Well, it's not a perfect solution, but at least it gives a year for them to change it again!
So, yay, we can still sell things that we make for kiddos, so long as we know and take caution that our items are lead free - so we can hold the manufacturer responsible for this.
Linky, linky to the CPSIA.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
CPSIA
So, for those of you who have not heard the news, Congress passed a piece of legislation last summer. It goes into effect on February 10th.
It's bad news for parents and grandparents who love sites like etsy. Why is it bad news? Because the law is requiring testing on items to make sure they don't have any lead or some other stuff that most of us can't even pronounce. And it's expensive. And it's on each piece that is used to construct the toy or garment, actually anything intended for those under 12. That's thread, buttons, snap, fabrics, etc. Reach the end of the spool? Time for more testing.
In a law that was intended to keep our kids safe from the big name toy manufacturers like Fisher Price and Mattel, it's actually rewarded them. No longer will mom and pop type places be able to compete with the money that the big fish have. It's a sad. sad day.
In somewhat hopeful news, originally, this was going to effect even resale of used items. Thankfully, the letter writing that many have done to the Senators and Congressional Representatives did not fall on deaf ears and they have clarified part of the law to say that we can still buy and sell used goods. They also said that if the items were made from natural, undyed materials you can use that. Great, here's a ball of undyed wool - have fun with it. But, the hopeful news is that the flood of emails and calls to our Senators and Representatives spurred them into some kind of action.
Please, join me today in contacting your Senators and Congressional Representatives - perhaps a flood of emails and phone calls will enable us to get the change that we need so that we can still keep selling products intended for children under the age of 12, products that are made in America. After all, this is goign to effect everything - towels, bedding, etc.
For my local readers, only Senator Sherrod Brown responded to me. Senator Voinovich and Representative Marcy Kaptur, shame on you for not responding to your constituents!
As for me, if this law goes on, I'll know longer be able to make mommy and me apron sets, crayon rolls, etc. I'll just have to concentrate on my aprons for adults.
Oh, and this also effects schools and libraries - they'll need to have their products tested. Wonder how that's going to go over?
Please check out this blog for more information. Thanks for doing your part!
It's bad news for parents and grandparents who love sites like etsy. Why is it bad news? Because the law is requiring testing on items to make sure they don't have any lead or some other stuff that most of us can't even pronounce. And it's expensive. And it's on each piece that is used to construct the toy or garment, actually anything intended for those under 12. That's thread, buttons, snap, fabrics, etc. Reach the end of the spool? Time for more testing.
In a law that was intended to keep our kids safe from the big name toy manufacturers like Fisher Price and Mattel, it's actually rewarded them. No longer will mom and pop type places be able to compete with the money that the big fish have. It's a sad. sad day.
In somewhat hopeful news, originally, this was going to effect even resale of used items. Thankfully, the letter writing that many have done to the Senators and Congressional Representatives did not fall on deaf ears and they have clarified part of the law to say that we can still buy and sell used goods. They also said that if the items were made from natural, undyed materials you can use that. Great, here's a ball of undyed wool - have fun with it. But, the hopeful news is that the flood of emails and calls to our Senators and Representatives spurred them into some kind of action.
Please, join me today in contacting your Senators and Congressional Representatives - perhaps a flood of emails and phone calls will enable us to get the change that we need so that we can still keep selling products intended for children under the age of 12, products that are made in America. After all, this is goign to effect everything - towels, bedding, etc.
For my local readers, only Senator Sherrod Brown responded to me. Senator Voinovich and Representative Marcy Kaptur, shame on you for not responding to your constituents!
As for me, if this law goes on, I'll know longer be able to make mommy and me apron sets, crayon rolls, etc. I'll just have to concentrate on my aprons for adults.
Oh, and this also effects schools and libraries - they'll need to have their products tested. Wonder how that's going to go over?
Please check out this blog for more information. Thanks for doing your part!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Just a quick update
I haven't posted since shortly before I left for CA and now it's been well over a month. There are a bunch of pictures at the end of this long winded post, if you want to just skip to the pictures. ;) We stayed in CA for a month - well the kids and I did. DH came out for 10 days over Christmas and then came home. Someone has to work afterall. ;)
I've been sewing still - in fact, I got a serger for Christmas from my DH. It was bartered - so it's mil's old machine. It's beautiful. I've been playing with it for the last few days though I haven't really made much with it yet.
It's been super cold here - which is a shock to the system when you spend a month in CA. Especially when the last two or so weeks were warm there. Warm, as in, I was wearing flip flops. Sure, they all thought I was crazy, but I really wasn't! Especially when you consider that when I came home I returned to about a foot of snow. And, it just keeps coming. And then, the blustery 20 some degrees turned to negative temperatures. Yesterday it was like negative 12, with a negative 36 wind chill factor - that's just craziness!
I'm starting to get a bit of cabin fever. Right before I left, my car broke. Again. With a full tank of gas. I should never put a full tank in, that's like giving it an excuse to break. And, what can you ask of a 15 year old car....I guess? The plan is to hopefully get a return this year in our taxes and put that towards a newer vehicle for me. Oh, and the truck will be paid off, so that will be an extra $350 we can save towards a newer vehicle. I'm looking at mini vans. Of course, the Focus gets excellent gas mileage, so perhaps I should stick with a wagon? Of course, I think a mini van is essential - especially if, at some point (like when I can convince DH and Josh is about 2) we think about having another baby. But, I need something that is reliable, that's for sure. Afterall, I could at least be going to the mall play area - the one a bit farther (but way nicer) from our house has a Starbuck's right next to the play area and I have a gift card!
Oh, and my camera is acting up. It won't even turn on, so no pictures for you right now (of my own, I shall steal some from my sister for your viewing pleasure.
My mom and Josh:
Nora passing out gifts on Christmas morning:
Lookee what I got for Christmas!
Nora and I on Christmas morning:
Josh and Daddy:
Aunt Becky and Nora:
Josh:
Nora at the playground, with appearances by Uncle Alan and Grandma Laura:
I've been sewing still - in fact, I got a serger for Christmas from my DH. It was bartered - so it's mil's old machine. It's beautiful. I've been playing with it for the last few days though I haven't really made much with it yet.
It's been super cold here - which is a shock to the system when you spend a month in CA. Especially when the last two or so weeks were warm there. Warm, as in, I was wearing flip flops. Sure, they all thought I was crazy, but I really wasn't! Especially when you consider that when I came home I returned to about a foot of snow. And, it just keeps coming. And then, the blustery 20 some degrees turned to negative temperatures. Yesterday it was like negative 12, with a negative 36 wind chill factor - that's just craziness!
I'm starting to get a bit of cabin fever. Right before I left, my car broke. Again. With a full tank of gas. I should never put a full tank in, that's like giving it an excuse to break. And, what can you ask of a 15 year old car....I guess? The plan is to hopefully get a return this year in our taxes and put that towards a newer vehicle for me. Oh, and the truck will be paid off, so that will be an extra $350 we can save towards a newer vehicle. I'm looking at mini vans. Of course, the Focus gets excellent gas mileage, so perhaps I should stick with a wagon? Of course, I think a mini van is essential - especially if, at some point (like when I can convince DH and Josh is about 2) we think about having another baby. But, I need something that is reliable, that's for sure. Afterall, I could at least be going to the mall play area - the one a bit farther (but way nicer) from our house has a Starbuck's right next to the play area and I have a gift card!
Oh, and my camera is acting up. It won't even turn on, so no pictures for you right now (of my own, I shall steal some from my sister for your viewing pleasure.
My mom and Josh:
Nora passing out gifts on Christmas morning:
Lookee what I got for Christmas!
Nora and I on Christmas morning:
Josh and Daddy:
Aunt Becky and Nora:
Josh:
Nora at the playground, with appearances by Uncle Alan and Grandma Laura:
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