I spent today on the computer, updating my various sites and memberships. Mainly I needed to get my new logo posted everywhere I maintain a presence. You can find links to these sites in the column on the right, if you want to visit.
So, that's the good news. The bad news is that I may have to stop selling baby quilts. In mid-February new standards go into effect for testing lead levels in all baby products. The law is meant to protect consumers from the lax testing standards in some of the countries the U.S. imports from. I'm all in favor of that! But the way the law is written, every part in every product must be tested for lead, or it cannot be sold in the U.S.
Independent small businesses, including makers of handmade articles, will almost certainly be unable to afford the required testing. I've joined other quilters in researching the new requirements. If you have ever tried to read a legal document you will understand when I say: "Huh?" But we will do what we can. My understanding is that U.S. fabric manufacturers have not used lead dyes for years now, so I'm hoping that as long as we use U.S. fabric we will be exempt from testing. I'll let you know what we find out.
