I have noticed that all fabric where the item was made in India, has a nasty petro chemical smell. Its normally most pungent when its unwrapped, and especially anything velvet. I found the same with Indigo Moon fashions (which are mostly made in India). The smell disappears when exposed to the air after a couple of days; BUT ironing the product does bring out the nasty niff again .
I would love to know what the chemical process is that makes this happen. Probably why its all sooooo cheap !
:hi:Brissles, after reading your post I did a little internet trawl, and came across Organic clothing blog http://organicclothing.blogs.com/my_weblog/2007/02/removing_odours_.html
Interesting read, plus useful suggestions on minimising/eradicating such odours.
Jay