Generally, anyone who makes a children’s product for use by a child 12 and under, must comply with the rules of CPSIA. This includes toys, clothes, jewelry and furniture. (for a complete list please visit http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html)

For the convenience of readers, also linked are the guidelines for small businesses. http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/smbus/manufacturers.html#q4

There are exemptions, or materials that may be used without necessitating testing for lead. These include:

• Wood
• Other natural materials such as coral, amber, feathers, fur, leather, etc.
• Paper and other materials made from wood or cellulosic fiber
• Dyed or undyed textiles (cotton, wool, hemp, nylon, yarn, etc.), including children’s fabric products, such as baby blankets, and non-metallic thread and trim.
• Precious gemstones: diamond, ruby, sapphire or emeralds
• Semiprecious stones provided that the mineral or material is not based on lead and is not associated with any mineral based on lead
• Natural or cultured pearls

The complete list is found in Table B of the CPSIA small business guidelines page.

In related news, Mattel, the company that was a large part of the CPSIA frenzy is exempt from the MANDATED third party testing of their products.  They are permitted to test their products in house.  In theory it was Mattel’s own labs that missed the lead content of their toys before the recalls, so it seems strange that the CPSIA would allow them to continue to test in house or even approve the exemption.   http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100423/ap_on_go_ot/us_toy_testing_mattel.  There is no publically available information about this agreement on the CPSIA or CPSC websites.

Each piece needs to be cut separately. 

First, determine how often the pattern repeats. Some plaid, like the purple plaid, actually had two different horizontal and vertical prints, so the pattern repeat was nearly 12″ both along the width and length. The pink plaid, pictured below repeated every 4″. 

Plaid

For multiple cuts of the same piece, cut the first piece, leave the pattern piece pinned to the fabric flip and match up the pattern before cutting the next. For fabrics with an obvious right and wrong side this is important to flip to ensure pieces are cut for both right and left sides. 

Matching Plaid

Pattern notches are the best way to line up the plaid so they’ll match when sewn together. Find a particular line in the pattern to line up with the pattern notches. It is important that this line not be on a curved or eased seam. 

To match the pattern for the sleeves, match the print at the bottom of the arm and the start of the sleeve. Also, match the pattern notches on either side of the sleeve to ensure the plaid will line up at the sleeve seam line, but also across the jacket. 

Purple Plaid Jacket (front view)

When pinning the pieces together for sewing, check to make sure the lines are lining up as you go. Sometimes the material can stretch or slip when pinning or sewing. 

It is difficult to match the plaid on curved or eased seams, the more curved or eased the less it will match.

Purple Plaid Jacket (front view)

Purple Plaid Jacket (back view)

Purple Plaid Jacket (button detail)

Purple Plaid Jacket (button hole detail)

Pink Plaid Jacket (front)

Pink Plaid Jacket (back)

Pink Plaid Jacket (back detail)

Pink Plaid Jacket (front detail)

Dance Top

Dance Uniform

Straus Knitting Mills is a US company that specializes in athletic materials. In addition to the knit trims, they also carry a selection of knit fabrics. There are minimum quantities that must be ordered, varying between 25 and 50 yards depending on weight. Their prices and customer service are exceptional. Someone always responded within 24 hours, but usually quicker.

Stitch Werkx Custom Embroidery is a locally operated family business. All of the tops that were screen printed were great quality. No bubbles, peeling or other issues. Their prices are competitive. The owner always returned phone calls promptly, and also picked up and delivered the order at no additional charge.

Vogue Fabrics is also an exceptional company. 15 yards of black double knit were needed for this project. When ordered originally from Vogue Fabrics they called the same day to say that it was on backorder, and wouldn’t arrive in time for this project. They promptly cancelled my order. After fruitless attempts to find this weight of black double knit, Vogue Fabrics was able to track down a very similar double knit in weight and hand and sold it for the same price as the original double knit that was on backorder even though it was more expensive than the type ordered and was one yard longer.

Velma

“Can I get you anything else?”

Velma's Diner

“I’ve watched All  My Children, I know how these things work.”

Velma and Nadine

“Country cooking family style, served with a smile.”

Velma and Nadine

Costumes based on McCalls 5673. Bubblegum cotton/lycra stretch twill. Zip front closure with decorative buttons. Black broadcloth accents. Aprons self drafted.

The set was designed and built by Kevin Cotton, husband of Anna Cotton.

Velma’s Diner is a Christmas play centered on second chances and the true meaning of Christmas.

This apron can be yours. Enter to win by leaving a comment below.

Original Wolf Costume

 Notice the foot covers without claws and the white claws on the gloves. Also, the back is open and closes at the top with a tie.

New Mask (unfinished)

Replacement mask. Note the light blue color of the cap.

Big Bad Wolf Apron

 The Apron was constructed by Sew Lacey and the flowers were painted by Cotton Costumes. 

New Mask (painted)

To darken the cap on the mask, navy (latex based) paint was added.  Also, the mask was floppy, so snaps were added to the inside of the mask and to the costume to keep it in place.

Wolf Claws

The customer purchased new claw gloves that matched the new mask, but were covered with brown fur.  Grey fur (from the original mask) was added to the purchased gloves

The white clawed gloves that came with the costume were cut apart and the claws were painted to match the purchased gloves.  These freshly painted claws were added to the shoe covers.

Big Bad Wolf (front view)

Big Bad Wolf (back view)

 Velcro was added to the back.

Lily Munster Costume (sleeve detail)

Lily Munster Costume (trim detail)

Lily Munster Costume

Lily Munster Costume (back detail)

Lily Munster Costume (with Cape)

Lily Munster Costume (profile view with Cape)

Lily Munster Costume Cape (hood detail)

Lily Munster Costume Cape (clasp detail)

Sew Lacey specializes in customizable bags and aprons.