Is it possible I'm allergic to fabric shops?
#81
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 15,506
Originally Posted by serenitybygrace
I used to have the same kinds of reactions that many of you are talking about here. There are masks that you can wear. If shop owners are doing something to increase allergy problems - ex. potpourri, burning insence - sometimes they get the message. I don't have problems in fabric stores any more. I severely limit my time in shops that have strong smells of potpourri, candles and things like that. The worst store I have been in lately is Bed Bath and Beyond. I really like to look there, but I won't be going in again unless I have a mask with me. I have even said something to them, however, one customer having a problem is one thing, several/many people complaining may have some impact. I hate air freshners, perfumed detergents and conditioners, etc.
#82
Originally Posted by jaciqltznok
chemicals most likely...but a small shop could also not be clean..like in dusted well, have good ventilation, etc..
if you go to joanns, or a larger fabric place does it happen??
my mom can not go into ANY fabric store...she gets an instant headache...
if you go to joanns, or a larger fabric place does it happen??
my mom can not go into ANY fabric store...she gets an instant headache...
#83
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Centerville, WA
Posts: 1,254
I too have that problem with a few stores, but they are not fabric stores. I am sure it is their heating-cooling units they have in the stores. Has to be something to do with the venting of them or filters not being changed. I have to stay inside when they crop dust in this area. I do keep masks in my car in case they start to crop dust as I am coming home.
#84
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Oregon City, OR
Posts: 1,016
Originally Posted by athomenow
I have a problem with JoAnns at times. Sometimes I just have to leave because I'll get a headache and feel nauseated.
#86
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: The other Milwaukie, Oregon
Posts: 1,913
I know this sounds so weird. I can be in a store, either a clothing store or a fabric store for quite sometime and then all of a sudden my eyes water, my nose runs and I break our in a sweat like a hot flash. I need to get out of that place as fast as I can. It is so strange because it doesn't happen right away. it seems like it is only after I've been there for a while. I think it has to do with the chemicals and sort of a cumulative effect because it does not happen at home with my "collection".
#87
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: jamestown, new york
Posts: 1,690
Originally Posted by Podunk Princess
Originally Posted by pineneedles4
I have that exact reaction but only in one particular quilt shop and one yarn shop. I know the owner of the yarn shop sprays Fabreeze all over her shop and that is what I can't tolerate.
#89
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: near Peoria Illinois
Posts: 1,638
Originally Posted by crafty_linda_b
Rita it might be some chemical they treat the fabrics with. A lot of it has fire retardant chemicals on it now. Just take an allergy pill when you plan to go and then make sure you wash your hands & fabric as soon as you get it home. Allergic to fabric is NOT a good thing for a quilter!! Happy Stitchin' crafty_linda_b
Just shopping I have a mild reaction I can tolerate. When I worked for a major chain store of fabrics and crafts, I increasingly began to have worse issues until I had to quit. Working the cutting table became my worst place due to handling the fabrics all day long. I would now know to use gloves, a cotton glove for me so my hands breathe.
But I still quilt without problems.
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