Not sure were to post this, so . . .

Has anyone ordered fabric from Pam Bono? I have received two separate shipments of fabric and both smell terrible. The first was older clearance fabric (a few years old) and I just assumed it wasn't stored properly and I washed it. This clearance fabric was quite inexpensive (and for my stashbuilding) so I wasn't so bothered. The books that came with that order had no smell and her patterns are really easy and fun.

A few months later, in response to her email advertisement, I ordered three of her new 1/2 yard packs with two more books. This time both the fabric and books smelled terrible and the fabric wasn't cut quite 18" wide. I can't tell if it is smoke or mold that I smell. I spoke directly with Pam the day the second order came and she wanted me to pay to return the shipment, refused any kind of a credit, and denied the yardage was short or that the smell could have come from her warehouse. I was kind of shocked at how unpleasant she was about the issue. I was concerned about posting this and it has been a few months, but I am still bothered by this and wanted to get your input. I pm'd someone here on the QB and she thought as I do that I should ask you all and share my personal experience.

I washed the fabric and now it is really shy of 18" and there isn't enough to use for the pattern I had planned, so I guess that becomes stash as well. I sprayed Febreeze into the books' pages and left the books open in the sun and they seem to smell better but are a little crinkly from the Febreeze. A co-worker said to shake baking soda through the book for a few days then shake out, may try that as well.

But, I am still just surprised at the assumption I would try to take advantage. I have had a few other problems before with shipping mistakes from other LQSs and it has always been handled so well by the other business owners I have dealt with online. I understand we all make mistakes (however, I work so hard for my money I want it to go as far as possible) so I wanted to see if anyone else has ever received fabric from Pam Bono and the condition.

I am a huge fan of the LQS and use them both in person and online as often as possible. Not saying you shouldn't use her, just wanted to share my experience. Maribeth

I personally have not ordered anything from this person/place.

I think you have the right to be upset at the bad smell and the short yardage, as well as her bad attitude. Of course, the bad attitude come have been because you weren't the first person that day/week to complain...

I would be upset too! Did you use PayPal or Visa??? If so, check with them, there should be some kind of remedy that they can suggest :D

What a disappointment!

As a former smoker, I can admit that I never smelled cigarettes until I quit. I was smoke-free probably six months before I got in my car and it smelled "funny" because the smoke smell was no longer there. Mold starts asthma attacks for me, so it would've gone directly into the washer.

As to funky smells in books, the baking soda works. So does sunshine and leaving the book open in a sealed plastic container with charcoal. Each method takes a while.

So sorry to hear of your problem. :(

I appreciate your responses and SewJoyce you might have been right, I hadn't thought of that.

Moonpi, Thanks for the charcoal idea, I will give it a try.

Take Care, Maribeth

Never ordered from her and now never will - thank you for the heads up.

I have ordered patterns from her and always been happy. But, I have never ordered fabric. I would need to think twice about it now. I ordered a Baltimore Quilt book from Ebay and it reeks of smoke. As soon as I opened the package my whole family could smell it. I do love the book and will try your charcoal idea to see if it helps. I can't use it the way it is.

i think we've all had problems now and then with online orders.

i ordered fabric from an ebay dealer recently and when it came i could smell smoke as soon as i opened the package. also, the postage was a full $1.75 less than i was charged. this was a home business, so there was no minimum shipping cost. i immediately messaged her and her attitude was 'i never claimed my home was smoke free'. and 'i misjudged how much it would weigh'. but she did send a check for the difference in shipping and a letter of apology for the stinky fabric.

i think you should send a hard-copy letter of explanation and complaint, describing your disappointment at the quality of the items and the manner of service. tell her the steps you have taken to remedy the situation and what the result so far have been. stay calm. don't get angry, even though you should be. you get further with a reasonable letter than a phone call when she is busy and cranky.

keep us informed.

another solution to smelly books is dryer sheets.. put both in a zip-lock bag and leave for a while.. I like the febreez ones best and put a piece of fabric between them if possible to keep the sheet from possibly marking the book.