Layer cake ?
 

I just pick up Boundary Water Flannel layer cake by Moda. When I handle the fabric my eye and nose start to run and I can not stop sneezing. My mouth also get dry and no mater how much water I drink it is not enough. Has anyone else had the problem? Can I wash it. What would you all do. I pick this up to made my hubby a little lap quilt for xmas.I just love the fabrics.

Well, I know that lots of people say "don't wash precuts"! But in your case, I would definitely try washing them and see if that helps. Maybe you can put the pieces into those mesh lingerie bags. I sometimes buy little packages of odds and ends at a fabric store nearby, and I wash them that way. I've had a couple of really small pieces fall apart but most of them are fine afterward - they just need a good pressing.

I agree maybe wash them in a lingerie bag, gently and see if that helps.

I would soak them in a *lot* of water in the sink and hand-swish them around. I would do like-colors together this way in case something bleeds. If you have two sinks you could use one for wash and one for rinse.

Can you return the layer cake to the store? Not worth getting sick over some fabric.
If you wash you'll have to deal with the consequences of washing pre-cuts.
And with flannel there might be a lot of shrinkage. Nice fabric but...

If you do decide to wash the fabrics, make sure that you zig-zag around all the edges or you'll have a tangled mess. Ask me how I know.

That is alot of pieces to do. When I have something small like that it is a lingerie bag or I have used my salad spinner to soak them in and spin out...

Yeah, 42 pieces is a lot of zig-zagging, for sure! And if the fabric is making her sneeze and get watery eyes just by handling it, that would be pure torture. I still vote for gentle washing in a lingerie bag!

I agree with taking it back to the store if possible, or see if a friend wants to buy or trade something for them. I wash small pieces all the time, but I don't expect them to hold their size and shape.

I would only wash them in a sink of water. Maybe dry in the dryer. I'm sure the offender would be washed away.

Throw that material into a lingerie bag or pillow case right away and wash it with your laundry soap and vinegar. I use scrap strips to tie off the pillow case. Wash it in at least warm water. Use some color catchers also. Don't use any dryer softener sheets. I would then look at the label and see if there was fragrance added and let the manufacturer know about it. If any customer has asthma and orders this, it can trigger an attack. I get really anal when I see no sense in adding fragrance to material being sent out. Before I use any material, I always pre-wash and that includes layer cakes, charm packs. Jelly rolls I bought once and had to wash but knew it would fray horribly so I just let them soak in a bucket in the sink with laundry soap, rinse then let them dry out on the car port.

I would hand wash in the sink in cool water -- not a lot of agitation, but wash several times and let it air dry. That should take care of removing the chemicals used when processing the fabric. By washing in cool water and letting it air dry, hopefully it will shrink at the same rate as the rest of the fabrics you use in the quilt, and you'll have the normal results when you wash and dry the finished quilt.

I agree completely with this!

If new fabrics usually don't bother you, and this one is - the store/manufacturer should be made aware of your problem - others may also be afllicted.

I wash small pieces of fabric in the sink or a bucket or a big bowl or a kettle.

You are having a allergic reaction to the fabric. I would take some antihistamines and wash the fabric. Some people use a laundry bag that is used to wash delicates to wash the pre-cuts. I, too, have allergies and ALL of my fabric is washed the minute it enters my home. I know some find the process of washing and drying the fabric before use to be difficult,but I just treat the fabric like another load of clothes. Throw in the washer,then the dryer and I'm done. I don't iron the fabric until I use it, since I will have to iron when I'm ready to cut the fabric. This is why I have never bought pre-cuts,only yardage that I can pre-wash. Good Luck!

This is the first time I have reacted this bad to any fabric. I do have asthma so all my fabric is washed as soon as I bring in into the house. This is also is the first time I have pick up a layer cake just fell in love with the fabric. Would cost me to much to return as we were on a road trip and stopping at quilt shops. Right now it is hanging in the barn keeping the horses company:) A friend is going to wash it for me. What a nice friend I have:) bearisgray I will let the manufacturer know .I have never reacted this bad to fabric before. We will see after my friend washes a few pieces if I can then us it. If not she can have it.

I wash by hand or mesh bag in machine with non-allergenic soap and dry on a rack that fits in my dryer to prevent tumbling. If your dryer doesnt have the rack, I would just spread to dry. I have done a lot of scraps, fat quarters and thrift store finds this way. You might add some vinegar to the rinse for extra protection.

You have a very thoughtful friend! Aren't quilty friends the best?! Give her a hug and the fabric, if it still irritates you! Good luck!

I definitely would return them to the store.

As long as you haven't done anything with them I'd take them back, or at least attempt to....I NEVER pre wash fabric and especially wouldn't do it to pre cuts OR flannel!

But she's obviously allergic to the fabric dyes (or something in it) and zigzagging around the pieces will mean handling it a lot....and getting sicker! I'd return it to the store, no matter how much I loved it, and use something else. Nothing is worth being sick over. IMHO, anyway.

Try safety pinning like colors then wash. I have done this and it keeps them from fraying as much and helps keep their shape. You will have to pin each corner, sides, and a few times in the middle.

I often do this with fat quarters, works great. Otherwise, return the fabric, or email Moda and let them know it is making you sick because it might make others sick, especially children.

I think I would contact the store where you purchased the layer cake and ask if they can replace the fabric with an alternate or refund your money. I believe any store would like to be made aware of something this significant with their fabric. There has to be something in the finishing of the fabric that is causing an allergic reaction - I would contact the store.

Are the edges of the layer cake pinked? You may want to contact the manufacturer. They will be very concerned about the allergic reaction to their fabric. You might get an exchange of the same fabric washed, or not having the allergic stuff attached. It's worth a try.