4dogs

I think what grosses me out is the idea about the fabric having been sprayed with some kind of a bug disinfectant/poisoin to keep the bugs off of it...and I dont want to be handling or breathing that poision..esp what was used in the other country...with no regulations like we have here on things like DDT and etc...yuk

sew cornie

This has been an interesting thread to read. I relate in both the allergy and staph issues. I always wash all fabrics. My asthma and sensitive skin don't mix well with chemical exposure. Unfortunately my kids have inherited these things from me. I think chemicals have their purpose and aren't all bad, but my family doesn't need the excess in our bodies. We breathe and feel better without them.

As for staph, my now 6yo son was diagnosed with MRSA at 9 days old - this is one of the Superbug staphs. Eleven days, 2 spinal taps, a CT scan, 2 MRI's, daily blood draws, and one surgery later, we were able to bring him home. He had another 3 weeks of antibiotic regimen both through a picline directly into his chest, then by oral doses. Never determined the source. I do believe antibiotics and antibacterials have contributed immensely to the rise in resistant staph infections.

Along with the chemicals we try to avoid the anti-stuffs. Just think we're better off without them and don't want to add to the greater problem.

yellowsnow55

Try washing inside a lingerie bag, reduces the raveling

Annya

I do the same. I find that if I wash till the dye comes out I know it will not run once the quilt is finished. I also use spray starch to get rid of the wrinkles and have it folded so it will stack better in my boxes. I am forever cutting myself either with scissors, knives etc. but I do make sure I wash my hand thoroughly to stop germs entering the cuts. I also put band aids on to prevent having blood getting onto other things. It is up to the individual person to decide how they treat their injuries.

wickn34

money is fabric. I have washed it before and it did not dissolve.

Fabricnut

This topic has surly given me a lot to think about as a quilter and as a nurse.
I heard at quilt group that if you cut a triangle off each corner of the fabric, it should not ravel when washed. Guess I better go cut and wash some fabric now.

zz-pd

thank you for the information, I have not had a problem, but I wash my hands before I sew and after I sew, Just a habbit after being a dental assistant for 23 years. God bless.

Annya

I learned that you should wash your hands before sewing to stop the oil getting onto your fabric which in time will leave nasty spots.