fktsewing

you will be ok---I have the same allergy and did not find it out until I was working in a fabric store. Almost passed out, what a weird feeling. But the doctor discovered it and now I just bring home the fabrics, wash them in cold, dry them in the dryer with a snuggle fabric softener sheet and I am good to go. I do not sew the edges because it gives me the info to see if I need to finish edges when I make things or not. I am on allergy meds and as long as I take them everyday, I am fine. I was not about to let it keep me from my passion.

Ginakra

I am also finding that I am affected by fabrics. I was in my local Joann store this Saturday, and within seconds of being in the baby fabric aisle, my eyes began burning. I eventually had to leave the store. I was moderately affected with stuffy nose, irritated eyes, and a slight cough for two days. Previous to that, I got REALLY sick from seconds of contact with very linty moda jelly rolls. I was on the couch with the same symptoms only way worse, plus dizziness and fatigue (caused by formaldehyde I guess) for several days. I never know what fabrics or stores will affect me. It's scary that fabric can affect people so badly.

eleu16

I put all my fabric in the dryer and take it out as long it is warm...fold it and I even don't have to iron it....but I know it depends on the quality of the fabric, the softer it feels the better it comes out of the dryer...now wrinkles

Maybe1day

It certainly is surprising that with so many people becoming affected by the processes that are used to treat fabric that more isn't being done about it, particularly as some of these processes are known to be very toxic. Maybe in the scope of things the number of affected people is quite low per head of population and that is why not?

I couldn't think of anything worse than being allergic to fabric :shock:

domaema

If Fabric is wrinkled when you takeout of dryer spray with plain water in a spray bottle then press.

eleu16

sorry it should say NO wrinkles !!!

cindyg

I bet you are not the only one with an allergy to fabric chemicals. I wash my fabrics for that reason and, if they are going to bleed, I want them to bleed before I put them into a quilt. I sometime pink the cut edges. Sometimes I'm too lazy to do that. I dry them completely and then use Mary Ellen's Best Press (starch alternative) and iron it.

Bev

I take them out of the dryer while still fairly damp, then iron. If they get a little too dry in spots I spray them with a mist of water. I don't have a problem with serious wrinkles except for flannels. I never get all of the wrinkles out of them.
Oh, I forgot, put your dryer temp on low heat.
Sorry about the allergy to the chemicals. Formaldehyde is a beast! But it CAN be washed out. It just takes a little doing.
Good luck! 8-)

Bev

But think of the people who buy clothes that have never been washed and have these chemicals in them. There have got to be a lot of people around, non-sewers, who have the allergies too. And some poor little kids too.

roseOfsharon

Sorry to hear of your allegry... washing the material as you buy would be the best solution than storing and washing only as needed. It was suggested that maybe someone could help you with the washing and that was my thoughts too. I know I would do it for you if I lived near you. What if you wore long sleeves when handling the material, wonder if that would help? Anyway, good luck and I press when material is just damp.. and have ironed when dried completely.. a spray bottle of water helps too!