GiaGray Designs

CPSIA Blog In - PLEASE READ -

2009-01-28T13:59:00.003-05:00

I would like to do my part today to spread the word about the CPSIA. I am concerned about this new law for so many reasons including the fact that I will have to close my store if this law is not changed. So I am joining in the countless other Etsians to try to inform my readers about this law and encourage you to act.

The text below was written by Gretchen and with her permission I am sharing it with you.

As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.

Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.

The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.

How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:

To the Parents of Young Students:

Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.

To the Avid Reader:

Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322

To the Lover of All Things Handmade:

Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

To the Environmentalist:

Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.

To the Second-Hand Shopper:

Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.

To the Entrepreneur:

Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.

To the Antique Toy Collector:

Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html

To the American Economy:

Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

To the Worldwide Economy:

Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.

If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbeshttp://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html

And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Lawhttp://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react

Happy 1 year Birthday Fabric Hound!!!

2009-01-24T22:00:00.003-05:00

Myranda over at Fabric Hound is celebration her One Year Anniversary!!! She loves her peeps so much she is giving away presents for her Birthday Bash.

Just click on the photo above and be taken to her blog so you can enter the giveaway as well.

But don't forget to go to her website to find some Fab prices on Fab fabric!!

Valentines Day Dress

2009-01-14T13:45:00.005-05:00

As part of The*Fairy*Godmothers yard sale launch on ebay I have a brand new custom for sale. The great thing about this valentines day dress is it can be worn all year round. Just click the photo to go to the auciton page.

TheFairyGodmothers Latest Launch

2009-01-14T13:40:00.008-05:00

The*Fairy*Godmothers are cleaning out their closets and having a yard sale!

To celebrate we are giving away three gift certificates for $50 each. All you have to do to qualify is sign up for our TFG mailing list, and place at least one bid on a TFG Boutique auction on ebay.

Here are some of my resells that I have up for sale, click on the links for more info.

GiaGray Designs Princess Resell:

Miabambinaco Minnie/Mickey Resell

Designed*By*Dena Little Einsteins Resell:

Swaps!

2009-01-10T07:08:00.005-05:00

Oh I just love me a good swap and I have joined a new one today. I have always wanted to do this bag but have been so scared. These Amy Butler patterns can be really frustrating some times. So what better way to try it then with a swap, where you get all the help and support you need!!!

Sign-ups just started and go until January 18th so sign up now!!

Where Is Kim?????

2009-01-04T16:56:00.009-05:00

So where did Kim go?

Well she went into the deep dark hole, otherwise known as the sewing room.

My New Years resolutions were to:

1) Get Organized,

2) Get Sewing and

3) Get Blogging.

Therefore I decided to tackle task number one and 3 at the same time. I started cleaning/organizing my sewing room and decided why not blog about it and kill two birds with one stone.

Here are the before photos of my sewing room. If I don't come out in two days, send the rescue team after me!!

Another Apron Swap

2009-01-04T09:53:00.000-05:00

Ok i know you are asking, why are you doing two apron swaps?? Well the answer is because I can't help myself. I am addicted to them, yes I probably need help but its too late for that now, I already signed up. :-)

The cool thing about this swap is that there are giveaways as well!!

Sign-ups for this swap run until January 9th so hurry up and get in the swap!

Swap Time

2009-01-03T19:25:00.000-05:00

Its that time of year where the new swaps all begin. I really like a good swap, its always nice to get a new surprise in the mail. I just joined the Mommy Holly Amy Butler Fabric Apron Swap.

You can sign-up until the 9th of January so go on over and sign-up!

Christmas Gifts Done!

2008-12-22T12:45:00.004-05:00

ell I am finally done with all the christmas presents I decided to make this year. Here is a sample of some of them.

So I made theses awesome coffee mugs using Sandi Henderson's Farmer's market fabric.

And here are some of the pillows I made.

Shop

2007-08-14T18:03:00.000-04:00

Where to puchase.

Design Showcase

2007-08-14T18:02:00.000-04:00

My past designs

About Me

2007-08-14T17:49:00.002-04:00

Welcome to GiaGray Designs! Thank you so much for coming by to learn a little more about us.

My name is Kimberly, and I’m a full-time mom to two great kids, Gianna and Grayson, the inspirations behind GiaGray Designs. Around here, we love bright, bold prints and rich, vibrant colors, and our designs for your family reflect that. We offer fun, functional clothing and accessories that let you and your little ones shine.

GiaGray Designs was born out of necessity. My daughter has always been quite tall and thin. From the beginning, the “big names” in children’s clothing just didn’t offer the right fit. As she’s gotten older, it became even more challenging to find unique, stylish clothing that worked well with her body type. I began making my own creations—fresh, individual, well-made clothing designed to fit her perfectly. After a number of compliments and special requests from other moms, I decided to make my designs available to the public.

My designs are inspired not only by my own amazing kids, but also by beautiful European patterns and gorgeous prints by designers like Amy Butler, Sandi Henderson, and Heather Bailey.

GiaGray Designs is most definitely a partnership—my wonderful husband Jay has a knack for coming up with fabulous design concepts that help me to stretch my imagination and keep me inspired. His creative influence and support have allowed us to move beyond children’s clothing into other fun items like pillows, blankets, and monogrammed cups. In fact, check back often to see what we have in store—we are constantly creating something new!

All of our items are crafted completely by hand, in our smoke and pet free in-home studio. Most of my creations are fashioned from 100% high quality cotton. All of the fabrics used in each set have been carefully laundered in Dreft Detergent before any construction takes place. All seams are meticulously stitched, and topstitching is used wherever appropriate to ensure the highest possible construction quality. Raw edges are either rolled hems, or they are serged for quality.

I love to work with you, the customer, to create special, one-of-a-kind items designed specifically with you in mind. I work closely with you to ensure that each piece is created according to your specifications—every measurement will be exact, and you can be confident that your custom order will fit properly. Contact me at to get started on your custom creation.

Contact

2007-08-14T17:48:00.001-04:00

I would love to hear from you, please feel free to contact me at giagray@mac.com.

Contact

2007-08-14T17:48:00.000-04:00

I would love to hear from you, please feel free to contact me at giagray@mac.com.

The Fairy Godmothers

2000-08-14T18:02:00.000-04:00

I am so proud to be part of The Fairy Godmothers Group. To learn more about us click on a designer below.

GiaGray Designs

CPSIA Blog In - PLEASE READ -

Happy 1 year Birthday Fabric Hound!!!

Valentines Day Dress

The*Fairy*Godmothers Latest Launch

Swaps!

Where Is Kim?????

Another Apron Swap

Swap Time

Christmas Gifts Done!

Shop

Design Showcase

About Me

Contact

Contact

The Fairy Godmothers

TheFairyGodmothers Latest Launch