frequently...more chemicals are used everyday to get our fabric into this country!

I do hope you can find someone to wash it for you next time!

My fabric was making me sick too. I had headaches, runny nose, itchy eyes and other signs of cold and flu for two weeks. Finally a lady at the LQS told me to go home and wash my fabric. I did. Took me about a month but where as I could not even go into my sewing room becasue the smell (even with windows open) without sneezing non stop, the washing made all the difference. That was when I educated myself and got introduced to formaldehyde poisoning. I believe my case was mild but long lasting becasue I went so long without doing anything about it. It is common in the textile industry and is most recognized by fatigue, cold and flu symptoms.

with as many people not having jobs ,including myself ,I think that America could have their own fabric manufacturing company in the U.S.***alot of our jobs went to China.

yep...I have about 30 yards to wash and I can not go into my living room for too long until it gets done!

I have heard about stuffing "cuddlies" with lint. Lint is highly flammable and was told never to use it for stuffing in a toy or actually anything - lint is lint and should be disposed of! Edie

Glad to hear that JoAnns made good on their products. I have noticed a huge change it the quality. It's so bad now that for the most part I refuse to use them anymore. If I buy the quilt shop quality, it's great but the selection is poor, so I might as well go do a quilt shop, unless I have a coupon. I'm not familiar with the flannels but I use Hobby Lobby for fabrics more than anywhere else anymore. Fabrics all have formaldehyde in them and my friend has to pre wash all her fabrics no matter where they come from to keep from getting sick with allergy symptom. I wonder if the poorer the quality of fabric, the more stuff they use on em.

I developed the headaches etc after I developed fibromyalgia.. My nose is much more sensitive now its seems. I use to love scented things but now if it isn't a completely natural scent I cannot stand to be around it. The Joann's here doesn't seem to bother me as much as the one in GA did. I can actually walk around the store for more than 15 minutes. But Any fabric or piece of clothing goes from the bag into the washer. I cannot let anything sit in my room for any period of time. I
I hope your feeling better now.

What a shame that our fabric can cause so much illness. I notice that fabrics just don't seem to be the quality we once had. I have started to check the label for the place of origin and rarely find anything from the USA. I can't recall the last time I saw that.

Each year, I seem to experience more and more sinus/allergy type symptoms but I had not thought about the fabric I use. Sunnye, I'm so glad you are feeling better and I now plan to notice if my sinuses are reacting to the fabric I'm using.

looks like we'll now have to sniff and fondle our fabric. I've noticed some of the smelly stuff too. Seems like it's in the really dark colored prints or maybe just the one I saw.

Hope you are feeling better. This shows chemicals are very potent and can be dangerous for some. I am glad that the store was very cooperative. Please stay away from these types of materials in the future.

I have chemical allergies & copd, so have to be very, very careful. I've been told that imported clothing, fabric, yarn, etc is treated with insecticide before being allowed into the country. I believe that because I can smell it. I'm not able to stay in fabric/yarn stores for very long without choking up, & anything I buy, my DD washes for me with washing soda. Even the yarn - we tie the skeins up in old panty hose legs & put through washer & dryer - if it can't be machine washed & dried, i don't buy it. I can get good quality homespun natural fibers from independent producers in this country but the cost is so prohibitive I only do that for very, very, special gifts.

hugs
Shirley in Indiana

A year ago I would have said I was not troubled by any of the fabric. Now, some of the newer fabric in my stash has to be washed for me to avoid headaches. Right now it is only headaches -- I have not had the really bad reactions but this may be building to something worse.

Sunnye, I hope you are feeling better now.

I think that the fabric made in china is using formaldyhyde as a sizing now. I used to get an allergic reaction walking into fabric stores years ago, and I stopped sewing for a long while. Recently I had an allergy attack, and couldn't figure out the cause. Duh, I stopped and shopped a long time in Joann's - I wonder if it is the formaldyhyde, or just the dust. Joann's seems to have gotten messy lately.

As long as I can remember when going into a fabric shop, after a few minutes my eyes would burn and start to tear up
and my nose would run. I finally noticed that it was much worse if new fabric had been unpacked. I personally think that it is the dye, sometimes you can even smell it, especially dark fabrics.

man plans and God laughs. But happy you are on the mend

Our oldest Granddaughter Has been in Italy for a month, she has had a cold or allergies the whole time. I'm leaning towards allergies, although she has none here. When she has a cold it only last a day or so. I know lot of differences between here and there. She comes home Monday and I hope all clears up.
I am glad you have recovered and watch what flannel you buy. I don't buy much flannel, bought some years ago and still have not used it.

Oh my goodness I do hope you are doing better..

Glad the store was supportive. Sorry you had such a bad reaction to something. I have a hard time shopping at my Joanns because of the smell and allergic reaction. I thought it was just Christmas time and the smelly stuff they had, I could smell it in the parking lot. But I went last week to try again, within one minute my eyes were burning and started to have wheezing.

I am lucky that I have another Joanns that does not effect me so badly but at that store the service is terrible. Oh well, guess I have to use those coupons for online shopping.

I wonder if it is some of the fabric and not just the scented stuff.

sure hope you are feeling better now.. maybe by the weekend you will be good enough to do some sewing.. sure hope so... what fun you had planned... hope it works for you. and thanks for the news about joanns..smile

I bought a brand of flannel at Hancock Fabrics several weeks ago, I think it was Kozy Flannel. It pilled like crazy when I washed it and really, really, shrank and was very thin after washing. It was okay that it was thin because I was making baby blankets for use in South Florida. However, the pilling was very bad and I had to use my fuzz buster on it. I will not be buying this brand again. So, don't think it's just at JoAnn's with the bad flannel and the smell. A lot of warehouses are beginning to spray with chemicals to kill bed bugs being imported into this country in shipments of fabric from China. Be sure to wash and dry all fabric you buy these days to prevent an onslaught of possible bed bugs in your homes.

I hope you're feeling better by now, and happy for you that they let you return the fabrics.

I have issues at JoAnn's too, but it's usually at its worst when they get a new shipment in and haul it out to stock the shelves. I'm allergic to the formaldehyde they use in the fabrics...I think it's in the sizing! I walk in the doors and immediately start itching like a dog with fleas! lol By the time I get to the back of the store my eyes are burning and itching. No shower helps, no lotion helps, etc. I just have to wait for it to "wear off". EVERYTHING from the fabric stores goes immediately into the washer when I come in the door!

I've gotten really picky about chemicals in every way over the last few years; in our foods, on our foods, laundry soaps, fertilizers, etc.