Craft Fair question
 

The company I work for is having a craft fair, and everything has to be homemade. I am planning to make quilted placemats and coasters. A friend and I recently attended a local craft fair. A booth selling quilted items had a sign that said "all fabric used are from a pet-free, smoke-free home". Since I am very allergic to pets, I was drawn to that booth. I am also considering posting a similar sign at my booth. However, my pet-loving friend thought the sign was offensive, implying that fabric from a home with pets are not as worthy as fabric from a pet-friendly home. I do not share her sentiments but now wonder if posting such a sign is a good idea.

My question is two-fold. One, for those of you with allergies, would you be more likely to buy things from a pet-free, smoke-free home? Two, does posting a sign even matter?

Thank you!

Gail

Personally, I appreciate this information...when my children were living at home I had 2 extremely "pet hair" allergic people to worry about. I used to just hope that the signs were truthful!!! I never consider it to be a "slur" on people who do smoke or have pets in their home and people who view it as such probably have little experience with the discomfort others can suffer when having allergic reactions.

The sign is NOT offensive. The smell of cigarette smoke is strong and someone can usually tell if the products have been exposed to it. Pet dander is not so obvious but can cause extreme reactions in allergic people. If you can honestly post that sign, then do it. It may also draw customers to your booth.

I think it's a great idea. People with allergies will appreciate the notice and know that your product is safe for them. It is in no way offensive. And yes, I have pets.

I agree with the sign. A coworker once made me a small crochet afghan and although it was beautiful, I had to wash it four times to get the cig smell out of it. I also don't like pet hair on my things. It's a turn off to me when people make quilts and then take pics with their pets on them. And we've had many different hairy pets over the years, lol.

I wouldn't take the sign as having anything to do with the fabric, in fact, if there was no sign I may even ask the question.

Anything that helps to draw a customer, isn't that the goal? I would put up the signs.

I, too, would appreciate such information. Good luck at the sale.

I would put a sign like this in the same category as "Baked items may contain or have come in contact with nut products" It is information to the consumer and should definitely be posted.

I have asthma and my husband is allergic to dogs. We have passed many a booth, used cars, and friends homes by due to both. We can not help what smoke and dogs cause to us but we can help reduce the exposure. It is nice to see the signs, but if someone is not truthful we know immediately and start horrible sounding coughs.

As a dog owner, I would not find the sign offensive. Is it possible your friend will also have a booth and is perhaps afraid yours might have an advantage over hers?

I think your friend is a little over sensitive. It's not snarky at all. I can't think of a single logical person I know who would assume that pet homes are lesser than non-pet homes because of such a sign. There are so many people out there who have allergies, it's just good customer service to be informative.

To be honest, my husband pointed out that to people with allergies, items made in a pet-friendly location may very well not be "as worthy" as items from a pet-free location, simply because of the impairment and annoyance that allergies cause. It's just not worth the hassle.

It is not offensive and I am a pet lover. People have so many allergies nowadays and cigarette smells are offensive to many, I think it is an excellent idea to post the sign. We pay a premium for organic foods, and this is similar to me.

I favor the sign.
Personally, I would like to know if fabrics have been pre-washed and tested for bleeding before I buy a quilt made from them, but that is something I could ask the sellers about.

I do not mind the sign - in fact - I would be happy to see a sign saying - non smoking- pet free - washed with hypoallergenic detergent - no fabric softeners used -

I am relatively allergy free as far as fragrances, pet dander, etc. are concerned. However, if something IS scented, I prefer a very light scent, if any - I do not like the smell of smoke - and if any hair is going to be on whatever - I want it from MY household.

I do wonder if anyone would put a sign saying - "Items made from pet-filled, smoke-filled home" ???

Your friend sounds like my husband did when the state of Louisiana outlawed smoking in restaurants. He was a smoker and was outraged. Since then he has quit smoking and now hates it if anyone is around us smoking when we are eating. It is legal to smoke out of doors at a restaurant. Your friend has never had an allergic response to something or she would understand that you are helping people be safe.

I agree with everyone else. Put the sign up. And I think you should sign it "An allergic person". I would go to your booth first because I know it would be safe. There are a lot more people than you think that will appreciate your honesty. Good luck with the craft fair.

I think your friend is overly sensitive! Some people see everything as a personal offense.

I love animals but would appreciate buying things that aren't covered in someone else's pet's hair.

In my experience, no matter what you say or do, there will always be that one person who is offended. If you make the sign without malice in your heart, I believe that's enough. You can't control what other people think, say or do. I agree with GingerK that it's the same as the allergen warnings we find on foodstuffs. Cheerios has a new ad campaign advertising that their cereal is now gluten-free. As somebody who is not allergic to gluten, I don't find that the slightest bit offensive. I understand it's meant for the small number of people with Celiac disease or gluten allergies.

In regards to your first question, YES! I absolutely look for that sign (or will ask if I believe it was made in someone's home) that indicates it's from a pet-free, smoke-free home.

I sadly made the decision to find a new embroiderer after the one I found after a great deal of research met with me and I found out she allows her long-haired dog to rub up against stacks of finished work on the floor of her sewing studio. I used to assume that a business owner would at least keep his/her pet away from their work product, but I now realize pet lovers often like to have their pets in their sewing studios with them. My baby quilt clients worry about their grandbabies' potential reactions to smoke or pet dander. Parents don't know right away whether their newborn will be allergic to anything. My niece wasn't allowed to be allergy tested until she was 12 months old so they had to reduce as many possible allergens as they could & then try to figure it out by trial and error. Beyond that, with pets, kids can be allergic to certain breeds but not others. And cigarettes are filled with so many chemicals there are literally dozens of possible allergens packed in each one. So, yes, parents/grandparents often prefer pet/smoke-free quilts (and no wool, and dye/fragrance free detergent, and some even insist on only organic cotton) for their little ones.

If anyone raises an issue about them being from a pet-free home (I've yet to encounter that -- though sometimes people will recommend I get the same pet as them; or get some pet they heard is "hypoallergenic"), I'd just say that my quilts may be from a pet-free home, but they are all pet-friendly. I wouldn't advertise that in writing, but another quilter suggested I respond with that statement & it seems to work. The same 100% cotton fabric/batting/thread that make quilts kid-friendly and washable also make them pet-friendly and washable.

I think nearly all smokers realize there are some people who are sensitive or allergic to cigarette smoke. Your sign is not a judgement on their choice to smoke. If they take it that way, that's on them. I guarantee you anyone getting that upset over one line on a sign for homemade quilts was upset about something long before they saw your sign. Try to show compassion for them as people, but don't let their negative remarks discourage you.

Yes,agree also. I cannot be around any clothing -fabric that has been in tbe same room as a smoker. I bought a camera off e-Bay that reaked and rubbed it down w/everything imaginable and still it smelled.I have a cat but my quilting and sewing is far from her and never goes on the floor especially hung away from her. As soon as completed they are boxed up. I read that some ladies use a lint brush when they show quilts at a fair just to be sure no loose threads or hairs (human too) are not anywhere on them.

I do not understand your friend taking offence. It is not a condemnation of people with pets, it is a statement of fact.

I warn everyone who enters my house that I have pets and keep their shoes on or their socks will get dirty.

Me, I do not worry about a bit of pet hair, but I do not like the smell of cigarette smoke. All used books I buy have to pass a sniff test and I will not lend a book that I may want back to a smoker. If I know I will not want the book back I do not worry about who gets it.

I think it's ok, I hate the smell of smoke, I have two dogs, who sometimes lie on the floor of my sewing room, but my fabric is stored in drawers and my quilts are up on the table my machines are on and nowhere near the dogs. I don't like my dogs anywhere near my sewing, I hate dog hairs on my clothing. I am ok with dogs but cannot be anywhere near cats as I have a severe asthma attack, and this has happened at work when coming into contact with cat owners.

I'm not listing my "vices", but in no way would I find the sign offense.

When I take my favorite dish to pot lucks, I always have a sign saying "contains pineapple and pecans" because I know at least one person who is allergic to pineapple and know that several could be allergic to nuts. The last thing I wish to do is cause someone discomfort.

I agree with all those who say to post the sign. Your friend must have never had allergies, or a child with allergies, to understand how truly devastating they can be. Breathing can be very difficult. Just breathing. And until you've been left gasping for breath and not able to control it, the feeling is truly frightening. She is listening to the PC police. Leave her home the day of the craft fair.

I don't think the sign is offensive at all. Good Luck.

When I sold fabric, I included the information that cats lived with us - and that no one smoked in the house.
Even if the cats were discouraged from being in/on the fabric - if I had handled the cats - more than likely, I had a few cat hairs on my clothing and some of them probably transferred to the fabrics.

I don't have any allergies, but I have friends that do so a sign would be of great interest to them and no skin off my back to see one.....:) In fact, I think there are more of these signs today than not because so many people do take note of this.....

When I take baked goods anywhere, I have a sign that says it's made with wheat flour and nuts plus flax seed or whether it's both gluten and nut free. People appreciate the allergen information.

I agree......

I would be more likely to shop at a pet-free, smoke-free booth.

As a true 'crazy cat lady', I would always let folks know the truth...mine is a six cat home and you just can't escape an occasional furball. I do wash all items before offering them for sale and, at craft shows, I keep a sticky lint roller handy just in case one gets by me!

My sign would be 'pet friendly, non smoking home'. Can not imagine having a pet free home. Yes, I am allergic to dogs and cats (asthmatic). We have two cats and four dogs. The first three months were rough however, I immunized myself by being around them. I would not do this with a child but for me it was a win-win situation.

I would appreciate knowing due to allergies and asthma. And no offense to anyone but I cringe when I see pictures of pets on quilts that someone is quilting for someone else. I have made quilts for my daughter that I would never ask to see again because I know they are covered in cat hair.

I would like the signs - I feel rather conspicuous holding something up to my nose or eyes to see if I react to it!!

Definitely post the sign. If I don't see it, I'll assume it's up to me to suss out if you have pets or smoke or not. If someone across from you with similar wares and prices has a sign, I'll visit her first.

I have six furry kids so no offense is meant to those who sell from pet-friendly homes; I just know I'm a pro at getting bodily fluids out of textiles and if you are, too, I might be buying something your cat threw up on. While I might not notice, one of my own crew might, and then I'll be in trouble. :o

Maybe you could have the sign say something to the effect of "Notice for those with allergies: All products are are produced in a pet-free, smoke-free environment". That way you're being "politically correct" for your friend. I personally appreciate the signs, and don't think they're snarky at all.

My daughter is dreadfully allergic to cigarette smoke. In the air, in fabric anywhere near. So I would appreciate the notice. I myself can't handle cat dander, and I know how they love to curl up and get cozy on a project someone is working on. If I am concerned, I will usually ask; letting the crafter know why I am asking

I had a friend lately ask me when I was going to make her a quilt. and I said IM not.and she ask why and I said you sleep with four dogs, and it takes a long time to make a quilt, just to be used as a dog bed.

I have had two come back to me for repairs after a dog rip holes in them trying to make a nest. TO MUCH TIME AND MONEY FOR THAT. I have a small Jack Russel that will not get on my beds or furniture, right now she is asleep at my feet under my computer.and sleeps in her bed at night ...my FAV SAYING IS "YOU TEACH PEOPLE HOW TO TREAT YOU"

I have a pet and am not offended.
i'm seriously allergic to smoke, and would welcome a sign that said so. go for it.

as someone who has all kinds of allergies i would appreciate the sign, but i have bought some things from people that smoke or has pets, just depends what it is, i think your friend is being overly sensitive and its nice to think of people that have allergies.

I would post a sign. For those with smoke or pet allergies, it would be wonderful to know that the fabric is from a home without these allergens. I have seen this sign before at craft fairs, and I do not think it was insulting.