Pitter Patter debuts hemp bedding
By Tanya K. Merritte -- Kids Today, 10/1/2004
Las Vegas — Hemp has thousands of uses, and a juvenile bedding company introduced one more here at the ABC Expo in September.
Pitter Patter Collections debuted its new collection of children's bedding made from the plant. The type of hemp the company uses contains no THC, the potent ingredient in marijuana. The breathable fabric is hypoallergenic, washable and mold resistant, and company officials say it only makes sense to use hemp in children's linens.
"Hemp grows in any temperature," said Jacki Croat, sales representative for Pitter Patter, which is based in Arroyo Seco, N.M. "It doesn't need pesticides or insecticides. You're putting your child on something that is very good for him."
The hemp collection includes a four-piece crib set that retails for about $699. The bedding is a natural color with pink, blue or natural footsteps embroidered on French terry. Hemp linen is on the backside and the pieces have a hemp silk ruffle in the accent colors. Other pieces, including a bassinet set, twin-size duvet and pillows, are available and retail between $99 and $200.
Pitter Patter is marketing the line toward specialty stores because of the higher price point. Annette Stoner, who designed the collection, said some retailers are creating "organic" section in their stores and merchandising the bedding with hemp clothing, diapers and accessories. The bedding will ship in four to six weeks.
Stoner uses cotton in her Hawaiian bedding line and plans to continue using it in future lines, but she said environmental concerns influenced her decision to create the hemp collection.
"I just believe that we as a nation should start to give back to Mother Nature what she has given to us, and I have helped consumers to have a choice," she said. "One acre of hemp is equivalent to four acres of our valuable forests."
Stoner said the collection drew a positive response at the ABC Expo.
"Our embroidered footprints on soft French terry hemp were a great hit, and we see it as a great success with a wonderful future ahead," she said.
Pitter Patter plans to release more designs next spring and summer.
Besides bedding, hemp is used to make several other items including clothing, paper, fuel, rope and body-care products.
Hemp fabric is hypoallergenic, washable and mold resistant. A four-piece crib set with either pink, blue or natural footsteps retails for $699.
