2009 BOM--prewash or not?

[Keith D.]

Hey, you knew you'd hear from meeee, right? :wink:
Here's a link to information about one of the known chemicals added to fabric. http://www.nycosh.org/workplace_hazards/formal.html

I'll spare you all too much "lecturing", but I think it's wise to know what we're dealing with. Then we can do whatever is in our power to avoid what we can, inform others, maybe help make some changes. These chemicals, amongst many others are xeno-extrogens (mimic estrogen), causing tremendous health challenges.
Anyway, I said I wouldn't lecture, so I'll stop here. :lol:

If you'd really like to learn more, do some searches via Google, or ask me for more sources.

Jan in Spokane

[Keith D.]

OK. I clicked on your web site and the first word was Formaldehyde, that was what was originally used to decafinate coffee now they use methaline choloride -( their water purfiication process ) go look those up on the web, and while you are at it check out liquid dish wash detergent - you would not believe the chemicials that releases into the air and causes severe allergey and respratory problems. I stopped using that years ago its really bad. Also how about artificial sweeterners, i call them rat poison any one who uses it for any other reason besides medical is asking for trouble. And dont get me started on the crap they put in low fat foods. Any way the fabric wont kill me or make me sick but, but if you drink decafe with splenda or sweet and low etc. while running your dishwasher filling your house with poison air something is bound to get you. The way I feel is that life is too short to worry about the things that give me pleasure. I'm a coffee drinking fabric loving person and I will quilt and sew and drink my real coffee and enjoy without worry, There are a lot worse things out there that can harm you and harm you and a lot worse. Hope I did not upset anyone, not my intention its just that the formaldehyde word pushed one of my buttons and now that my pinwheels are done I had a few minutes to respond.(probably should have taken longer on the pinwheels). I think we all have to pick our own poisons unfortunately we have a lot of choices. I like death by fabric almost as good as death by chocolate as long as it takes 100 more years cause I need at least that to get thru my fabric stash. Have fun, Nina

[Paula D.]

Do you have a couch and carpeting? Ya got formaldehyde. Break one of your new energy saving light bulbs? OOPS!! Mercury vapors. We can't escape! Gosh, if your house is somewhat new, it's made of that particle board stuff, which is marinated in the chemicals. And if it's an old house, you're surrounded by lead paint and asbestos... Now I'll go enjoy my diet coke.

[Georgianne M.]

Keith,
Thank you for your very thought provoking post. Also, charming, humorous, and insightful. I have been sewing for more than 40 years and have never had any kind of reaction from the fabric, nor from the fabric in the clothes I wear. You could take it a step further and worry about the soaps, detergents, softeners, and even the water used to wash fabrics/clothes. The city water I have in my home is filled with all kinds of chemicals to 'keep us safe'. I don't worry about it. In fact, I love the feel and smell, as well as the sheen of new fabric that washing takes away.
Marie

[Georgianne M.]

I think it's great to discuss topics such as this because some people just don't know. It's a passion of mine (could you tell :wink: ). For those of you who haven't heard/read yet, I was very sick due to chemical exposure; getting well involved becoming informed. We have to know about them in order to make a decision. No, I don't worry about exposure, I do what I can. No, we can't avoid everything, thus the importance to do what IS in our power. I refrain from chemicals in detergents (laundry, dish, personal), in coffee, personal care products, clothing and foods. I buy organic bedding, mattresses, towels, flooring, furniture, paint, etc. It's expensive, but I believe it to be a great investment, and a statement that it's unacceptable to cause this harm. As for fabric, of course I buy it, then wash away what I can. There are always compromises. We have to start somewhere to make changes for us beings, our 4- leggeds (toxicity of carpet chemicals multiplied for them), and for our environment.
A key here is that I do all of the above with enthusiasm for life, as opposed to hiding in fear. Action is the key. Be as informed as possible and make a statement with your purchasing dollars. I still enjoy my coffee and chocolate (organic :wink: ) and fabric! Worry is counterproductive.
I love that we have a choice, and a voice! This forum is a fun way to get those ideas out there. Thanks, Keith, for a humorous re-visit into this one. Jan in Spokane

[Georgianne M.]

Sometimes, I get an eye or throat irritation when I walk into a fabric store. I don't know if it's the fabrics or dust.

Some folks are a lot more sensitive to things than others. Fortunately, I have no allergies, but am extremely sensitive to cigarette smoke, strong perfumes, MSG, and nitrites--these things give me migraines. I didn't eat chocolate for more than 10 years, because I heard that it caused migraines. Later that was disputed, so now I will have chocolate in moderation.

A young friend of mine, who never smoked, died of lung cancer. My dad, who was a heavy smoker, also died of lung cancer. However, my 85 year old mother-in-law, who has been a very heavy smoker since her teens, is in pretty good health for her age--go figure!

My point is that we can make informed decisions on what we can control in our lives, but know that there are just some things that are out of our control. Also, life in a bubble is not living.

[Keith D.]

I just love lively and interesting conversation! Especially when listening and learning happen. I hope I continue to learn throughout my journey...

Thanks Nina and Jan and everybody else who's contributing! Today I will live my life with zest and zeal in all that I do. And if Death by Fabric happens to me today, hey, worse things could happen.

You know, I want to make a statement with the car that I drive and how I drive it. By reusing as much as possible in my home remodel. By other recycling methods and by purchasing recycled and renewable and green/clean products and by composting and not wearing fur and voting and being a public servant... And I want to take care of myself by working out and eating right and getting regular medical attention and nourishing my soul...

And for a few hours several times a week, I want to escape from it all and quilt. In my own little world - one without so many cares and responsibilities. But you know, even when I escape, I do take precautions to not whack my fingers off with my rotary cutter... I'll do a little research and see if I change my mind about prewashing. It would have to be some pretty severe news though, akin to whacking my fingers off. Now there's a sight!!!

BTW - I always postwash.

I am so blessed/lucky to not have too many challenges... My tired, old, ugly fabric cabinet makes me sneeze a little bit; but my very pretty, beautiful, inspirational fabric cabinet does not. I wonder what that means?

[Keith D.]

Nope, didn't change my mind. Turns out, good quality, conventional, 100% cotton is pretty darn unremarkable. I'll play with it unwashed any day. It's very different than synthetics, blends, carpet, upholstery, bedding... And it's very different than 100% cotton that's been treated for wrinkle resistance or made moisture repellent or flame retardant or that's been 'improved' in other ways. I don't play with those...