Let's compile a list of suppliers who test!

[Former_Member]

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]

I'm still waiting to hear back from the suppliers I've tried. I'm happy to share whatever info I can get when I get it though.

Wonderful idea.

[Former_Member]

What a great idea. Finally someone who is thinking about the loop hole. I would image that many fabric companys already do test for a variety of these type of things. If they test who's to say we would need to retest. I will check the wholesaler I use for fabrics. Like Michael miller and Alexander henry. Maybe one of there reps can help us. GREAT THINKING!!!!

[Former_Member]

Same here karabu, I emailed the companies that make my supplies AND the website I buy them from, no response from anyone other than a form email from one yarn company that they were "looking into the issue" and would let me know if/when any new information was available. It's been several weeks and I'm STILL waiting.....

[BebeChicBoutique]

I'm willing to help with this, but it is my understanding that the labeling issue is very specific in the CPSIA. The finished product has to be permanently labeled with the certificate batch number from the lab and other information. Question? How are you going to put all that on a bow?

[Former_Member]

This is a great idea! I recently went to a textile market. I was told by a rep. for a widely-used company on etsy that their fabrics are randomly tested for lead. He also pointed out that their fabrics are NOT INTENDED for children 12 and under. How I use their fabric is my decision. The answer almost seemed rehearsed. So, really not helpful for our cause. :(

[Former_Member]

For beads http://www.rings-things.com/ marks a lot of their supplies with the classes that the lead in california jewelry law allows, which when I wrote into the CPSC I suggested that they adopt exemptions and/or something similar to the classess that the CA children's jewelry law allows. They even allow 1 gram of swarovski crystals in children's jewelry.

http://www.lanyardsupply.com/badge-clips.htm

is where most pacifier plastic clips are from and they already had them tested and said they are lead free and they are in the process of getting the metal clips tested.

[threeyellowstarfish]

YAY! favorite findings tests! Awesome! Im waiting on a reply from my fabric supplier to see which designers are testing and which are not.

[Former_Member]

Legitt & Platt sent me MSDS sheets for the eco-friendly fiberfill that I use to stuff my giraffes with that state it is lead-free. They were super helpful and awesome to work with.

[Former_Member]

Marking :)

[Former_Member]

Thanks for starting this list. I am working on getting some info also and will share whatever I come up with.

[Former_Member]

Here is the response from THE HIDE HOUSE that sells leather hides:

DEAR BRENDA. SORRY BUT WE ARE ALSO CONFUSED BY THE NEW LAW. FIRST THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS UNTREATED LEATHER . IT HAS BEEN TREATED DURING THE TANNING PROCESS WITH VARIOUS CHEMICALS OF WHICH I AM SURE DOES NOT CONTAIN LEAD. AS FOR TESTING WE DO NOT KNOW OF ANY TANNERIES THAT ARE WILLING TO SPEND TIME OR MONEY TESTING SUEDE LEATHER FOR THAT PURPOSE. IF YOU HAVE MORE INFORMATION LET US KNOW THANKS BOB RICH.

On Jan 17, 2009, at 12:56 PM, JOHN BRENDA LOVEJOY wrote:


Hello Mr. Rich,
What I am trying to do is find a suede leather that will meet the CPSIA requirements that are being put upon the small manufacturer. According to their documents on the consumer protection agency website, untreated leather is acceptable for children's items. Leather that has been tested for lead and phthalate content is also acceptable from what I have read unless I am missing something. Do you have anything that would fit these requirements? I am also interested in chromium free leather. Thank you.
Brenda Lovejoy

[Former_Member]

Phone numbers I have found so far but I have not been able to get a hold of a person yet:

Offray ribbon: 1-800-344-5533

Coats and Clark thread: 1-800-241-5997

Eco Friendly Felt and Faux Fur: www.kuninfelt.com, 1-800-292-7900 for customer service, 603-929-6000 for manufactoring plant

Wool felt: National Nonwovens 1-800-333-3469

Darice Beads: 1-800-321-1494 or 1-866-4-DARICE

Blue Moon Beads: (818) 988-8280

Velcro USA Inc.: 1-800 225-0180

Happy calling everybody! Let us know if you actually get a person!

[Former_Member]

www.ribbonsandbowsohmy.com
Ribbons, clips and stuff...good prices too.

[Former_Member]

Westminster Fabric tests and will send tox screen results if asked.

[Former_Member]

Thank you allthenumbers! That's great!

[MomNMiaDesigns]

Will be glad to pass on any info I obtain.

[Former_Member]

National Nonwovens tests and all wool felt is within compliance with the CPSIA.

[TheRusticHome]

For clothing blanks: www.dharmatrading.com and they have information on the new law and which suppliers are supplying certificates.

[Former_Member]

Fibre Crafts tests their paints

[qbranchltd]

Many craft supplies, in particular paints, finishes, and glues are currently tested and will carry a Non-Toxic label on the bottle or tube. This designation means exactly what it says - no lead, no philates, no poisons of any kind. And with the appropriate label has been tested by a qualified lab. Look for that and you will know it is safe. (Not that CPSC cares!)

[Former_Member]

marking :)

[TheRusticHome]

qbranchltd is right!
Even some fabric dyes conform to standards that are so strict it is food safe. Says if it conforms, on the packaging.

[Former_Member]

marking.

[Former_Member]

marking