The dangers of lead in children's products

This will probably be a link heavy post. Lead is getting a lot of exposure of late because of its discovery in toys, but lead tainted products have been around for a long time - many common, everyday items. Lead can be found in:

• Garden hoses (this is why children should not drink from them)
• Ceramic glazes (The US blocks the importation of lead tainted ceramic dishes)
• Lead Glass, including crystal dinnerware and swarovski crystals
• Plumbing (pipes and solder)
• Paint
• Gasoline
• Some candles
• Roofing materials
• Car batteries
• Vinyl baby bibs

The danger from these items vary and depend on the amount of exposure. In the past the biggest concern has been focused on gasoline and paint. California has passed a law banning lead in jewelry, especially for children. Children have a tendency to put things in their mouth, so any lead containing products should be kept away. The CPSC has also issued guidelines about lead in children's products.

For years, Big Box retailers have required factories to submit any metal or painted metal products for lead testing. They may expand this to include plastic findings. So many trim details come from China, it is impossible to know if they are lead free unless they are tested. Later I will post some sources for testing labs.

The health effects of ingesting lead, especially by small children is well documented. Lead can affect adults too, especially reproductive, cardiovascular, and mental health.

Make a Design Storyboard

As I was designing Prairie Roses for Fall 2007, I created a digital design board. In school it was all about literally cutting and pasting paper onto illustration board. I like the digital version because it is much faster and more professional looking.


I had a hard time identifying and explaining the look I wanted. When I started it was simply a feeling. I decided a story board was the best way for me to explain my line to myself. I have rarely done this in the past - it always seemed like busy work. This time, I have convinced myself of it's necessity. As I struggled to find pictures that explained the mood, everything else seemed to fall into place. The words A Country Sensibility came to me and it was perfect for so many reasons. It made me think of Sense and Sensibility and Jane Austen - how can I translate Jane Austen's "look" into little girl's dresses. It made me think about sensible country living. Being grateful for what you have. Not living too extravagantly - but comfortably.

Anyway, I headed out with my camera and took pictures of the flowers growing in my flower beds and nearby scenery. There was my mood. I already had purchased the fabrics and they meshed perfectly. The red ombre ribbon roses were the highlight and the key to the brand name.

Prairie Roses was a difficult brand name to nail down. Do you know how hard it is to find a brand name that is not already in use? One that fits the mood and explains the look without the customer ever seeing the clothing? This is complicated by trying to find an internet domain name that is available. It took weeks of research.

The work required to pull all of this together had other benefits. I emailed a graphic designer a copy of my design board and she was able to design my logo (which is shown on the right). I am fairly pleased with the results of the line, the logo, the brand. It all meshed together so perfectly. It feels good to be focused and I am excited about designing more for this line.

Next week is even better. I have been working on toddler patterns and I have a fitting/photo shoot scheduled. I am excited!

Making Children's Clothes by Joan Moloney

I received my copy of Making Children's Clothes Using Block-Pattern Method (1971) by Joan Moloney today.

Just so you know, this book has no measurement charts, detailed drafting instructions, or sewing instructions. Think of it as looking on the back of a home sewing pattern envelope. The author shows the pattern pieces that make up a style next to an illustration or photograph of that style. The text is full of ideas but little how-to.

On the positive side, this is one of the few books I have seen that show all of the pattern pieces that make up a complete style. This may help designers who struggle with the complete design. Also, the book clearly illustrates the shapes of the pattern pieces. Sometimes that is all one needs to draft your own version. The illustrations are charming and I will add this book to my collection as a possible source of inspiration.

The author does describe how to make your own children's dress form, although briefly. Her version made me laugh for a second and then I wondered if I should be scared. It may give you an idea of how to make your own dress form. I did make my own, which I am using now. Children do not have the patience to be fit models for very long - so I do recommend obtaining dress forms at some point. Still, it is worth the time to try clothing on a child because you may notice differences in how the fabric drapes on a moving child.

This is not a must-have book to add to your reference collection. Used copies are available through Amazon for as little as $1 plus shipping so there is really no reason to not add it either.