CPSIA Stay of Enforcement-Thoughts Around the Web

I know everyone in the children’s business is jumping for joy.  I’m not–at least not yet.  The CPSIA problems are far from over.  The CPSC has issued a “stay of enforcement” meaning they aren’t going to enforce the new CPSIA law just yet.  However, they are allowing your state’s attorney general to do so.

The law still applies.  The CPSC, however, is not requiring third-party testing at this time.  Yet, you are still  not allowed to sell children’s products outside of the new lead limits.  Seems the law hasn’t changed–just the testing requirements and enforcement for the time being (and only Congress can change the law, not the CPSC).

Another thought that comes to mind is wholesale accounts (children’s boutiques).  I seriously doubt boutiques want the liability and will want some type of proof that your children’s products are lead-free.  They’ll want to have all incoming stock to be certified prior to any amendments in the law as they are unsure how this will all play out.  Stores won’t want to add products that might not be sellable in the future.

I’ve decided to go ahead with my XRF lead testing tomorrow and have GCCs issued to ensure the safety of my boys’ clothing line.  It will only add value to my products as not all of my competitors are doing so.

Now for some CPSIA links around the web:

National Bankruptcy Day:  Cautious Optimism

Overlawyered.com CPSIA Stay:  Part I

Overlawyered.com CPSIA Stay:  Part II

Z Recommends:  Seller Beware

CPSIA Cheer:  Touchdown!  We Scored!  But It’s Not Even Half Time

Senator Hatch Wants Senate Hearings on CPSIA

Reform CPSIA

WhatDoISell.com:  Temporary Relief

Boutique Cafe:  Breathe Easily and then Call Your Representatives from Heather of Lilliputians

Kenneth Ross, Attorney at Law:  Summary of CPSIA Stay

Scholars and Rogues:  No Child Product Left Behind

How Much Safer Will CPSIA Make Us?

Nancy Nord of CPSC:  Letter to Congress regarding Stay

The Smart Mama

I think what everyone should be doing at this point is contacting your local members of Congress and ask them to support Congressman DeMint’s Bill to amend the CPSIA.

One last thing, my mentor, Kathleen Fasanella of Fashion-Incubator.com, deserves a big THANK YOU from me and the rest of the children’s apparel industry.  Kathleen has worked countless hours (and continues to do so) on the CPSIA and its affects on sewn products.  I don’t know what I would do without her.  Seriously.

DORKA THE EXECUTIONER by wacky artist David Gross

Hope everyone’s enjoying a wonderful weekend!  I know Mr. Diva will be.  He and his passe are awaiting the limo to take them to Atlantic City, NJ for Super Bowl Weekend.  Oh, what a wonderful wife I am–LOL!

Disclaimer:  Although I consider myself extremely bright, I have no legal background (other than a paralegal certificate…LOL) and therefore, the above post reflects my personal opinion and should not be construed as legal advice.

CPSIA BREAKING NEWS!!!

The CPSC has issued a STAY on the CPSIA!  Read it here:

CPSC Stay on Lead in Children’s Products

CPSC’s Press Release

Fashion-Incubator re:  CPSIA Stay of Execution

Also SC Senator Jim DeMint is proposing legislation next week to reform the CPSIA!

Wondering if I should cancel the XRF testing this weekend…perhaps.

Hope your weekend if off to a great start!  I’ll be out to see Joe Piscipo and other comedians tonight with Mr. Diva and another couple!  I so need to get out more often!

With friendship,

Lisa

Downtown Joey will be CPSIA Compliant plus Some Great CPSIA Links

Good news–I’m scheduled to test (via XRF testing gun) my Spring/Summer 2009 Downtown Joey boys’ clothing line this weekend!  I don’t foresee any problems as all my fabric is 100% cotton and my components (zippers, snaps, etc.) are from reputable suppliers.  My only concern are my key chains.  We shall see.  Wish me luck!

In the meantime, I wanted to share with you some more great CPSIA links to keep you busy this weekend:

NAM Petition Request Delay of February 10th CPSIA

Fashion-Incubator’s Crystal Ball and Status Report

Fashion-Incubator:  How the Industry has Changed Forever

Some Really Great Advice for CPSIA – Polkadot Patch Baby

CPSIA:  My Wish List by Rick Woldenberg

CPSIA:  Some Random Thoughts by Rick Woldenberg

The Grim Reader

CPSIA Blog In

I am mentally EXHAUSTED from all the CPSIA, but I keep chugging along.  Here’s some more links on the subject.

CPSC Apparel Meeting Video January 23, 2009

Support Component Level Testing for CPSIA

3 Cheers for Component Level Testing

Child Safety May Kill NYC Jobs

Wondering with February 10th fast approaching, what will happen.  My guess is nothing.  Still, I’m holding out for something to change.  Maybe they’ll allow component testing.  Crossing fingers.

In the meantime, stay up to date on the latest CPSIA information over at Fashion-Incubator.  Make sure you pop in the free Fashion-Incubator CPSIA FORUM!

With friendship,

Lisa

P.S. – My daughter, Marielle, will celebrate ONE MONTH post-kidney transplant tomorrow!  She’s doing TERRIFIC!  She’ll be going back to school in about 2 weeks (she hasn’t been there since last May)!  Yippee!  Thanks for all your prayers and support!

Quick CPSIA Update

 

(pictured:  Downtown Detention boys set by Downtown Joey)

Been busy keeping up on all the CPSIA information.  Here’s some more pertinent links around the web:

Forbes.com Opinions

Senators Waxman, Rockefeller, Rush & Prior’s Letter to Nancy Nord CPSC

CPSIA – Lessons of Nero

CPSC’s Listing of Clothing Found to have LEAD

Special Interest Groups Behind the CPSIA

Why You Need to Contact Waxman Rather Than Nord

Call Senator Waxman’s office at (202) 225-4434 and leave a message to Amend the CPSIA.

However, be sure to head over to Fashion-Incubator for the latest information on how the CPSIA affects sewn product manufacturers.

With friendship,

Lisa

Christmas 2008…Wishing For a Miracle

Somehow I forgot to post this the day after Christmas (guess I was just a tad distracted, you think?)

December 26, 2008

Christmas was so different this year.  I’m so glad it’s over.  Usually all the holiday ceramics I made years ago bring me joy.

I went through the motions.  Never finished shopping or decorating.  Didn’t really cared that my presents were without handmade bows and calligraphy gift tags.  Or that I didn’t buy all the gifts I had set out to purchase.

The tree had stood undecorated for two weeks until my daughter decorated it on Christmas Eve.

Christmas decorations were place randomly around the house hoping to add Christmas cheer.

My heart was breaking each and every minute of the day.

There were no gifts under the tree until Christmas morning, because I waited until last minute to wrap them.

All I would think about was if a Christmas Miracle (a new kidney) would come in time…

Would my prayers be answered before it was too late?

Although I did not feel hopeless, the reality of Marielle’s health became more than I could bear…

But I kept it to myself.  I didn’t want to make my loved ones worry anymore than they already were.

I forced myself to keep conversation light and smile so everyone would continue to think I was strong…

The stockings were hung haphazardly on the stairs…

Never did put a single Pink Christmas Light on the outside of the house.  I did, however, manage to put my 2 foot angels in the front window…

I did get Marielle an embroidered stocking to match her Pink and Zebra bedroom…

And she got my Pink Christmas Tree which was “supposed” to go in my Pink Sewing Room.  The things us mothers sacrifice for our children…LOL.

Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday!  Perhaps next Christmas will be brighter for me.

Hitting the Ground Running…

(Kidney Toy available from Tracy Beans)

Marielle and I returned home late yesterday afternoon from Philadelphia–just two weeks after her successful kidney transplant!  Woo hoo!

It is great to be home, but the reality of what’s ahead is daunting:

• Twice weekly doctor appointments for the next 6 weeks and weekly appointments thereafter
• Daily in-home nursing appointments for Marielle
• Filling a zillion prescriptions
• Christmas decorations that need to be put away
• A sewing studio that looks like a bomb went off in it
• Designing a quick Fall/Winter 2010 boys’ clothing line for buyers
• Complying with the new CPSIA requirements
• Manufacturing and shipping my Spring/Summer 2009 boys’ clothing line
• Preparing for house painters
• Planning a 15th Liver Transplant Anniversary for Marielle on St. Patrick’s Day for more than 200 people in my home.

Overwhelmed is an understatement.  Seriously.  So please be patient with me while I dig out from under all this insanity…

oh and did I mention my home is TRASHED!  Thanks Mr. Diva…great job.  Not.

All in the Family

I’ve been missing.  I can explain.  I woke up in the middle of the night with pain in my abdomen.  Made it half-way across the street to the U of Penn Emergency Room before passing out.  Hours later the doctors tell me I have TWO KIDNEY STONES!!!  No way!  How can that be?

Mr. Diva has suffered from severe kidney stones for years and Little Miss Sunshine just got a new kidney.  I think between the two of them, I caught kidney sickness.  Just saying.

Marielle continues to do great after receiving her new kidney last week.  She still has a lot of pain, but she’s a trooper and finds things to distract herself…

and yes, she’s the Queen of the Craft Room…making everything from crepe paper flowers

to cool cut-out thingies…LOL

And yes, of course there’s a bow on her door…

oh and check out what Lady M sent her…

a Little Miss Sunshine necklace (thanks Myrinda)!

Miss Marielle is finally out of ICU.  We are hoping to return home to NY early next week.  Doctors are just adjusting medication doses so she’ll have a smooth transition. Can’t wait to be back in NY!

With friendship,

Lisa

 

Happy New Year

Just popping in with a quick update…
Marielle is doing well. Her kidney function is perfect. However, we are struggling with the side effects of her medications.

My older sister has been here taking shifts at Marielle’s bedside. It is simply exhausting as she needs us 24 hours a day.

Today she was able to sit in a chair twice! I’m so proud of her. We’re hoping it gets easier as the days go by.

Thanks to everyone for their continued support and prayers.

Wishing everyone a blessed New Year!

With friendship,
Lisa