Let's compile a list of suppliers who test!

[#1]

Let's help each other out.

I am hoping that I can rely on the supplier's component testing of the fabric, buttons, thread, velcro etc. I realize that the law is not written this way, and I am supposed to redo it on the final product, but I am hopeful for an ammendment. In which case, I want to have all my ducks in a row.
Today I was chasing down numbers of suppliers. What a headache! All I got today was that my buttons are tested and OK for children. Great...I can make something out of buttons only?
Phone numbers and a person are rediculously hard to find. If this law does get changed, do you think that the suppliers will make it easier to get this information???? I have spent the WHOLE day on it!!!!! Anybody out there who has actually gotten a hold of person and knows some numbers to call would be greatly appreciated. I can't even figure out who makes a ton of my fabric because I bought them at Joann's who doesn't mark the bolt. Even the manager couldn't find it for me!!! How sad is that? Even if I knew of a couple of fabric makers that tested, that would help, because at least I could use them. I would just switch fabrics to companies who have tested.
I need information on:
Beads (people who bead in CA, how do you get this information????? I know you have to have it by law.)
Velcro
Cotton Fabric
Ribbon (anyone gotten a hold of Offray?)
Buttons (I did get a contact here who is emailing me the cert)
Elastic
Felt
Fleece

Let's help each other out. Don't be stingy? Who did you call? Who was helpful? Who wasn't? It would help us all out greatly!

I'll go first:
Buttons:
I got a hold of Favorite Findings and La Petite Buttons.
The website is www.blumenthallansing.com
I found a link for phone numbers and I called the rep in CA, Carlos Dashti, who actually answered. He said that the line Favorite Findings (sold and Walmart and Joann's) tests because it's used on children's items. He was happy to email me the results. His number was (213)400-2929. They have other reps for other areas on there too under the contact page.

[Former_Member]

Great idea! !!

[Former_Member]

Great idea! Thanks!

[Former_Member]

I called pisgah yarn and dyeing company yesterday (makers of Peaches and cream cotton yarn) http://www.elmore-pisgah.com/ and the little ladies there told me they were certain they used no lead in any of their dyes, and I wasn't the first to call them. Currently they do not have any sort of certificate to send out, but said likely they will in the near future if things keep up. I said I'd call them back at a later date. They were very nice about it though, and seemed to be concerned about it.

[Former_Member]

Great idea! I know that as of right now supplier certifications don't matter to the CPSC, but I am also hoping that this changes, and think it would be great to be prepared in the event that it does.

[Former_Member]

As to whether or not it matters to the CPSC...I know that it currently doesn't, but I think it will show something as to our level of responsibility, and our intent to follow the law. I'm hoping it does, anyway!
If I were *caught* I'd like to have some proof that my stuff is non-toxic, and it is lead free.

In the long run,
**I can't afford to test-even with an XRF gun,
**the testing facilities aren't interested in even letting me send them my stuff-I'm small potatoes for them, and it's about profit, baby,
**in most cases, these labs are overbooked
**for the most part, my bows are OOAK, and would be ruined by testing anyway...

But I can carry proof that my stuff is non-toxic and tested by the original manufacturer. That is something we all can do.

[Former_Member]

THANK YOU for the ribbon link. I have been in contact with The Ribbon Retreat, and they are working on getting something up on their website to address this as well...I'm not concerned with the ribbon, I'm more concerned with the metal hardware.

[Former_Member]

I was just on the phone to Bob Isman who is an attorney for Joann Fabrics.

He says that Joann has been testing all "Children" items since November. But if the item is not specifically children's it is not tested.

So if you buy with intent of purchasing tested fabric you must buy from the children's selection.

I have an email coming in from him and will post as soon as I get it.

[Former_Member]

marking!! =]

[cherylasmith]

marking

[Former_Member]

I'm making a list of this stuff, and will eventually post it on my blog...Keep them coming!

[bobbinalong]

Sugarplumbtree, everyone, I know you are all trying your best to make things work so you can continue to sell. That is, if this law isn't changed.

I'm sorry, but count me out. If testing will be required, I will only sell items for adults. There is no where near me for testing. I won't do labeling, or any of the other hoops they want me to jump through.

I look at this issue as losing my American right to sell. I make good, quality, carefully thought-out items. I am proud of them. My buyers have all appreciated what they have purchased from me.

But I look at this whole issue differently. What about putting a child into a brand new car. Or on a brand new carpet. Or take them on vacation to a brand new hotel. Or how about their surroundings at school or the library. We don't know what is in the items that they will come into contact with. What about the items their parents use that they come in contact with.

I feel that the law is too extreme for reality. So much of President Obama's swearing-in speech, I thought, applied to us. If and when we finally know the outcome of this law, if it is just a bunch of political hoops to jump through, if my rights as an American handmade seller don't count anymore, after 71 years, making and selling items since I was very young, then I will take my business onto a new avenue. No more kids' items.

[bobbinalong]

Guys, this is just my opinion. I am not a threadkiller!

[Former_Member]

i use snap source snaps and they emailed me back that their snaps do not contain lead

[Former_Member]

marking

[TheRusticHome]

This site has info. and suppliers who are following the process and rules.

http://www.dharmatrading.com/html/eng/6569694-AA.shtml


They supply paint, dye, fabric, clothing, dyeables, etc.

[Former_Member]

stitchgirl52 says:
I was just on the phone to Bob Isman who is an attorney for Joann Fabrics.

He says that Joann has been testing all "Children" items since November. But if the item is not specifically children's it is not tested.

Well that's something!

[boodybabies]

I contacted Michael Miller this morning and they already replied to me. Here it is:

Hi Jamie,

We’re working on a general form that can be used to show proof that our fabrics are lead-free.
It will represent testing for lead which is negative.
(please note: we are not testing individual fabrics)

Please note that we can only guarantee that our fabrics are Lead Free. If the government requires
you to test the finished garment that would still be your responsibility.

We will send you the finalized form this Thursday (this will include lead, flammability and Phthalates testing on our cotton and flannel fabrics).
We will be sending out an email blast with this form this Thursday- so please be on the look-out.

Regards,
Jenny Nowakowski
Michael Miller Fabrics
Manufacturing Division
646-230-8862- phone
212-633-0272-fax


-----Original Message-----
From: Jamie [mailto:boodybabies@comcast.net]
Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2009 12:02 PM
To: info@michaelmillerfabrics.com
Subject: CPSIA Conformity

Hello,
I am a SAHM who has an Etsy shop and with the new requirements for
third party testing and the hope that the current legislation will be
changed, I was wondering your fabrics are tested. I would appreciate
a response and will pass this info along to the other shop owners on
Etsy who are wondering the same.
Thank you,
Jamie Noon
BoodyBabies

[Former_Member]

marking

[threeyellowstarfish]

allthenumbers, where can i get an avatar like yours? Did etsy list some that I missed?

[Former_Member]

Thanks everyone! Lets just keep them coming! It's so important to line this up.
Bobbinalong, I understand your frustration. We all do.
But I feel like we've been making noise, and while we may be given a reprieve in some areas, this law is not going to go away. I am beyond frustrated as I said before, but lets pool resources. It may be the only way some of us can afford to keep a shop. I can't afford the extra testing, so my shop will fold if we don't get an ammendment to be able to use component testing. Sure, I don't think that's the best option, and it's certainly not what I suggest when I write my letters, but it may be the best we get, in which case, I want to be ready.

Now I have more people to go and phone.....I'll check back in later!

[Former_Member]

Here's the email I just got from Westminster Fibers:

Hello Jenny - we are currently working on our CPSIA compliance letter and
should have it available soon.
thanks

Sarah Bailey
Assistant Product Manager, Lifestyle Fabrics
Westminster Fibers Inc
3430 Toringdon Way, Ste 301
Charlotte, NC 28277
704-329-5822 / FAX: 704-329-5246

So, there's another company who is willing to try and help us out!

[threeyellowstarfish]

From one of my fabric suppliers:

Alexander Henry informed us today that because there is no definitive information regarding whom the responsibility for lead testing falls on, at this time A.H. is not testing. Since there is no official word that they are responsible for testing, they are not going to chance wasting the time, effort, and finances if there is the possibility that they do not have to. She has assured us that if it is determined that they are required to test their products they will do so.

Michael Miller states that they are in the process of testing. They will give us more information as it becomes available.

Tina Givens and Heather Ross we are awaiting further information

[TheFairiesNest]

marking

[Former_Member]

What a great idea! I have been dragging my feet on contacting people (denial? blind hope for a delay or amendment?) but I will get started and share as soon as I hear back!!

[Former_Member]

has anyone had any luck getting a response from Kunin Felt? I have emailed, written letters and called, to no avail.... it could be cuz I am in Canada but I am not sure.