January 30, 2009

CPSIA and Handmade

Exciting new ........................... drum roll ..........

The Commission voted for a "Stay of Enforcement of Certain Testing and Certification Requirements of CPSIA" — which means they are proposing a 1 year suspension of the burden of lead testing and certification while they take more time to review the rules and plan enforcement! All those letters, phone calls and emails paid off (for once). You will still be liable if your products are found to have lead. The work is not over but we have breathing space now for a year.

You can read the press release below:
CPSC Grants One Year Stay of Testing and Certification Requirements for Certain Products
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission voted unanimously (2-0) to issue a one year stay of enforcement for certain testing and certification requirements for manufacturers and importers of regulated products, including products intended for children 12 years old and younger. These requirements are part of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), which added certification and testing requirements for all products subject to CPSC standards or bans.

Significant to makers of children’s products, the vote by the Commission provides limited relief from the testing and certification requirements which go into effect on February 10, 2009 for new total lead content limits (600 ppm), phthalates limits for certain products (1000 ppm), and mandatory toy standards, among other things. Manufacturers and importers – large and small – of children’s products will not need to test or certify to these new requirements, but will need to meet the lead and phthalates limits, mandatory toy standards and other requirements.

The decision by the Commission gives the staff more time to finalize four proposed rules which could relieve certain materials and products from lead testing and to issue more guidance on when testing is required and how it is to be conducted.

The stay will remain in effect until February 10, 2010, at which time a Commission vote will be taken to terminate the stay.

The stay does not apply to:
Four requirements for third-party testing and certification of certain children’s products subject to:
The ban on lead in paint and other surface coatings effective for products made after December 21, 2008;

The standards for full-size and non full-size cribs and pacifiers effective for products made after January 20, 2009;

The ban on small parts effective for products made after February 15, 2009; and

The limits on lead content of metal components of children’s jewelry effective for products made after March 23, 2009.

Certification requirements applicable to ATV’s manufactured after April 13, 2009.

Pre-CPSIA testing and certification requirements, including for: automatic residential garage door openers, bike helmets, candles with metal core wicks, lawnmowers, lighters, mattresses, and swimming pool slides; and

Pool drain cover requirements of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act.

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.

Handmade garment makers are cautioned to know whether the zippers, buttons and other fasteners they are using contain lead. Likewise, handmade toy manufacturers need to know whether their products, if using plastic or soft flexible vinyl, contain phthalates.

The stay of enforcement on testing and certification does not address thrift and second hand stores and small retailers because they are not required to test and certify products under the CPSIA. The products they sell, including those in inventory on February 10, 2009, must not contain more than 600 ppm lead in any accessible part. The Commission is aware that it is difficult to know whether a product meets the lead standard without testing and has issued guidance for these companies that can be found on our Web site.

The Commission trusts that State Attorneys General will respect the Commission's judgment that it is necessary to stay certain testing and certification requirements and will focus their own enforcement efforts on other provisions of the law, e.g. the sale of recalled products.

Please go to the CPSC Web site for more information.


Now I can get back to quilting for charities............ YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooo

January 27, 2009

CPSIA Law and Project Linus

I received my newsletter from Project Linus ... I probably shouldn't repost but it's just to important to ignore. I make tons of quilts for Project Linus, Gabriel Project and other charity organizations.


Project Linus Letter regarding contacting government officials about the new CPSIA regulations
January 23, 2009


On August 14, 2008, the Congress of the United States passed a law called the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. We understand that it goes into effect on February 10, 2009. The purpose of this act is to establish consumer product safety standards and other safety requirements for children's products and to reauthorize and modernize the Consumer Product Safety Commission. You can learn more about it at www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html. Basically, the Act states that all products marketed or intended for children 12 or under must undergo testing by a certified laboratory to be CPSIA compliant. There are enormous costs to do so, and fines and penalties involved for non-compliance.


As originally written, the Act potentially has far reaching consequences. At this time, we do not know how or if it will impact Project Linus and other charitable organizations. Project Linus has issued the following statement that is posted on our website:


"Project Linus has been working with representatives from Congress and the Consumer Product Safety Commission for clarification of how the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act may or may not affect our charity and others. We know that our specific circumstances are under discussion at this time. We do not anticipate that the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act will have a significant impact on our organization or its mission. We will continue to monitor this situation very closely and provide updates as necessary." Project Linus National Headquarters.
The reality is that if the law is not clarified to exclude charitable organizations, or to define certain terms regarding "distribution" and remove the potential liability to organizations such as Project Linus, we will have no choice but to dissolve our beloved organization.


There is something more that can be done, and this is where we need the help of Chapter Coordinators, volunteers and all friends of Project Linus. We believe, and have been told, that we can have an impact on the interpretation of this law. Here are the ways in which you can help:
Contact your Congressional Representative. Tell them about Project Linus and how we may be impacted by this law. Explain that further clarification is essential to remove the potential liability to our organization.


Contact the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

(301)-504-7923

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

4330 East West HighwayBethesda, MD 20814

http://www.cpsc.gov/about/contact/html



Regarding: Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act
Contact the House Energy and Commerce Committee

(202)-225-29272125

Rayburn House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515


Contact the personal offices of anyone on the following list, which are the members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee:


Mike Ross (AR)

John Shadegg (AZ)

Lois Capps (CA)

Anna Eshoo (CA)

Jane Harman (CA)

Mary Bono Mack (CA)

Doris Matsui (CA)Jerry McNerney (CA)

George Radanovich (CA)

Diana DeGette (CO)

Christopher Murphy (CT)

Kathy Castor (FL)

Cliff Stearns (FL)

John Barrow (GA)

Nathan Deal (GA)Phil Gingrey (GA)

Bruce Braley (IA)

Bobby Rush (IL)

Janice Schakowsky (IL)

John Shimkus (IL)

Steve Buyer (IN)

Baron Hill (IN)

Charlie Melancon (KA)

Ed Whitfield (KY)

Edward Markey (MA)

John Sarbanes (MD)

Mike Rogers (MI)

Bart Stupak (MI)

Fred Upton (MI)

Roy Blunt (MO)

G.K. Butterfield (NC)

Sue Wilkins Myrick (NC)

Lee Terry (NE)

Frank Pallone Jr. (NJ)

Eliot Engel (NY)

Anthony Weiner (NY)

Zachary Space (OH)

Betty Sutton (OH)

John Sullivan (OK)

Greg Walden (OR)

Michael Doyle (PA)

Tim Murphy (PA)

Joseph Pitts (PA)

Marsha Blackburn (TN)

Bart Gordon (TN)

Michael Burgess (TX)

Charles Gonzales (TX)

Gene Green (TX)

Ralph Hall (TX)

Jim Matheson (UT)

Rick Boucher (VA)

Donna Christensen (VA)

Peter Welch (VT)

Jay Inslee (WA)

Tammy Baldwin (WI)





You can help! You can make a difference! Help these legislators to understand that we are not a manufacturer. We are the consumer! We don't manufacture or sell blankets! We don't have a factory or any location anywhere in the country where blankets are assembled. These blankets are largely made by individuals, in their homes or in small private groups. Almost 3 MILLION blankets have been donated to almost 3 MILLION children under strict quality control standards. Speak from your heart, share your passion and help us to insure the future of Project Linus.



We need your help, and we need it now.
Most Sincerely,
Carol Babbitt
President/CEO

January 21, 2009

Linda, Giveaway Winner

View whirlgiveaway





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Lots of goodies were packed into the Valentine bag. I hope Linda likes everything.

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The red heart item is to hold your rotary cutter, pencils and the like. Yellow quilting journal, covered photo album and frog issue cover.

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AND magnetic note pad, angel pin, thread, buttons, fat quarters and pony tail covers. You’re saying “pony tail covers?” … you put them over your bobbins and poof no more thread falling off your bobbins.

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Perfect place to put your long shears and hang them up.

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Adorable fabric pattern for a Trick’r'Treat bag for Linda’s GD.

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And a pattern for other sewing items.

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And the Dragonflies quilt kit plus Valentine fabric bag.

ENJOY Linda. Thanks so much for entering.

NOTE: Yes it's true Linda and I live in the same State and only about 2-3hrs away from each other. Let me assure you we did not, repeat did not, know each other prior to the Giveaway. It was all legal.

January 19, 2009

DH's BIG Birthday



Someone's playing a joke ........ 26 ......... right ......... that would be 26 + 36 = xxx







His favorite .... chocolate chip cookie cake ......... GS helped decorate.

January 15, 2009

WINNER of my Whirl Into Winter Giveaway

NOTE: Linda has responded to my email so no other name will be drawn. Thanks to everyone who entered my Whirl Into Winter Giveway.



Congrats to LINDA winner of my giveaway for the Whirl Into Winter Giveaway.


You have until noon on Friday 1/16 to send me your snailmail address .... then I'll draw a new name.


January 10, 2009

Crazy Quilters Meeting January 10

Disclaimer: My notes, written here, may not be 100% totally correct .... this is just a summary of what I remembered. Secretary Lee is the official recorder. If you have questions, contact President Violet.

***************************** MEETING (summary)


JUNE Challenge: You really need to talk to Violet.

Here's a brief summary.
Nothing smaller than 40 inches square.
Quilt must be at least 60 x 80, does not have to be quilted, top only qualifies.
Any item smaller than the 60x80 must be totally complete (quilted, the works).
Colors used must be representative of paint chips which reflect your initials (see Violet).
Oh and you have to sign the Rules paper in order to participate (see Violet).



"Easy" BOM for Year 2009. Patterns and fabric yardage can be found HERE You pick your own colors.



February Lottery Block, a D9P. Instructions here for the block and here for the hearts

red hearts with pink background, center is bright pink, black ... 6.5 inch blocks






HARD BOM: From Marcia's Quilterscache the Red Emperor block (12inch) You pick your own colors.
The above is a Paper Pieced block .... if you need help with paper piecing go HERE




February Meeting: Stay afterwards to cut kits for Project Linus. National Project Linus day is February 21.


February Drawing: Bring 6 novelty blocks at 6.5 inch each ... all different.


January drawing won by Lucille (green fat quarters)



***OLD NEWS****

Bonnie (past treasurer) transferred guild money ($641.22) to Sherry (new treasurer)



******************************* SHOW 'n' TELL

Lee 's Modified Jacob Ladder (blocks won in Dec.)

Sandy's Stacked Coins

Mary Ann's Japanese Trellis


Dorothy's ... pattern from WalMart



Lee's 2008 BOM ... donated to Project Linus


Violet's Project Linus, From Boys to Men




Next Meeting: February 14
Disclaimer: My notes, written here, may not be 100% totally correct .... this is just a summary of what I remembered. Secretary Lee is the official recorder. If you have questions, contact President Violet.

January 9, 2009

Oriental Napkins



Yep, more Napkins. I made these for DD#2 who lives in Cincinnati ..... I can't wait for her to see them. She picked out the fabrics when she was home for Christmas. I love the fabric ... so pretty.

You'll find my napkin tutorial HERE

I like to fold them half and half so everyone can see both fabrics on the table.






January 6, 2009

DH's Surgery & GD#2 Cast

A persons meniscus ...............





DH had his meniscus surgery this morning. Everything went smoothly and now he's home resting.


Head Nurse, Mister, laid down on the job. So I have to pick up the slack.


Visitors to cheer up a resting Pappy.





Day 2 ... still swollen

See that YES ...... they actually worked on the right leg

AND the big news ...... GD#2 got her hot pink cast off from her accident

January 3, 2009

Quilt Studio Cleaned .... SLOB no more

Hi, it's me the Quilt Studio slob .... I wrote about myself seven (7) days ago .... 7 long days ago.






Remember the floor above .... probably not because you couldn't see it as it was full of fabric and etc. that needed to be organized.


After working for 7 days to sort, organize and etc. I had to stop as I was pretty much organized. Every time we went out and returned home I became very depressed seeing the mess day in, day out. So yes I admit I still have some work to do but for now I have to stop and have some fun sewing and quilting. I'll be working on my room as I go along, I promise.


Here are my fabrics all sorted. Bottom 2 shelves hold QS fabrics, top 2 shelves hold other.

All my rulers are organized and easy to reach.

Check out that floor ... CLEAN in my 14 ft long x 8 ft high x 42 inch deep closet. I can now again walk in one side and out the other.


The books/magazines that I decided to keep.



Now I'm not completely done .... these are my scraps sorted into bags of light, dark, children, batik and etc. This is a work in progress. Most are strips for string quilting.




This is just a little of what I actually threw out for the trash guys .... yes my neighbors think I'm nuts. I mean who goes out at 6AM to take a photo in their DH's robe (ME).


These are the books/magazines that I plan to sell, donate, loan, giveaway and etc.


Photo of fabrics and etc. that I plan to donate to local charity sewing/quilting groups.


Here's a short video .......... LET's QUILT

January 1, 2009

2009




Happy New Year