Monday, March 2, 2009
Grand Opening of LillifeeBoutique.com
Debbie
Monday, February 2, 2009
Beautiful Children
Thank you for sharing your pictures.
Debbie
Sunday, February 1, 2009
CPSIA Update - CPSC Grants One Year Stay of Testing and Certification Requirements for Certain Products
Here is the information:
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission voted unanimously (2-0) to issue a one year stay of enforcement for certain testing and certification requirements for manufacturers and importers of regulated products, including products intended for children 12 years old and younger. These requirements are part of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), which added certification and testing requirements for all products subject to CPSC standards or bans.
Significant to makers of children’s products, the vote by the Commission provides limited relief from the testing and certification requirements which go into effect on February 10, 2009 for new total lead content limits (600 ppm), phthalates limits for certain products (1000 ppm), and mandatory toy standards, among other things. Manufacturers and importers – large and small – of children’s products will not need to test or certify to these new requirements, but will need to meet the lead and phthalates limits, mandatory toy standards and other requirements.
The decision by the Commission gives the staff more time to finalize four proposed rules which could relieve certain materials and products from lead testing and to issue more guidance on when testing is required and how it is to be conducted.
The stay will remain in effect until February 10, 2010, at which time a Commission vote will be taken to terminate the stay.
We still need to make our voices heard and work toward reasonable exemptions for items that do not pose a risk to our children. We must keep working..
Thanks to all that support the handmade industry.
Debbie
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
CPSIA-Get Informed-Get Involved

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 Forbes http://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 Law http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html
Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Spring Line - Pinafore
Give one a try today.
If you have any ideas...just drop me a line. I love to create new things. All of these appliques have been hand drawn and cute by me. They will fray slightly on the edges after wash/wear. This gives them such a unique look. Each one will be slightly different do to the fact that they are handmade.
Debbie
www.lillifeeboutique.com
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Twirl Skirts....
Sunday, January 11, 2009
CPSIA...BAD for all
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=110_cong_bills&docid=f:h4040enr.txt.pdf
The new law as written is for all products for children under the age of 12. There are no exemptions to date. This law is not just for toys. It affects ANYTHING that is sold in the US for children 12 years and younger.
I am providing a link to the American Library Association. This law affects books. If this law remains as written today, library books from across the country for children will have to be removed from their shelves until tested. Can you imagine a library without books for kids?
Here is a link to the official site: http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322
Please see previous entry for information on steps that can be taken to help get this law changed/revoked.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Save Handmade
In theory, maybe. But in actuality the law is so far reaching that it may succeed in turning the economy upside down. For starters, the CPSIA requires end unit testing on every product intended for use by children under 12. It is the responsibility of the manufacturer to do this testing, regardless of how small the business. That means that manufacturers (like myself ) will have to pay to get every different product they offer tested. These tests have to be done at a CSPC accredited lab, and cost tens of thousands of dollars. For example if you offer 3 different types of dresses. Each dress contains 2 different fabrics, as well as buttons, and thread, so that's potentially $600 to test one dress. But if you have 3 or more styles, that's $1800. And when you get a new bolt of fabric, you need to start all over again.
At present, there are no exemptions for small businesses and "micro" manufacturers and most handcraft artisans. There is no exception for quantities made, where the garments/products are made or anything else. Also, the Act takes a "guilty until proven innocent" approach, which would treat a handmade toy that doesn't meet the certification deadline of 2/10/09 as a "banned hazardous substance" which would be illegal to distribute in this country. Each infraction carries a $100,000 felony charge. This legislation is also retroactive for any pre-existing inventory as of February 10th, 2009. This means that everything on the shelves in those big (or small) stores will also be "banned, hazardous substances" - contraband.
Larger corporations that can afford testing will incur thousands, maybe millions of dollars in fees, and this expense will be handed down to the consumer, probably making the prices for children's products go through the roof.
This also means that after that date, even selling your kids old things on eBay or Craigslist will be illegal. Charities will not be able to accept donations without a certificate of compliance either. February 10, 2009 is being dubbed "National Bankruptcy Day" by many people in the apparel and toy industry. If this legislation is not amended, it will affect everyone from port workers to parents looking for legal products. Billions of dollars worth of children's products will have to be destroyed because they can't be legally sold, and this will cause major environmental problems.
While I am all for higher safety standards and keeping our kids safe, this law is so overreaching as to put thousands on manufacturers of children's products out of business -hurting our economy and causing even more loan defaults. Though this legislation was well-intentioned, it cannot be allowed to stand as is.
Please help us defend the American dream and our entrepreneurial spirit! This law affects every stay at home mom trying to help put food on the table and every grandmother knitting blankets for the local craft fair. It makes the thousands of us who have found a niche in the burgeoning children's market have to make a tough decision - continue to produce items illegally and possible incur a $100,000 fine, pay the enormous fees and raise costs of goods sold, or close up shop!
Please help us!
Contact your Congressperson here: http://capwiz.com/american
It only takes 30 seconds!
If you have an extra minute send a hard copy of the letter as well!
To sign the online petition visit here: http://www.ipetitions.com/
Read more about it here
http://www.nationalbankruptcyday.com
http://www.fashion-incubator.com
http://www.cpsc.gov/ and http://www.cpsc.gov/ABOUT/Cpsia/cpsia.html
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Isn't she CUTE!!!
Friday, November 7, 2008
"What'cha Having for Thanksgiving"
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Halloween Jack-O-Lantern Outfits
Thanks for looking....
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
More OOAK Tunic Style Dresses
Both of these dresses are available for purchase here:
www.lillifeeboutique.etsy.com
Debbie
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Special Shortall Request
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Wow - I have hit the treasury lottery!!
Gobble Gobble!!! I love this turkey treasury. Aren't they all fantastic. The baby in the top picture just makes me smile :)Thanks StitchinMommy for picking my dress.
Smiles, Debbie
Friday, October 17, 2008
Another Treasury - Same Dress - Yea!!!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Scraps!! Scraps!! What do I do with all of this fabric?
I also created this reversible pinafore with Amy Butler Pink Peony fabric in a size 18M:
Here is the reverse side. It was created using Amy Butler Camel Dot.
So long for now. Please stop by as you never know what you might find.....and once they are gone they are history.
Yea!!! I was featured in a treasury....
Oh Happy Day!! Thanks go to Weezawear for including me in a treasury. The items she picked are so fun and whimsical. She chose my lime green birthday cupcake dress.
Hope you enjoy viewing this treasury.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Twirl Skirts
My Newest Designs
I love this dress. Hot pink gingham with a wonky Christmas Tree. It is so cute. Any little girly girl would love this dress.
For the more traditional, here is a red gingham dress with a cute reindeer with a bright red nose. He kind of looks like that very famous reindeer "Rudolph".
This cute dress is made from hunter green gingham. The pumpkin applique on this dress is a newer technique. It is called raggy applique. The edges are left unsewn and frayed. It adds a very unique appearance to the actual dress. This dress is perfect for the fall months. It can be worn for many months.
Hope you enjoy,
Debbie
Monday, August 18, 2008
One of a Kind (OOAK) Skirts for Sale in my Store
I took the summer off from selling clothing, but that didn't stop me from sewing. I sorted through all of the stacks of fabric that I had on hand and created some unique ooak skirts. The sizes of each vary. Stop by and take a look around. You might see something that you just can't live without. :)
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5057745§ion_id=5575188
I am currently working on some holiday style twirl skirts. They will be made in very limited quantities. I will keep you udpated.
Bye for now.
Debbie
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
I'm Back!!!
If you are looking for my clothing. It can currently be purchased at: www.lillifeeboutique.etsy.com
I have decided to permanently close my ebay store.
Come by and take a look around. If you are in need of something special, please ask.
Thanks again,
Debbie
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
I have decided to shut down both of my stores (ebay and etsy) for a little while. I will reopen them later this summer. I am doing this for me. I am in need of a much deserved break. I wear many hats (mom, wife, business owner, seamstress, accountant, etc.....)all of the time. It is time for me to put couple away for a little while. School is winding down and summer is quickly approaching. With that, I have lots to do to get ready for the kids. I am hoping to spend a few lazy days of summer just enjoying the beauty around me.
I would like to thank each and everyone of you for your business. Without you, I wouldn't be where I am today. Thank you.
I will be updating my blog throughout the next couple of months to let you know what is happening.
If you need to contact me, you can email me directly at lillifeeboutique@yahoo.com.
Sincerely,
Debbie
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Newest Creation
Friday, April 11, 2008
FAQ
How are your a-line dresses sized?
A-line style dresses should hit your child at or slighty above the knee. These dresses are "A" shaped. Therefore, they do not "fit" your child. The best way to determine size for these dresses is with 1 simple measurement. Measure your child from shoulder to hem (knee). From this measurement, you should be able to determine which dress will fit best.
The sizes for a-line dresses are as follows:
6 Months 15”
12 Months 17”
2T 19”
3T 21”
4T 22”
5T 25”
6/6x 27”
How are your pillowcase dresses sized?
Pillowcase dresses are designed to be tea length (mid calf). This can be adjusted based on personal preference. Pillowcase dresses do not "fit" your child. They are intended to be full. Your child should be able to grow with this dress. Therefore, it can be worn for several seasons. Again, measure your child from shoulder to hem to determine correct size.The sizes for pillowcase dresses are as follows:
6 Months 15”
12 Months 17”
18 Months 19”
2T 21”
3T 23”
4T 25”
5T 28”
6/6x 30”
Are your pillowcase dresses lined?
Gingham pillowcase dresses sized 3T and larger are lined. Gingham pillowcase dresses sized 6M, 12M, 18M and 24M are not lined. If you want them to be lined, there is an additional $5.00 charge.
All other pillowcase dresses are not lined. Again, if you would like a lining, please ask.
Can you make a dress larger than a size 6?
Yes. There is an additional charge for any dress larger than a size 6. If you are interested, please ask.
Can you pillowcase dresses be made top length?
Yes. Pillowcase dresses make cute tops for older girls. They are particularly cute on kids (tweens) between 8 - 11.
Can you make that pillowcase dress into an a-line dress?
Yes. Any of my pillowcase dresses can be made into an a-line dress. There is an additional charge.
Can you make that a-line dress into a pillowcase dress?
Most definitely.
Where can I find your font choices?
You can view font choices here: http://s273.photobucket.com/albums/jj222/lillifeeboutique2/ If you don't see something you like, just ask. I have many others.
Can you accommodate special requests?
I will do my best to accommodate special requests. Just ask.
Do you have any other embroidery designs?
I have 100's of embroidery designs. Are you looking for something in particular, just ask. I will be happy to work with you to create your special outfit.
What color fabrics do you have in stock?
I generally stock the following fabrics:
Gingham: blue, turquoise, black, orange, red, yellow, pink, hot pink, purple, brown, lime green, kelly green
Dots: hot pink, lime green, purple
Corduroy: red, light pink, apple green, black
Will you combine shipping?
Of course, I would be happy to combine shipping.
Do you make matching hair bows?
Yes. I can make a matching hair bow for an additional $5.00. These hair bows can be made on either an alligator clip or french clip.
Happy Friday!!!
My name is Debbie. I am the owner, designer and sole seamstress for Lillifee Boutique. I sell my goods on Ebay (http://stores.ebay.com/Lillifee-Boutique) and Etsy (http://www.lillifeeboutique.etsy.com/). Please stop by and take a look around. I love to make children's clothing. Everything is made by me. I don't buy any premade blanks for my clothing. I start each and everyone of them with a bolt of fabric and some thread. All of my aline dresses and jon jons are fully lined. What this means for you is that only lining touches your children's skin. The embroidery backing is inside - nothing scratchy or itchy here.
I am in the process of phasing out my Ebay store. So please take a look at my Etsy store. I have much more to offer to you there. Hopefully someday, I will be able to open my own online store.
If you are looking for something in particular, please ask me. I love to create new items for my customers. I can make matching brother/sister outfits. I know how important this can be as I have 2 sons and 1 daughter. I love them to coordinate for special occasions.
Thanks for taking stopping by.
Debbie
