i had a friend that would have reactions when she would walk into a fabric store. Especially the ones that had the isles together. At one point she literally had to leave the shop. So it could very well be what the fabric is treated with. Good luck, hope you figure out what is causing it. I've also heard that fabric attracts mites & I know none of us like to think about something like that but if we keep it stored for any length of time, what a nice cozy place for them!

I have an allergic reaction in a fabric store too. It causes me to buy stuff I don't need.

I have heard of this, and some lower line fabrics have even more die and chemicals in them. Does it still bother you if you wash the fabric before sewing with it?

I can't do wool either. Itchy, red hives. And I will sneeze when first working with fabrics and batting. The sneezing goes away eventually. Cotton dust can't be very good for you.

If you buy 100% cotton, there is no reason not to wash before using. That is what I would do. I have allergies, so know how bad they can be. Thank goodness, fabrics don't bother me, lol.

I never thought about the cotton dust. I recently bought some cotton Coats & Clark machine quilting thread and it is so dusty! I'm cleaning my machine out more because of the dust and I clean the needle & foot off during a project a few times. I wonder if this could be it...hmmmm.

I bought some C&C cotton quilting thread only because I was at Wal-Mart which is the opposite direction by 20 miles of Joanns. I am using it for charity quilts, but won't get any more. It is pure C---! So much lint I can't keep anything clean. I am going to have to place an order from CT. Oh what a shame, may have to buy some fabric too to reach the $50 free shipping. :roll: I do a lot of sneezing while I am sewing.

I'm not sensitive to many things, except for scents..some stores, like the ones for leather stuff...I walk in and take a deep breath, stagger out gasping for breath.
I am careful about washing fabrics before cutting into it, my family have a lot of different allergies and it's hard to keep up with all the chemicals in everything, from food to fabric nowadays.

I had some materials gifted to me and also some send so I could help with charity quilts. (sewing room in bedroom) I got really congested, just happen to wash the materials except the charity ones sent... my congestion is leaving. I moved the charity material out so I would not be sleeping with it. I sure feel better. Guess I have an allergy of sorts to it and never knew. I did my cutting in bedroom also. I found that bothers me, so will be cutting at table from now on.

I haven't tried this for self, but was just thinking. Wonder how a mask would help? Like a nurses... for sure dust would not enter.