ILoveToQuilt

I guess the title says it all...does anyone else sniff fabric before they buy it? I've found that some fabrics absolutely stink from the inks or chemicals the manufacturers use (usually the cheaper fabrics) and I am afraid to buy them in case the smell doesn't come out even after washing. I also have asthma and find that some fabrics make me wheeze. I really can't be alone in this...or am I?

Thanks for your answers. I need to know if I am "nuts" or not! LOL No, no...don't answer that!

Anita

quiltstringz

Well I have to say that I have never done that. So far the only thing that has struck my nose is the Olfa Mats. When they first come into a store they stink like a skunk!

Kooklabell

I notice that fabrics in certain stores have more odors to them - processing odors. My sister is super sensitive to odors, she certainly lets me know if something "stinks" LOL But I notice the odor without having to actually put it to my nose. I tend to cough in these stores as well. I notice others are also coughing once they've been in the store for a few minutes. You're right, washing doesn't always eliminate the bad odor. Yuk

So, nope, you're not alone or nuts LOL Or if you are, you're in good company

MaryMo

There's some fabric I got from somebody de-stashing that I wish I had paid more attention to the smell .... it took several washings and hanging out in the sun to be able to sew with it. It had some kind of petroleum smell to it. Still not sure that the finished project won't still hold that odor. It was just a couple of pieces out of the stash, not the whole stash, so I wonder where it came from originally.

sandybuttons

yes some smell so bad that they make me sneeze, won't buy them

JulieR

I don't, but I don't think you're nuts for doing it!

nativetexan

it sounds like something we all should do. especially at charity shops or garage sales.

rburnitt

I sniff all my fabrics. I buy them online. Ha Ha Just a joke

barny

I used togo into a hometown store and I would start sneezing and coughing. It was back when they first started putting wrinkle free chemicals in stuff. drove me crazy.

scrappingfaye58

I notice with Sauder's, a lot of their fabrics smell like all the herbs that they also sell. I prewash, so I don't really mind it. My youngest daughter refused to go in that shop with me lol... picky kid!