[ This is one 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 ]

The CPSIA has voted to make fabric and yarn exempt from testing and certification requirements for children’s products under the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). However, because fasteners on children’s clothing, such as snaps, zippers, and buttons, will still need to be tested for lead, which means that the final garment as a whole is still required to be tested under the act.

The CPSIA released a statement about this decision, saying, “After reviewing and verifying this test data, the staff was able to determine that most textile products are manufactured using processes that do not introduce lead or result in an end product that would exceed the CPSIA’s lead limits.”

Some children’s handcrafters are excited about this ruling. Jennifer Cirka of etsy shop Jaybird Designs says she is happy to be able to make children’s products again, “as long as I don’t add zippers, buttons, snaps, and such.” Time will tell if this new ruling will really make a difference for manufacturers of children’s products.

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

[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 ]

One children’s product company has vowed to become “outlaws with a conscience” and not let the CPSIA affect its business. Michael Newhouse of Three Peas Company, which carries a line of children’s apparel combining urban chic with today’s modern child, says, “We know our products are safe and will continue to forge on developing high quality boutique clothing with a ton of style.”

Three Peas Company started in January 2008 as two moms making hairbows for their daughters, because they did not like the product offerings that they were finding at the mass merchants, mall stores and boutiques. As their children were seen wearing the bows, the mothers started to received compliments and inquiries as to where they purchased the bows. These questions eventually lead to the start of Three Peas Co.

With an overwhelming demand and time constraints, one of the moms left the company, and Antoinette Newhouse continued to build the company with the assistance of her husband, Michael. The official launch for Three Peas Co. was in June 2008, and the line quickly grew form Hairbows to Onesies, Tutus, T-shirts and now includes a growing boys line.

“Three Peas Co is dedicated to our children and the children, grandchildren, friends children etc around the world that we have been privileged to provide clothes that bring a smile,” Michael Newhouse says. “We in no way would support vendors that could have potential harmful lead, chemicals or dangers with their clothes. We only order high quality material that we would use for our children. We support the founding principles of CPSIA to protect our kids, but the fundamentals of implementation are critically fouled.”

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

[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 ]

Jennifer J. Cirka, owner of Jaybird Designs, agrees with her fellow children’s product shop owners that the CPSIA is going to be devastating. However, she has another point of view about the situation.

“Yes, this mess is going to affect my business, but truthfully, I think it will be the best thing for my business,” Cirka says. “I love making my crocheted items, but truthfully, finished and custom-made items do not sell well for me. What sells the best for me are my crochet patterns. This law is going to force me to concentrate more on my patterns, and thus will probably make me more money. I just have no idea what I will do with all the samples from those patterns (since many of them are for children’s items!)”

Cirka knows she’s in the minority when it comes to feelings about the CPSIA. “I have many friends who are being affected worse,” she says. “My close friend is being forced to close down her boutique in Texas and now I won’t have a B&M shop to sell in.”

You can view the children’s products Cirka has left at JaybirdDesigns.com, where items such as the Juicy Watermelon Crochet Layette Set, shown above, are on sale (regularly $150, now selling for $60).

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

[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 ]

On Friday, the CPSC voted to stay enforcement of the CPSIA’s testing and certification requirements for one year, putting off the deadline for compliance until February 10, 2010. While this might allay some fears of handcrafters and other manufacturers/retailers of children’s products, this delay affects some, but not all, of the provisions of the CPSIA. On February 10, 2009, testing and certification requirements for cribs, small parts, metal children’s jewelry, ATVs and lead in paint will still be enforced.

A press release posted by the CPSIA reads: “The stay of enforcement provides some temporary, limited relief to the crafters, children’s garment manufacturers and toy makers who had been subject to the testing and certification required under the CPSIA. These businesses will not need to issue certificates based on testing of their products until additional decisions are issued by the Commission. However, all businesses, including, but not limited to, handmade toy and apparel makers, crafters and home-based small businesses, must still be sure that their products conform to all safety standards and similar requirements, including the lead and phthalates provisions of the CPSIA.”

This stay of enforcement is not an overwhelming victory for resellers and handcrafters. Those who support the CPSIA, such as consumer protection advocates, could still sue to force the CPSC to enforce the CPSIA as originally written. As each state’s Attorney General was charged with enforcing the CPSIA, states could still decide to enforce the law.

U.S. Senator Jim Demint introduced plans on his blog for a bill that would change the CPSIA, including allowing component testing and forcing the CPSC to publish a compliance guide. This legislation would also exempt thrift stores, yard sales and some resellers from the law.

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

[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 ]

Etsy shop owner Beth Newbern-Hallam is yet another business owner who is being forced to sell off her line of children’s products due to the impending CPSIA legislation. She has been selling her hand-knit and crocheted children’s items online since 1996.

“It seems surreal that I won’t be knitting anymore little sweaters or booties,” Newbern-Hallam says. “I won’t be sewing up anymore little rompers. No more baby toys. Legally, I can’t even make these things for friends anymore.” Her Etsy shop, PSBB Designs, currently is selling off her variety of sweaters, blankets, afghans, outfits, and accessories.

“I am going to stop making children’s items,” she says. “Instead, I’m going to use this shop to sell off all the supplies, and items I can no longer use to make children’s items.” Newbern-Hallam will continue her other shop, Jus Shar Designs, which sells hand-knit and crocheted items for teens and adults.

“I just hope our government knows what they are doing,” Newbern-Hallam says. “The fall-out is going to be tragic.”
[ For more information about the CPSIA, read Susan's previous article: The End Of Handmade]

[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 ]

Krissly Carter of Lil’ Tinkerbell Boutique has been making hair clips for less than 6 months. She might have to abandon this new business soon, however, due to the CPSIA’s enactment on February 10.

“I have been amazed at the popularity and fun I’ve had creating them,” Carter says. “I’m a stay at home mom who has been able to find something I can do at home that helps pay the bills. It has been such a blessing, but now what do I do? The economy is already tough as it is. Will I be able to find a job outside my home when people are losing them left and right? I’m sad that in less then 2 weeks I may have to stop completely.”

The new testing requirements imposed by the CPSIA may force Carter to close her business. “I can’t afford testing everything on each clip,” she says. “I don’t want to have to increase the price of my hair clips so no one can afford them. I wanted to make hair clips that were of great quality but very affordable.”

Carter’s business has already felt some repercussions from the impending CPSIA legislation. “I was invited to a wholesale meeting for a local company where I’d show my product to store owners for them to buy wholesale,” she says. “Just recently, I was told I would not be able to attend unless I had a certificate saying my items were tested for lead. So, unfortunately, I had to decline going to the meeting. I couldn’t get everything tested in less then two weeks. I was sad because I felt going to this meeting was getting me closer to my goal of getting them in local stores.”

Carter is currently trying to sell her existing inventory, just in case the business has to end. “Before the Feb. 10 deadline, I’m going to be posting several hair clips on my blog,” she says. “The holidays are times of the year for everyone. I love to create the perfect clip to match those holiday outfits. Since I’ve only been able to sell them for Halloween and Christmas, Im going to be posting some valentine, Easter/spring and even 4th of July hair clips before Feb. 10.”

You can view the variety of hair clips available at Lil’ Tinkerbell Boutique.

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

[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 ]

The CPSIA has already caused one children’s clothing company, Scarlet Stitch, to change its business model. Co-owners Crystal Carr and Jill Buie made the decision to sell their existing inventory and hope to come up with a new line for teenagers soon.

“Due to the passing of the law, we felt we had two options,” Carr explains. “Either we could cross our fingers, hope the law would be revoked or changed, and continue to sell our clothing as before. Or, take the law seriously and sell our inventory before the law took effect. We decided to sell our inventory, rather than take the chances of not being able to sell it at all. In order to sell all of our inventory, we had to throw a massive clearance sale, selling items for 50% or more off. This, of course, is not conducive to making any kind of profit and we forfeited potentially hundreds of dollars in order to clear our inventory to be compliant with the law.”

“We also plan to switch gears and are working on creating a new Junior Line, geared towards teenage girls,” she continues. “This expansion takes time and money. In the meanwhile, we will be unable to sell any of our Children’s Line unless the law is changed, meaning we will be without sales however long it takes to implement our new clothing line.”

Carr and Buie have been encouraging visitors to their website, ScarletStitch.com, to become involved by signing petitions to have the CPSIA changed. “We are hopeful that people will have enough common sense to see that lead levels in children’s clothing is not a matter of concern and therefore testing will not be required,” Carr says. “We hope to reinstate our Children’s Line as soon as we are able.”

Visit ScarletStitch.com to view the massive clearance sale of their existing inventory, where items such as the Patchwork Pinafore, shown above, are selling for $15 (regularly $35).

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

[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 ]

Etsy shop owner Allie Schooley has decided to stop selling children’s items in her Etsy store Baby-Boo Felt Shop after February 10, because of the CPSIA legislation which will become effective on that date. Her shop, which specialized in toy felt food, was started as her response to her son’s favorite toys (made in China) being recalled for lead content.

“I really enjoyed being able to provide felt food to children for a fair price as well as play blocks,” Schooley says. “Already because of the CPSIA I’ve had people say they will not buy from me because my items are not yet tested. It’s almost as if the word about this new law has people afraid to purchase, a hysteria the CPSIA has started to create. Although children’s items was my main focus before, I just cannot spend the money on testing the components — something that could cost me an easy $500, money I don’t really make at this time. I will instead focus on other items for people over 12 years of age rather than jump through hoops for the CPSIA and spend money I do not have.”

All of the children’s items in Schooley’s store are currently on sale, including the Nancy’s Tea Cakes set pictured above. You can view them at Baby-Boo Felt Shop.

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

[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 ]

Caroline Riepler of Little Journeys Baby World has been producing a variety of hand-made items such as blankets, burping cloths and baby bonnets since 2001. Her website already displays the statement: “Compliant with CPSIA HR.4040. Little Journeys Baby World has been and always will be free of lead. Certification of Compliance available upon request.”

Although Riepler can afford to do XRF testing on her products now, she is uncertain of the future. “If they want us to do third-party testing in August, that will probably close down my door,” she says.

Riepler has contacted third-party testing companies in her home state of Colorado. A lab in Boulder told her it would charge $50 per component to test for lead and $450 per component to test for phthalates. Her quilts currently retail for $220, she said, and have a wholesale price of about $110.

“Can you imagine? That would put me out of business because I can’t afford the testing,” Riepler says. “I wish they would rewrite the law so that the supplies you get have been tested already, so that when we put it together, it does not have to be tested again.”

The mother of a 5 year-old, Riepler says that the last thing she wants to see is children harmed by too much lead or phthalates in a toy or blanket. However, she feels that the law punishes small businesses like hers that produce one-of-a-kind items made of high-quality, safe materials. “I think they were doing a good thing, but they didn’t know the effects of everything down the road,” Riepler says.

Riepler has written suggestions to the CPSC on how to make the law more business-friendly for small companies like hers. She has also contacted local representatives. You can view Riepler’s products, such as the Western Boo Bunnies pictured above (designed to hold ice cubes to place against a child’s boo-boo) at LittleJourneysBabyWorld.com. Many of her items are currently on sale at 50% off regular prices.

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

[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 ]

Megan deBoer, who has been creating simple, stylish, and comfortable baby clothing and products for the past 5 years from her home business, Homespun Goods, has made the decision to close her business because of the impending CPSIA legislation.

“I have been in business for 5 years now and found a niche providing styles of clothing that can be made out of chosen fabrics,” deBoer says.  ”My customers have always been delighted to be a part of the process, choosing the detail fabrics used on a shirt, jacket or dress, or customizing a particular garment for their child.  Because I create each piece myself, and cut fabric after something has been ordered, I have this flexibility.  Under the new law, my entire business model would be ridiculous, because it would cost thousands of dollars, as each finished product would require testing… even if I used the same fabrics repeatedly.  There are other elements of the law beyond the lead testing: bar codes for each item, dye lot numbers for each fabric used.  Retailers will need to require this information to protect themselves, which would undoubtedly limit my business potential since there is no way to afford these either.”

deBoer is still hopeful that things might change so that she would be able to stay in business, in some fashion. “It is possible that these regulations will change so that my business would not be as affected as it currently is,” she says. “I have a wholesale client who wants to continue selling my line, as they are some of her best selling items.  When I informed her of my decision to close, she placed a huge order which I had to have tested for compliance with the current law for goods made prior to Feburary 10.  They passed, but the fee for testing (an independent test, not the certified test that will be required after Feb. 10) is high as each component of the garment required testing: thread, seams, tags, fabric, and closures.”  

“I hope and anticipate some revisions to the law to allow for materials-based testing, or certain products to be ‘certified’ which can then be turned into a ‘clean’ finished product,” deBoer continues.  ”But even if this were the case, it would require the investment of all new inventory.”

You can visit deBoer’s store at HomespunGoods.com, where she is currently having a going out of business sale. Items such as the boys’ Lightning Bolt outfit shown above, which normally retail for $38, are selling for $20. Sizes and styles are limited, so act now if you are interested!

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

[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 ]

Liz Hurst, creator of Busy Lizzy Bows, says she started making children’s hair bows because she loved putting them in her daughters’ hair, but didn’t want to pay $5 per bow. Instead, she started designing and creating high quality hair bows, in her smoke-free home, charging a much lower price for them. However, Hurst is unsure what will happen come February 10 when the CPSIA goes into effect.

“Since I do custom bows, I cannot afford to test each and every bow, and neither can the consumer.” Hurst says. “I know there is a part in the CPSIA that talks about one-of-a-kind items being okay, but I don’t believe my bows will fall into that catagory. I think I will just have to market it differently. For example, I am seeing many junior high girls starting to wear baby bows in their hair, so I might market it towards them. Of course, I cannot control who buys them and who uses them.”

Hurst fears for the future of her business and also for the cost of children’s products in the future. “How am I, and anyone else, going to be able to afford clothing and toys for children?” she says. “At the moment I am urging all my customers to buy as much as they can now, but the economy is making hair bows an extra that many cannot afford now, let alone after the 10th.”

Hurst has posted a notice on her web site that she will no longer be creating hair bows due to the CPSIA, but that she will continue to fill orders until Feb. 10. If you are interested in inexpensive, quality hair bows for your children, you might want to stock up now by visiting BusyLizzyBows. Prices range from $1.50 to $3 per bow. Each bow is made on an alligator clip, and Hurst will add a no-slip grip onto the clip for an extra .50 cents.

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

[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 ]

Jen Arey made her first quilted project when she was 18, under the tutelage of her mother. Later, Arey took that love of quilting passed down by her mother and created Baby’s Breath Quilts, a business she runs from home. She has built up her business over the last 2 1/2 years, selling quilts online, in galleries, and at craft fairs. This could all come to a screeching halt, however, on February 10, when the CPSIA goes into effect.

“This law, in a nutshell, will bankrupt me,” Arey says. “I have been spending hours writing articles and making phone calls to anyone I can think of and, while sympathetic, no one seems to have a solution. My state Representative even told me I needed to get a lawyer because it was out of Washington’s hands!”

Arey, who also works as a substitute teacher, says that she cannot afford the $13,000 that it would cost to test her existing line of quilts, let alone any new quilts she would make. “I have a ton of fabric waiting to be made into quilts, but I don’t want to start any new projects if I am not going to be able to sell them,” she says. “I feel really limited with my business and all of my focus is on trying to get this issue resolved.”

Arey’s quilts feature original designs, such as the Black and White Ladybug Quilt, pictured above. She also specializes in custom-made quilts. Arey spends an average of 12 hours making each quilt, and she never uses embellishments on them that could possibly be harmful to babies. You can view and purchase Arey’s quilts at BabysBreathQuilts.com.

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

[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 ]

Happy Panda Baby is the brainchild of Pamela Kramer and her friend Emily Sanderson. The company produces high quality babywear for larger babies. After Kramer’s two babies grew so quickly that they were wearing size 2T before their first birthdays, she decided to start a store that sells clothing exclusively for bigger babies, or what she lovingly terms, “happy pandas.” Their big and tall baby clothing is designed and made in the USA, using environmentally safe fabrics and inks. However, some of Happy Panda’s clothing will be discontinued because of the impending CPSIA legislation, going into effect on February 10.

The CPSIA has already forced Kramer to drop her line of infant gowns and bibs. She has discovered that it would cost $1350 to test just one gown and bib set for lead and phthalates. “It isn’t possible for us to absorb that kind of cost at this time and we will no longer carry these gowns or bibs,” Kramer explains.

Kramer features on her blog a listing of CPSIA Inventory Sales of 30 other stores and designers of children’s products. She also encourages everyone to become involved. Currently, Kramer is giving away three sets of the gowns and bibs in a contest. To enter, you must state what you’ve been doing to be proactive about CPSIA, whether it’s signing petitions, blogging, or something else to get the word out about the problem. The sets normally retail for $35. To enter, visit HappyPandaBaby.com/blog and leave a comment stating what you’ve done to support the cause. Entries will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. February 1. To view all of Kramer’s products, visit HappyPandaBaby.com.

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

[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 ]

Sue Lappan runs a home business, Ecoleeko, which creates dolls made exclusively from eco-friendly materials. She uses organic cotton, a vegetable-based fiber called kapok, walnut shells, nontoxic dyes, and yarns from soy, wool, bamboo and silk. Even her business, however, is in danger from the CPSIA.

“Under the law as it stands, all toys would need to be tested for lead and other chemicals associated with plastics,” Lappan says. “This would mean each individual doll that is of a different color or style would have to be tested, even if the same materials are used in every one. This would be extremely costly to a business of my size, and will cause many shops to close all together. As far as my company, I am waiting to hear if any further exemptions are made for natural materials, dyed or un-dyed, and if there is an allowance on component testing, meaning they would test the materials used in the dolls, not each doll.”

Testing is not only an expensive prospect but a time-consuming one. “My dolls are made of bamboo fleece and organic cotton,” Lappan says. “If the law includes component testing, I would need probably about 5 to 10 materials tested. Although, if they don’t change the law based on dyed fabrics, each color would need to be tested individually, let alone every time you dye another batch, another testing would need to be done. That would cause me to have to also test about 12 different colors of the same exact fabric. I use fiber- reactive dyes, that molecularly become part of the fabric, they don’t sit on the surface like plastic based inks. They are safe and nontoxic under the ASTM, yet under the new law, must be tested anyway. At some of the estimates other people have been getting, I could be looking at testing fees of $400-$1000 per doll!”

Lappan is uncertain about the future of Ecoleeko once the CPSIA goes into effect. “It’s an unbelievable mess,” shes ays. “It’s hard not to get down about it in general. Here people are making items for children from natural materials, and have great intentions, but it’s simply just not enough. I’m sure the law isn’t intended to create such havoc, but it is, and it needs to be changed if not repealed and rewritten altogether. I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed that there will be a major change. If not, I will have to re-look at my products and see what I can afford to test. I will have to cut my line down or remove color all together. This will really be a shame since I love the bright colors of my products. It will guarantee us a very bland future.”

You can view and purchase Lappan’s dolls at Ecoleeko.com, where they are still bright and colorful, like the adorable Waddle Ducky Doll pictured above.

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

[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 ]

Babycapes were created by two moms from West Virginia, Suzi Crowder and Elizabeth Hostler, as a result of their struggle to get their baby girls into their carseats wearing bulky winter coats. These custom-made capes with a convenient front opening provides easy access for parents to the carseat harness straps while still providing warmth to baby. Now the future of Babycapes is threatened by the impending CPSIA legislation, set to take effect on February 10.

“When Elizabeth and I set out to make this wonderful product more than two years ago, we both felt strongly about having it produced in the United States because of the stigma surrounding products being made in China,” Crowder says. “Even though we are paying three times as much per garment to sew it in the U.S., we felt it was important to keep production in this country and put Americans to work.” All of their components are U.S.-produced as well.

Crowder says that testing of her products is going to be unwieldy and expensive. “We will be required to test a sample item from each lot of Babycapes, in each color and style, after complete assembly, and then the testing must be applied to each component — the fabric, the snaps, the labels, the hang tags and even the thread,” she explains. “Currently, we offer nine different styles of Babycapes and nine different styles of hats. Additionally, a new label will have to be added to each Babycape every production run providing the date and lot number. Those labels will need to be tested, too. That means 90+ different tests every production run.” There are few certified testing labs in the country, Crowder says. She also notes that the law will not only apply to newly-produced items, but to existing inventory, too.

As of now, Crowder is unsure how Babycapes will handle the CPSIA’s requirements. “What do we do?” she asks. “Cut down on the number of styles we produce, limiting choices for our customers? Jack up the prices to accommodate our testing bills? Take our business away from our U.S.-based sewing contractor and our American suppliers and give it to a factory in China or India because it will be less expensive to produce, padding our budgets a little to allow for ridiculous testing? The least attractive option would be to close our business completely, thereby throwing away the thousands of dollars we’ve invested bringing this wonderful product to market.”

“Our product was designed to keep babies and small children warm, comfortable, but most importantly, SAFE while traveling in car seats or strollers,” Crowder says. “Do you really think we would use any supplies that would cause our children harm?”

You can view Crowder and Hostler’s unique products at BabycapesOnline.com. During the CPSIA Inventory Reduction Sale, each style of Babycape is $30 off the regular price. This sale is on until Feb. 10.

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