liliputians May Become Extinct Due to CPSIA

 
[This is another in a series of posts by Susan Maphis covering the impact of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). For more information about the CPSIA, read Susan's previous article: The End Of Handmade and sign up for her CPSIA Alerts Mailing List ]

Heather Flottmann is the owner, designer, and seamstress at liliputians, a company that specializes in made-to-order children’s clothing. Their 100% cotton birthday shirts and outfits are especially popular with customers. However, Flottmann says, the party may end after Feburary 10.

“My livelihood is threatened with extinction when the CPSIA goes into effect on February 10,” she says. “I am a micro-manufacturer who has been in business since 2005. I have a web site, sell online through about 2 dozen other web sites, and also directly to about a dozen boutiques worldwide.”

Flottmann’s love of art, vintage designs and whimsical themes is evident in liliputians creations. They feature bright colors, polka dots, retro prints, and stripes, all incorporated into the finest fabrics. She even sells coordinating mother-daughter sets, such as the Frida Kahlo Inspired Ladies and Little Girl A-line Skirts shown above.

“My business is thriving despite the current economy,” Flottmann says. “CPSIA will change that. It will put me out of business if not amended.” She suggests that amendments should include exclusions for certain inherently lead-free materials added, exclusions for the handmade one-of-a-kind industry, or that they should allow component testing.

You can view Flottmann’s products at liliputians.com.

[ For more information about the CPSIA, read Susan's previous article: The End Of Handmade]