Why I don't think I will be closing.

[#1]

I started sewing right after I had twins, and I loved it. It was something for me, it made me happy and the compliments my kids got wearing something I made me so proud. This wasn't supposed to be a business, but the more "can you make one for me?" I got, it suddenly became a business. Something to make a little money for us, and something for me that didn't involve wiping boogers or looking for pacifiers. Every compliment I got my husband was the first to pipe up "She made that, can you believe?" Always my biggest fan.

He died suddenly in May. I refuse to let one more thing I love disappear from my life. I REFUSE. So call me reckless, call me crazy, and if necessary someone remember this post and help bail me out! But I don't see not doing this anymore, I just don't. I sincerely hope that things change so everyone can stay in business, best of luck to everyone.

[MaggieRuthCreations]

I am so sorry for your loss, best of luck to you and your boys. My prayers are with you.

[Former_Member]

Best of luck to you..you sound like you have a beautiful spirit watching over you! May you be blessed.

[Former_Member]

From how I understand it, a law that functions on "all parties are guilty and must prove innocence to do business." is unconstitutional.

I'm staying in business for several reasons:
1) I can't afford to quit (I have to much invested in this, and can't cover my bills without this craft income.)
2) I can't afford to do the testing. the totals for testing (and shipping items for testing) are greater than the current final price of my item. Doubling my prices will price my items out of the market.
3) I can't endorse waste of perfectly good, safe items.
4) I don't think there is any way for small businesses to comply. The approved testing labs aren't interested in testing our small batches AT ALL.
5) we're not equipped to deal with this much "hazardous waste" hitting the waste management system all at once.
6) Civil Disobedience. (because of all of the above.)

[matsudabunch]

I read your blog
and I can see
that there is
no way
you are closing your shop.

xxoo

[Former_Member]

The approved testing labs aren't interested in testing our small batches AT ALL.
-------
That one really got me ticked off when I first saw the post about it, I mean how do they expect us to comply with the law if the labs that are certified to test our items won't even take our business?? As I posted in another thread, that actually creates a liability issue for them, doesn't it? Any business who was refused testing services and subsequently got in trouble with the CPSC could go back and sue the lab for the cost of their fines and court expenses. At least that's how I understand it.

[Former_Member]

I am terribly sorry for your lost as well and proud of how strong you are for yourself and your family! If I'm not there to bail you out it'll probably because I'm in there with you! Lol. I've been wanting to start an Etsy for almost 2 years and it was on my new years resolution list. I finally started now that my son is a bit older I can focus. I'm making items for it as we speak. Thanks for sharing your amazing story!

[Former_Member]

Has anyone mentioned that in their contacts to their representatives? That's a great argument for getting this thing repealed, we can't comply because NONE of the testing facilities will do the testing for us.

[Former_Member]

I am so sorry to hear of your loss! I know your Husband is very proud of you! I support your decision I am not going to close either. I just love doing this to much. Keep your chin up! :)

[Former_Member]

I'm on your side too!!

[Reflections]

I totally understand where you're coming from and if need be, I will personally head up the organization of your candlelight vigil, bail raising party and protest to the state AG to have you released from prison! I am serious!

[Former_Member]

I am so sorry for your loss...I cannot imagine being in the same position.

[Former_Member]

I am so very sorry about the loss of your husband.

[Reflections]

Can't these lawmakers see what they are doing? I thought the idea was to stimulate the economy, not sting it? Fabrics sold for the intent to make children's clothing, accessories, items would have already been tested so why must we the makers of these items need to retest it? My sewing is all I have left as well after falling ill...I don't want to lose it either.

[NiftyKnacksVtgHome]

I am so sorry for your loss! I simply cannot imagine what you've been through. I will keep you and your twins in my prayers. And I will pray that God works out a way for all of us here to continue what we love and depend on.

[Former_Member]

I was reading through your blog and it brought a tear to my eye. I am so sorry for your loss. I can't even begin to imagine what you're going through. Hang in there. If you ever need someone to talk to, I'm just a convo away. It helps to have an adult conversation sometimes. You definitely should keep your shop open. Your husband would be so proud of you. ((HUGS))

[Former_Member]

Oh my..I cannot express how sorry I am.

[Former_Member]

I'm really sorry to hear about your husband. I wholeheartedly support your decision to stay open. You need to do what's right for you!

[Former_Member]

Again thanks everyone!

I think losing these shops will be a travesty. I hope that the lawmakers come to their senses.

[rabbitwhiskers]

SteveyandGeorge I am so sorry for your loss. I too need to stay open. I created my "business" following a lot of trauma in my life, as a way to pull myself up from the bottom.My smocking children's dresses has given my life purpose;it has become my life. I feel like you, I couldn't bear to stop now~ I couldn't take it. Somehow we just have to prevail.The only thing I can think to do is to try and stay strong and keep fighting- Best of luck to you!

[Former_Member]

rabbit-You will prevail, i can sense your strength. All the luck in the world to you!

[julianne]

I'm with you.
I'll try to hang in there too.

I have a couple of new things almost ready.

[Former_Member]

You go get 'em and take numbers! We're not giving up either.

[Former_Member]

"I refuse to let one more thing I love disappear from my life. I REFUSE. "

I love your attitude!

[Former_Member]

Sorry to hear about your loss, I really love your upbeat attitude. I really hope the best for you and all the other Etsy sellers that are going to be affected by this new law.

[rabbitwhiskers]

Aw, thanks SteveyandGeorge! It's nice to know of others who aren't giving up, isn't it? I'm off to write more letters to Congress soon!