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]

Thanks for starting this thread. I have sent emails to numerous fabric manufacturers to see if what kind of dyes they use and to find out if they test. I haven't heard back from one yet. If I hear anything, I'll add it here.

[Former_Member]

good thread! marking! i too will share what i can find.

[craftsbycheri]

I found this site that carried ribbons that say their product is free from lead.
http://www.ribbonfactory.com/html/product_safety.html
Cheri

[Former_Member]

Thanks for the info! I will add it to my list. Kathleen

[Former_Member]

Question: If we get all of our suppliers letters that they do comply do we still have to test our finished product???

I am very confused? Would love advice!

[HappyBabyCrochet]

marking

[Former_Member]

At this point we are still supposed to do component testing, and in August we are supposed to have 3rd party lab tests on the finished product. The law states that until August a reasonible testing program is needed to ensure that each component is free of lead. Some people take to mean that they need to make sure that each component has been tested by the supplier, while others feel that XRF testing is needed on the supplies and the manufactorer (shop) has to do it on each line of merchandise they make. Regardless of how you interpret a reasonible testing procedure, we are trying to make sure that the components gathered and used in our products have been tested already so that we know that they are safe. Afterall, who wants to spend money on testing if you don't know if they will fail or not? I'd rather buy from people who can reassure me that their products are lead free so that when I pay money for testing, I know it will pass. Others feel that just by making sure that their suppliers have tested, that that is "reasonible testing." Take it for what you will and what you are willing to risk in your intrepretation. It's worth it to find out about the lead levels no matter how you interpret it.

[Former_Member]

dang! I meant "reasonable"

[Former_Member]

Thanks for clearing that up for me sugarplumtree. I have been so confused about this situation and every day I feel there is something new I need to be aware of.

They should never leave things up for interpretation! Well I think that until August I'll contact all of my suppliers.

Is it true that I have to list every product used and that it complies on the tag?

[Former_Member]

Has anyone been able to find out if alligator clips are below the lead levels?

[Former_Member]

Marking so I know where I left off... If anyone is interested please see http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6014773

lovemyprettyone, I will be testing my alligator clips at the Michigan testing party and will provide the results.

[Superflykidz]

I just got an MSDS from Heat and Bond if anyone needs it to add to their stash!

[Former_Member]

Thank you Bipsy!!

[allisajacobs]

wonderful thread, thank you! (i'll add when when I hear back to supplies I've sent requests to)

[Former_Member]

Hi, just went to Joann fabrics to talk to manager about getting MDS sheets for the items I use, she had no idea what I was talking about, figures!

On a good note, I heard back from Wrights, and I sent him a list of items I am interested in, including elastic (yeah!!!) he is going to look into it for me, so keep your fingers crossed.

I heard back from Valtex (tshirts) and got the following response:

"Valtex is familiar with the CPSIA of 2008 and has taken the steps to assure compliance. Our suppliers have been instructed as to their responsibility in adhering to the requirements of the regulation. Further, certain testing procedures are currently in process to assure that the proper standards are being met.

A letter of compliance will be made available after initial steps have been completed" (they told me email back the first week of feb. for letter)

From Alisha@ribbonandbowsohmy.com : (they have ribbon AND all the hardware!!!)
"Yes, we are completely compliant with the new laws. We have been preparing for this since last year. We do have documentation.", I will forward your email to our plant manager, Tony. He is the one processing all these requests. Or you may contact him directly at:


tony@ribbonandbowsohmy.com


I hope this helps everyone.

Kathleen

[HeatherJonesStudio]

marking

[Former_Member]

Has anyone gotten any info from Alexander Henry Fabrics? Thanks, kathleen

[Former_Member]

I just spoke with the consumer affairs rep of my yarn manufacturer, Plymouth Yarn, and she said I was only the third person to contact her about this. But she is waiting back for confirmation from her vendors and dye lots for more info. I hope to have more info at the end of the week.

But she also said that the way she has heard, handmade items will most likely become exempt. But this is not fact. I have hope though.

[Former_Member]

I think much of this info has already been posted on this thread, but on my own blog I am collecting a list of all *my* materials (mostly for cloth diapers) and putting the compliance info as I get it. I have gotten a lot of my fabric via co-ops so unfortunately I'm not even certain of the manufacturers on all of it...what a pain! BUT I'm looking!
http://liletsyshop.blogspot.com/2009/01/cpsia-certificates-of-compliance.html

Oh yes, and THANK YOU for this thread, and for all who have contributed even one thing to it!

[NotMyTreeStore]

Thank you for this thread!

[Former_Member]

Polartec contacted me:

Respective test results to achieve the Oekotex Certificate did not detect any lead levels above the test detection limit of 0.05 ppm.

Also, lead is not part of the input stream at Polartec and, therefore, it is not expected to be present in Polartec fabrics above regulated levels.

Thank you for your inquiry and continued interest in Polartec Fabrics.

[allisajacobs]

Baum textiles is testing now & creating the proper documents...soon to be available to business...

[Former_Member]

anyone that wrote to michael miller... that image link to the testing was fabulous. was NOT expecting that.

so i used it...

http://cpsia-compliance.blogspot.com/2006/01/michael-miller.html

[allisajacobs]

staceyjean- AMAZING blog...thanks for the list!

[Former_Member]

staceyJeanonline...thank you for reposting the link!!