Kidsline, one of the most well-known brands of crib bedding, is widely available to consumers through many national chains, including Babies R Us, baby specialty stores, and internet retailers. Construction Zone crib bedding was introduced by Kidsline in late 2004. Consistent with Kidsline's historical preference for crib bedding that communicates a strong theme, this is their entry into the niche of truck themed crib bedding. Assuming that you like this underlying theme, Construction Zone represents an excellent value at between $160 and $190 for a six-piece set. You may even be able to find it for less if you are willing to wait for the occasional sale.
Construction Zone is generally sold as a six-piece crib set, comprised of a quilt, bumper, fitted sheet, dust ruffle, diaper stacker, and valance. Each of these crib set pieces are also available separately, although very few retailers are likely to have the separate pieces in stock - you would need to have them special ordered with a 2-6 week lead time. The selection of coordinated accessories is truly extraordinary - musical mobile, pillows, wall border, drapes, lamp and shade, hamper, quilt clips (for displaying the quilt on the wall), growth chart, clothes pegs, drawer knobs, night light, switch plate covers, picture frames, basket liner, rugs, and wall hangings. Given the sheer number of accessories, it would be almost impossible for a store to carry all of them. You may need to visit one of the few websites that carry all of the accessories in stock. And take care that a $175 crib set does not evolve into a $500 nursery collection "monster" after buying all of the accessories.
Although I generally prefer a more subdued presentation of the underlying theme of a crib bedding collection, I must confess to being taken in by Construction Zone. The colors of the background fabrics of green and blue are quiet but interesting. In particular, the blue fabric, which in pictures appears to be a relatively uninteresting solid blue fabric, is really a finely woven gingham of blue and white with a light denim appearance. The wandering quilting pattern on the quilt adds a great deal of texture.
But it is the embroidery on all of the pieces that truly sets this crib set apart. Using well over two dozen different fabric and thread colors and textures, including various plaids, corduroys, and other textured fabrics, the construction equipment images are extraordinarily detailed and vibrant. This is a set that gets cuter and more interesting the closer you get to it - you can't resist touching it to feel the wide variety of textures.
Given the extent of embroidery work and the very moderate price, I was impressed with the overall level of workmanship. While I noted some unevenness with the colors of some of the heavily tufted fabrics, giving the appearance of "coloring outside the lines" of the embroidery stitches, these instances are very minor and do not detract from the overall appearance.
Unfortunately for Canadian customers purchasing from a United States online retailer, Construction Zone crib bedding is manufactured in China. Customers in Canada would be required to pay import duties of as much as 18% of the stated prices.
Some interesting alternatives to consider for Construction Zone are: Precious Cargo by Lambs & Ivy, Under Construction by Cocalo, and Truck Truck by Brandee Danielle.
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