How about elastic?

[#1]

I was wondering if anyone has discovered anything definitive about elastic in regard to phthalates? Have Wrights or StretchRite commented on this? I think I read that they're both OK with the lead ban, but what about this part? My gut would tell me elastic is fine in this regard, but I'd like to read about it,too.

Also, does anyone have a source for any organic (or natural) elastic? NearSea Naturals is out of stock, I think. Thanks!

[Former_Member]

KreatedbyKelly... I think drawstrings are off-limits too. :| Safety hazard.

[PENultimateLeotards]

jakboutique

Yes I was glad to see what Jennifer Taggert wrote, but I still want to have it in writing from the Rhode Island textile company ... because there are thousands of different types of elastic out on the market. So I don't want to assume that they're all okay ...

unless I ever hear back from Cheryl Falvey at the CPSC.

[PENultimateLeotards]

Because here's another thing that Jennifer Taggert said:

"Fabric usually does not fail. The only failures I have had were upholstery fabrics and some red fabric from Peru. I have since learned that some of the textile industry in Peru is located near a cluster of lead smelters, and there is a very high concentration of lead in the background, and it appears to contaminate the textiles during processing (so, contrary to DeMint's statement, lead can come out of "thin air"). "

So what she is suggesting is that fabric, cloth, yarn and other similar items could be contaminated be being in close proximity to lead.

If a certain elastic company in Peru were located near a lead smelting site, the elastic could be contaminated, no matter how pure the raw materials were that went into making it.

[KreatedbyKelly]

PilarinasBoutique says:
KreatedbyKelly... I think drawstrings are off-limits too. :| Safety hazard.

-------------
LMFAO!!! Excuse my french but that had me laughing out loud for real!!! I'm just going to stop sewing children's clothing all together. It was never a huge part of my business anyways *smiles*

[jenniferladd]

I wrote to Dyno Merchandise - they were the company listed on my packages of StretchRite elastic. Here's the response I got from them:

"There is absolutely no lead or phthalate in any of our elastic products."

I hope that helps some of you. I've been watching this thread to get info, but was happy to finally get a response from the company.

[Former_Member]

I just keep getting these pictures in my mind of little kids running around with leotards and crib sheets in their mouths. That is why this law was so ridiculous in the first place. LOL.

[Former_Member]

I would also remember that there is a part in CPSIA that says if hte product is unreachable by the child, it is exempt. I would assume that this means if u use elastic in the waistband of a childs pants, it is fine bc the kid isnt touchingi t, its covered by fabric.

Of course again..that would make sense...

[Former_Member]

marking, too.

[PENultimateLeotards]

I've designed a new line of children's clothing, which solves the need for buttons, snaps, zippers, velco or elastic.

In addition there no need for that pesky metal in the hair bows.

And best of all it is organic, GREEN, and bio-degradable.

Tell me what you think.

http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/6/2/6/8/0/webimg/228818835_o.jpg

[Former_Member]

I have never read any of the CPSIA forums before this one. My heart goes out to you. All of you want to do the right thing and keep our children safe and I applaud you for that. It's never even crossed my mind that elastic has lead in it, so I'm no good for an answer for you. I hope and pray that answers and new, safe products become available to you soon.

[Former_Member]

It is so good to read how dedicated and Quality Conscious all of the handcrafters are here on ETSY. Hang in there...if anybody can make some sense out of this mess, it would be you guys. rozzi

[Former_Member]

I'm not entirely clued up on the new legislations but for elastic, why not try some organic, natural elastic.

This is a fantastic place to purchase natural, organic materials

http://www.nearseanaturals.com/browse.php?category=43

Hope this helps :)

[FelineFeathers]

With all the posts about natural elastic, I have to wonder. Most of the natural elastics are made from natural rubber or latex.

What about a CPSIA compliant elastic for people who are allergic to latex (like me)? There are a lot of people out there that cannot wear latex or even touch it (including children).

[Former_Member]

Marking

[AlexJDesigns]

PENultimateLeotards I love your new clothing line!! But wouldn't the bone pieces be choking hazards!! LOL...This whole thing is so ridiculous. I suggest some of the 'stimulus' money be used to hold 'lead testing' fairs, where crafters can go and take their products to be tested for free.

[Former_Member]

jenniferladd I was just coming to post that company because I was going to write to them too. Were they willing to give you a certificate?

[NotMyTreeStore]

I am using unbleached cotton and natural rubber elastic. Does anyone have another source for organic elastic, since NearSea Naturals is sold out?

[PENultimateLeotards]

"unbleached cotton and natural rubber elastic"

That's what a lot of companies sell.

I don't see where NearSea Naturals has got anything that makes it more special or more organic or more GREEN, than anyone else. And there isn't anything about their elastic that would make it more likely to be approved or pass lead tests than anyone elses.

Rubber is a natural product, but it is processed to get it into it's useable state.

The CPSC has passed off on cloth, yarns, and threads, and on natural items like wood, gems, pearls and cotton.

But no where on the list does it mention Rubber.

[FelineFeathers]

I asked this earlier, but I don't think that many saw it. I've been looking for a brand of latex free elastic that will comply with the CPSIA.

For that matter, does anyone know of ANY brand of latex free elastic? right now I use regular elastic made with "natural rubber" in the clothing for my Muslin Bunnies. Unfortunately, I am allergic to latex and end up with a rash every time I use it.

[NotMyTreeStore]

The stuff at NearSea Naturals is covered with organic cotton, not regular cotton. Most of the elastic I see sold in the store is obviously bleached, too, because it's pure white. The bleach wouldn't affect lead testing, but as long as I'm using cotton, anyway, might as well make it as natural as possible!

Jennifer Taggart's 75,000+ tests and finding nothing wrong with elastic makes me feel confident, too. Even if it's not one of the materials specifically mentioned by th CPSC, I don't think that after years of bouncy rubber balls and playground toys, rubber will suddenly be found to b toxic. Plus, I still think it is an inaccessible part - which, much of the time, it is. Fabric casings make it inaccessible (fabric is not a coating or on of the things specifically mentioned that *don't* make something inaccessible). I know that technically a child *may* be able to pull threads apart and touch it if they were determined and strong, but technically they'd be able to smash a piece of electronic equipment into small parts and reach the "inaccessible" parts in there, too).

[Former_Member]

Thank you all for this post.. I had to do a massive search on here to find this info. I've been asking around and doing internet searches to try to confirm my assumption that elastic is ok. I make skirts for little girls that have elastic waist bands and was afraid I'd be out before I even started with this new mess. I got a couple responses from different organizations (my state representative among others) but it was all very disappointing and vague. I seriously think none of them know what they're doing and what they're putting into effect. All of it sucks.