been washed. While cutting and sewing I had an itch and thought a mosquito or something had bitten me. In less than 15 minutes I'm covered in red,swollen, itchy rash. Hives everywhere. been battling them for 2 days now, today is day 3. I have to get a prescription. So I cant decide, do I itch or do I stitch. I think both, hope the medicine helps

Sorry to hear this Bev - Where on earth did the material come from to do this to you? Get better soon so you can stitch without the itch.

1 comment

by bevintex 10 Apr 2011

back to no itch stitchin, feels great
Bev

OH MY GOSH! I hope that this will not happen to you again but like it has already been said you have to know what it was that caused this in the first place sew that you can avoid it in the future! GOOD LUCK WITH THIS!

had some awhile back and i figered it was the dyes and i could not use it so i gave it to another sewer!!I to get hives easy !!carolyn

I feel for you Bev. I have an allergic reaction every time I get around clothing washed in Gain or dried with Bounce. I retired from teaching school early (26 yrs.) because, of allergic reactions to these products and perfumed smells. The children worked hard with me but, every once in awhile I would have problems with a child mad at me who would test me to see if I was making it all up. I lived on Benedryal a lot. This reaction came late in my life. You can never tell when you will develop an allergy to something.
If you developed hives then you need to find out quickly what it was. You can do this through a process of elimination. Have someone put the fabric in an air tight container and clean the surfaces where it was. After several days when you have cleared up from the hives take the container outside and open it. You might have a reaction but, it won't be as severe. If it is the fabric making you ill have someone else take care of it by either cleaning it until there is no odor or, disposing of it. Allergic reactions can get worse. I'm amazed at the number of people who walk around with headaches and often they are caused by scents of some product. Good luck and I hope you can find out what is getting under your skin.... cj

1 comment

by bevintex 08 Apr 2011

I'm feeling better now ,got rid of the itch with a prescription medication. And the welts aren't as large
Bev

I feel for you, but I can't see how the seller could forsee such a rare possibility of you being allergic.

1 comment

by bevintex 08 Apr 2011

I'm not blaming the seller, could of happened to anyone. Maybe it wasn't the fabric maybe something else. I'm just trying to see what I did different and the fabgic was the only thing I can think of
Bev

Did you purchase from a seller in the U.S.? Just curious. I would certainly seek some medical advice, especially after what "rachap" said about hives. Also, can you take benadyl in the meantime?

Hope your feeling better soon so you can do more stitching than itching.

1 comment

by bevintex 08 Apr 2011

seller is in the united states but she got it from an estate sale. I can't say for sure that is what brought it on but there was nothing else I did any different than usual.I've got my benadryl supply
Bev

Did you contact her to find out what she washed it with,where it was stored, or what she's trying to cover up with the perfume smell? I sure would contact her.

1 comment

by bevintex 08 Apr 2011

yes, she bought it at an estate sale she can't give much more info than that
Bev

Sounds like you may be allergic to the dyes in the
fabric, or the perfume you smelled. I would was it again, if I planned to continue making items from it. Hope your hives heal quickly. That is most annoying to deal with. Hope you soon will only be "itching" to stitch! LOL
Angel

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by bevintex 08 Apr 2011

me too!

I have great empathy for your Bev. I get hives, but mine are related to food allergies.

I'd certainly wash that fabric again in your washing detergent. Air it in the sun as long as possible too!

I've also heard vinegar can purify whatever it is mixed with, no harm in putting it in a final rinse.

If you can go and get some Zyrtec! I take one everyday. Note about it at the bottom and you can buy it over the counter at your Chemist/Pharmacy.

Love and blessings Chris


"Zyrtec is used for preventing or treating symptoms of hay fever and other upper respiratory allergies such as stuffy nose, runny nose, sneezing, itching of the nose and throat, and itchy, watery eyes. It is also used for preventing or treating chronic hives."

1 images:[1]

Hi Bev, it sounds like the fabric has been treated with something that is causing the reaction. As the fabric was bought on ebay you only have the comments of the seller as to what the fabric is. My other suggestion could the fabric be fibreglass or something else. I have to say that if this was my fabric I would not use anymore of it and get rid of it - not to anyone else. Dont burn it as that could cause further problems. Whatever was the 'smell' is not good if you are still itching with an allergic reaction after three days. Also wearing rubber gloves cut a small sample and put it in a poly bag as if the problem goes on it will be useful to have a sample. I do hope that the problem goes very quickly.

I am sitting here itching with you just the thought has me scatching...sorry this happened to you. I would wash again if possible. In vinegar as has been suggested. Let us know how it goes. Hugs Sally

1 comment

by bevintex 08 Apr 2011

maybe I could drink the vinegar
LOL
Bev

I would die.... Vinegar is what I would put it in to soak ....

Can you rewash it? Even if you just soak it in your sink. Now you said that you make a tote. I was just wondering if every time you carry it are you going to break out in hives? I sure hope the itching stops soon for you! This is scary that you reacted to quickly! Take care.
Hugs Dawn

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by bevintex 08 Apr 2011

Thanks Dawn, I will rewash it, should of done that in the first place but I was happy i got such a good deal. Not happy now.
Bev

I agree, you should check and find out what it was washed in and also if it had a perfumey smell find out what kind they might have been wearing. They may have put some on near the fabic.
Hope your hives are gone quickly.

1 comment

by bevintex 08 Apr 2011

buyer got it from a estate sale.

wow...are you usually sensitive to anything like this? I would contact the seller....see what it was washed with so you would at least know. I've been getting great deals on big 5-6-7 yard pieces lately. Need to stop buying, tho...and sew.... :) Have you tried benadryl?

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by bevintex 08 Apr 2011

first thing i tried,works on the itch temporary so I called the Dr, don't want to be this way all weekend. They are now on my face also.

Please be careful. Hives can pop out anywhere, even in your throat which would cause big problems.

2 comments

by stitch4fun 08 Apr 2011

You did not get a deal--please don't give that seller positive feedback!

by bevintex 08 Apr 2011

I won't . I never ordered fabric with a side of hives.
Bev