A:
We
do have woven, organic cotton terry cloth. However this is a very different
fabric than what we had before (namely from Sunshine Au Naturael - no
longer in business). If it has been more than 6 month since we sent
you a sample, please request another swatch. The current terry fabric
is lighter in weight and comes only in the natural cotton color (no
color-grown brown or green). Also, there is no flat selvege in the middle.
60" wide, looped on both sides. Please call our office if you are
interested and we will be happy to answer all your questions. 866-784-0374
(toll free) or 806-428-3345. Top
Q:
What is your return policy for Fabrics?
A:
Our
return policy is as follows; We request that you check your order as
soon as you receive it. If you have received the wrong fabric or there
is damage, PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE IMMEDIATELY. Save all packaging materials
if damage appears to be from shipping. If we made an error, we will
issue a call tag through UPS to pick-up the wrong or damaged fabric.
Unfortunately, call tags can only be issued for packages that were sent
to you via UPS. For return of orders originally sent through USPS (United
States Postal Service) you will need to ship the package to us and call,
fax or email the return shipping amount so that we may credit your account.
We
encourage all of our customers to view a sample before ordering fabric.
If fabric was ordered without viewing a swatch or you cannot use what
you have ordered, we will accept a return and issue credit but you will
need to pay for the shipping costs. When fabric is authorized for return,
credit or refund will not be issued until the fabric is received in
our office. Any alterations of the fabric (washed, cut, dirty, etc.)
will void any credit or refund. A 15% restocking fee based on the cost
of the fabric will be charged. After 15 working days orders CANNOT be
returned. Top
Q:
How do I wash the Fabric?
A:
To
maintain the natural quality of your fabric we recommend washing with
an environmentally friendly laundry detergent or with baking soda. Some
of our fabrics have been finished and/or sanforized to control shrinkage.
Some of our fabrics are "Greige." This means that the fabric
is unfinished - directly from the loom. These fabrics will have a higher
percentage of shrinkage when washed and the appearance and feel can
change as well. As with any cotton fabric you will have some shrinkage
when dried at a high temperatures. Pre-washing before you cut and sew
is recommended. Please consider drying without heat or line drying your
finished article. This is easier on your fabric and more enviromentally
friendly as well. Top
Q:
What kinds of dyes are used on your colored fabrics?
A:
Low-impact
fiber-reactive dyes. This is a process that uses far less water than
conventional dying and is more environmentally sound because all dye
material is reclaimed and not released as effluent. No heavy metal Mordants,
Azo, Sulfa or Vat Dyes are used. The
dye materials can be synthetic but all of our manufacturers are voluntarily
complying with Organic Trade Association's Fiber Processing Standards.
Please visit: www.ota.com
to view the standard. Top
Q:
What do I need to know about shipping to Canada and other international
addresses?
A:
Orders
totaling $100 (US) or more to Canada or other international addresses
must be shipped via UPS or another carrier that offers a tracking service
(FedEx, DHL, etc.). Orders under $100 (US) can be shipped via United
States Postal Service (USPS) however we cannot guarantee delivery because
tracking is not available. The postal service does cost less but the
delivery times are uncertain and the claims process can take a very
long time. Please check with your country's customs department for information
on duties and taxes. UPS does charge a brokerage fee. Visit: www.ups.com
for contact phone numbers in your region and for more information. You
may want to consider acting as your own broker to clear your shipment.
Top
Q:
Explain "sanforizing" and "finishing".
A:
Sanforizing
is a process where by the fabric is run through a sanforizer; a machine
that has drums filled with hot steam. This process is done to control
the shrinkage of the fabric.
After
weaving, fabric must be finished to give the desired feel and appearance.
On some fabrics, washing with water may be the only finishing needed.
Other finishes may require certain enzymes. Please visit: www.ota.com
to view the Organic Trade Association's Fiber Processing Standard.
Fabric that will be dyed is bleached with hydrogen peroxide, and then
washed with water. In some cases the fabric will be mercerized to promote
uniform dyeing and colorfastness. This process involves washing the
fabric in a very dilute solution of caustic soda. The fabric is rinsed
to remove all traces of this compound. Dye is then applied and a final
washing with water completes the finishing process.
Some
of our fabrics are "Greige." This means that the fabric is
unfinished - directly from the loom. These fabrics will have a higher
percentage of shrinkage when washed and the appearance and feel can
change as well. Top
Q:
What is color grown cotton?
A:
Just
as there are red roses and yellow daffodils, cotton has colors! Colored
cotton has been around from the beginning with documented use in both
the sub-Himalayan regions of Asia and in ancient Indian communities
in Meso America, Peru and Guatemala. The colors of the cotton range
from white to green, as well as many colors of tan and brown, and even
charcoal grey. While the color-grown cottons have always been around,
they remained a novelty, available only in vary small quantities and
used in limited hand spinning and weaving application. Commercial production
and processing remain a challenge predominately due to the advances
in technology and speed of the spinning and weaving machinery, the availability
of inexpensive dyestuffs and the development of higher yielding cotton.
With the limitations of lower yields and shorter, weaker fibers, color-grown
cotton varieties have had to go through an extensive breeding program
to improve their yield, fiber quality, color intensity and color palette.
Fabrics made from color-grown cotton represent the best in mans' efforts
to work in concert with nature to produce beautifully colored fabrics
without the use of dyes. However, color-grown fabrics may contain certain
natural variations in color, light fastness and shrinkage. Top
Q:
What is the minimum fabric order?
A:
We
sell WHOLE yards only. Minimum one yard. At times we do have pieces
smaller than 1 yard. To inquire about less than 1 yard pieces, please
call our office: 866-784-0374 (toll free) or 806-428-3345. Top
Q:
What fabrics do you recommend for the chemically sensitive?
A:
We do not recommend Dyed Fabrics for our chemically sensitive customers,
and we strongly suggest that you view a swatch before ordering. Returns
CANNOT be accepted for fabrics purchased against this advice. We understand
that it may be difficult to determine reaction to our standard 3"x
4" swatch and we can cut larger swatches. Price for this service
is $2.00 per swatch plus a $2.50 handling fee and postage or shipping
charges. Please call our office if you are interested - 866-784-0374
(toll free) or 806-428-3345. If you require special wrapping for shipment
(foil, no plastics, etc), please let us know at the time of your order.
Top
