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From: Dorriebelle
Date: 03-24-2006, 09:28 PM (1 of 4)
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After three years of sewing for dolls, I decided to try sewing clothes for me. It's going pretty well - two blouses, a pair of shorts, and two pair of pants are made, and they fit me ! If you could see my 'built for luxury, not speed' frame, you'd know what an accomplishment that is ! Anyway, here's the deal - few weeks ago, I found some shimmery denim on the dollar table at Wal-Mart. Bought three yards in two different colors, blue/silver and black/silver. Yeah, I know, shimmery denim, and I'll be 40 in July. What can I say, I was raised in the 80s ! Didn't notice a scent when I bought 'em. Didn't notice a smell after they were washed. Popped 'em in the dryer after they'd hung out, for about 15 minutes, and whew ! Let 'em hang out a bit more, but the smell never dissipated. Kinda smells like industrial glue or solvent. Sprayed 'em heavily with a store-brand Febreeze clone, and it seemed to go away, or at least lessen the smell a bit. But when I went to use the black/silver on a pair of pull-on pants, they *really* started to smell when I had to iron 'em. So it seems like heat makes 'em stench up. I can just hang 'em out when I wash 'em, I already do that with most of the family laundry. But is there any way ya'll know of to eliminate or at least hold down the smell ? It's pretty fabric, I just hate to toss it because I'll worry about it smelling when I'm wearing it ! Thanks !! |
User: Dorriebelle
Member since: 06-05-2005 Total posts: 15 
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 03-24-2006, 10:12 PM (2 of 4)
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If the 'shimmer' is glued on it's probably always gonna smell....if it's in the weave...well I doubt that makes a difference...it's always gonna smell. Wal Mart needs to put up BIG signs saying Be Aware of what you're buying. All their Coke produts are bottled in Mexico. Their clothes come from everywhere BUT the U.S.. Their fabric is cheap (and I don't buy it...cause you never know what you're getting...). The only thing thats FROM the U.S. in Wal Mart is the employees. (providing the Wal Mart is IN the U.S.) Sorry...I'm NOT a fan of Wal Mart...(it's scary...) Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: MissTaraTara
Date: 03-25-2006, 12:58 PM (3 of 4)
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Dorriebelle, I don't know much about the shimmery denim fabric but if you think you'll have enough leftover for your project, make a few swatches (12"x12") or so and try the old remedies of removing odors ie vinegar, baking soda, borax etc. Maybe the smell is heat activated. If they will be shorts or pants, will you really need to press them before wearing anyway? I don't know how well or if these will work at all, I just know that I, too, hate to part with fabric. It just hurts to toss fabric away  . As a side note, would you consider making a vest or other item that can be worn over other clothing....maybe you don't want that fabric next to your "bare" skin.Tara |
User: MissTaraTara
Member since: 01-24-2006 Total posts: 227 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 03-25-2006, 01:24 PM (4 of 4)
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Also , try soaking in a salt solution.. Back in the 70's , I bought some fabric mfd in Hong Kong, and it was brown and black (2 pieces).. The dye was what smelled.. (like long dead fish) It took 3 washes, 1st vinegar, 2nd soda, but the charm was the salt in the 3rd wash.. I finally got rid of that odor and madeshorts for my boys and they were fine.. BTW the fabric was denim..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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