what do you do with fabric that feels icky?

[mama_daba]

my friend gave me about 5 yards of this all cotton light blue fabric. maybe it is broadcloth? i'm not sure what it is but it feels stiff and scratchy and icky it is either all cotton or a blend. i have no idea what to do with it since it feels sooo uncomfortable to the touch. i don't want to just get rid of it but i also don't want to use it for clothing or quilting. i washed it and ran it through the dryer and that didn't change the feel at all but maybe if i washed and dried it more that would help? so far the only ideas i have are curtains, table cloth, maybe an apron that has softer fabric on the inside. any ideas?

[cristeen]

If a single wash didn't have any impact on the feel, I doubt multiple would. Although possibly washing it with a vinegar rinse might help soften it up a bit. I know there are certain fabrics that just REQUIRE fabric softener for me to be able to stand touching them. And since I don't use fabric softener, I tend to get rid of the fabric.

As to what to use it for... tablecloths are good, backing on a playmat, chair cushions, I'd only use it for curtains/valances if it drapes nicely, or you can even use it as the "batting" for a thin "quilt" or blanket.

[Roxy2007]

i probably will use it as a muslin aka mock fabric before cutting my expensive fabric. i hv tons of used bedsheet, i find them great in making mock up of patterns that calls for "woven" fabric before cutting the real thing.

[mama_daba]

well i have been feeling the fabric more and i may have been to harsh in describing how it feels. it feels like bed sheets but stiffer less soft bed sheets. i am super sensative and i only use flannel for sheets because anything else makes my skin crawl. so what is super icky to me may actually be ok for the rest of the world. the fabric doe have an ok drape for curtains but our red house with white trim would look a little to much like a united states flag if i made blue curtains so i am thinking i will use it for other stuff. maybe even some clothing for myself because i generaly am ok with somewhat rougher fabric for clothes than i am for sheets.