*When in doubt, Dry Clean all Silk, Wool, Rayon, Linen, Decorator Fabrics and certain imported cottons whose dye is unstable, to keep your fabric looking its best. If you choose to Dry Clean, certain fabrics will need to be preshrunk by steaming before cutting out your project. Exception: Some fabric with metallic threads may not be suitable for dry-cleaning and will need special care.

*Always treat the fabric before hand as you will the finished garment or project (e.g., wash in cold water, dry clean, or use the dryer to pre-shrink).

*Be careful with the use of Dryers - especially commercial ones. It's the dryer that breaks down the integrity of the fiber over time more than any other process. Repeated heat and stress will cause your fabric to look old before its time. Exception: When you want to distress or "sandwash" your fabric, the dryer works great for this.

It's the dryer that breaks down the integrity of the fiber over time more than any other process. Repeated heat and stress will cause your fabric to look old before its time. Exception: When you want to distress or "sandwash" your fabric, the dryer works great for this.

*Use Ivory Snow or Orvus Paste (a Quilt Soap which we stock), NOT WOOLITE (which is a harsh detergent with Bleach!) for all your delicate washables. A gentle hair shampoo works well for certain Silks and Wools.

*Cotton, in general, is the easiest fabric to care for. Except for certain imported cottons, most should wash and dry well. Ironing is recommended to remove the wrinkles. Again, always pretest all your pieces before throwing your investment into the wash. Pre-wash for shrinkage.

*Silk and Linen have been around for thousands of years and dry cleaners for less than a hundred. Many ready-to-wear garments are being shown with distress or sand-washed silks and linens. However, as a store policy we must recommend dry cleaning for all your silks and linens. Over the years we have seen the occasional mishap where someone used a strong detergent on their beautiful silk print and was unhappy with the result. We cannot ensure that your silk or linen will come through your particular way of washing and drying Wash and dry at your own risk! Feel free to experiment with washing and drying swatches to ensure that you will be happy with the result of distressing your silk or linen. Use Ivory Snow or a gentle hair shampoo for best results!

It is much better to dry clean Rayons to ensure the long lasting fresh look of your garment. Rayon fibers are shorter and will tend to "fuzz" up with the wash and dry cycle. Experiment with samples before attempting to wash any rayon - some wash great and others horribly. Exception: Our Sandwashed Rayon, available in a wonderful color range, is OK to wash gently with Ivory Snow and a lignt dryer to activate its softness. Be sure to pre-wash before you cut it for shrinkage, etc. Again, if unsure, just test a piece before you wash and cut.

HAPPY SEWING!