CPSIA again (good news for many of you), and a softer hemp yarn
First of all, check out our Refined Softest DK-Weight Hemp Yarn. As you know, hemp yarn gets softer the more you wash and work it; this yarn's been pre-worked for you to create the softest 100% hemp yarn I've ever felt. It's a delight to use, and is a splendid "starter yarn" for people who've been a bit wary of hemp yarns in the past. Currently available in five colors; check them out.
Now for the fun part, where "fun" is most definitely in quotation marks as we're talking about the joys of the CPSIA. We've known all along that our fabrics are fine -- well within the CPSIA's limits. It was just that the requirements for testing were so onerous that they threatened to put people out of business regardless.
But things are definitely looking better; thanks to recent clarifications in which the CPSC acknowledges that fabric doesn't need testing. (Yes! They finally understand!) In the CPSC's guide for small businesses, Table B lists "materials or components [that] can be used (separately or in combination) and sold (provided they have not been treated or altered or undergone any processing that could result in the addition of lead)", including "Dyed or undyed textiles (cotton, wool, hemp, nylon, etc.), including children’s fabric products, such as baby blankets, and non-metallic thread and trim. This does not include products that have rhinestones or other ornaments that may contain lead or that have fasteners with possible lead content (such as buttons, metal snaps, zippers or grommets)."
That's a major change, and a wonderful step indeed -- it doesn't answer all the questions, but it will make a big difference for many of our customers (and will keep many, many small businesses IN business). So let's all keep working for even more necessary changes, but let's also be very glad for this one!