Benefit Auction

I donated a bubble dress to help a local family...even though it is local family, some of the prizes are awesome deals for people out of the area.

I can attest that the cause is legit, I wouldn't have donated an item if I didn't feel it was.

For more details, please see here.

XRF testing results

I sent emails to every supplier that I use to verify lead testing procedures and all of them verified that they test for lead.

To ensure that my items were made from top-notch supplies I selected swatches from my fabric stash, button box and other supplies to be tested.

I tested from every manufacturer that I use.

The results?

Drum roll please...

Everything passed with flying colors!

Even some vintage items that I have--perfect!

Can't get much better than that.

I am all for safety in children's products and that is why I tested even after each manufacturer swore to their items safety.

I hope that the CPSIA can be defined in a way that allows the cottage industry to still thrive and be safe at the same time.

PS
My items were tested in Michigan by a lead-testing professional. A group rate was given and a representative from our group was present during testing. A big thanks to the people who organized this testing. It was affordable, quick and professional!

List of manufactures included in my testing:
1 Michael Miller
2. Westminster
3. David Textiles
4. Alexander Henry
5. Windham (Baum)
6. Robert Kaufman
8. La Mode Buttons
9. Stretch Rite Elastic
10. Premier Fabrics
11. Cosmo Japanese Import Fabric

Gearing up for Spring

Check out this article about Etsy and children's spring wear, so many cute items!

I know I'm getting so anxious for spring, I wake up every morning praying there isn't any snow. Today, no snow, but seriously COLD!

A few days ago I took out the cruiser and went for a ride around the block--it was FREEZING. I just wanted to get outside.

Today I'm making 3 Damask bubble dresses for a wedding and I'm starting a new one--shades of soft yellow, light pink, and greens...sounds like spring, doesn't it? The dress pictured above--lots of pinky-goodness for a little las, now in the shop!

Here's to spring, it can't come SOON ENOUGH!

Paula Prass

When I first laid eyes on the Flights of Fancy fabric line from Paula Prass, I knew I had to use some!

And decided that a fun spring dress was in order, I purposely steered clear from all the fun pinky fabrics in the line (which are adorable mind you) and went for the shades of blue and green.

The Zinnia dress is among my favorite dress in my shop.

And I'm so excited it was feature on Paula's blog! Wahoo for yummy fabrics and cute kiddie wear!

In other news, I sent a stack of samples to be XRF tested for lead and I'm anxiously waiting the report. Due to the stay of enforcement of the CPSIA I'm still in business and I've contacted my suppliers and everyone so far says they test. So we will see what the next year holds in store for my little operation!

Back!

I've taken a long break from my shop blog! I think I just needed to cut something out for awhile. And as much fun as it is to blog about new ideas and creations, I just needed to not feel obligated for a bit of time.

I've been mulling over what to do with my shop, in light of the CPSIA regulations. For those who don't know, all items intended for children under the age of 12 are now under stricter regulations. These new rules will make it difficult for many small business owners to continue to operate, or at least operate under their current structures.

For example, I never intended on being a bigger manufacturer, so now I'm faced with these new regulations and I feel as if I need to jump in full force and increase my output and vision or I need to bow out of children's wear.

I really enjoyed being the mushy middle of the spectrum of options...

In the midst of this massive decision that's been before me for awhile, I've been so pleased with the reception my bubble dress has received. Over Christmas I was so fortunate to have sell a handful to so many wonderful mothers. And I am in the process of making some for a wedding party.

I love the way the design turned out.

I picked up some fun material for some spring bubble dresses, but alas, who know if they will ever make it in to my shop with my current decision making dilemma concerning my shop!

One clever mother purchased a Walk Tall Jumper in brown for her daughter's Safari themed birthday party. Isn't she darling? I love it when I get pictures from customers! Thank you so much for sharing. (Cute party theme too!)

Pictures like this one make me sad that I might not be selling children's clothes any more. It really is disappointing. I've made a lot of connections and was just starting to feel at peace with the direction I was heading.

So far all of the supplies manufacturers I've contacted already test for lead content, but alas the law is written to require the final product manufacturer to do the testing again. *sigh*

For more information about CPSIA, please visit: Fashion Incubator

Snow Anyone?

YAY Cuteable

Check it out!

Thank you Lynsey for the feature!