I recently got a request from a friend to make a tag blankie. She didn't realize that she was opening such a "can of worms" with me. Just a simple square with ribbons around the edges - easy, right? Yes, actually, the idea is so simple that it's worth millions of dollars.You might wonder, "If it's so easy, why don't you have these listed in your Etsy shop?" Well, the simple answer is, I used to have something similar. I say similar, because I took that idea and expanded on it, or so I thought, to make it my own. My blankets were not just the ordinary square, but mine incorporated ribbons into the appliqued design, which I thought was much cuter, IMHO, plus it was more of a practical blanket size, not just a lovey.
But Etsy deactivated my listings for those blankets because they received some complaints from a Large Corporation That Shall Remain Nameless (because I don't even want any of their internet traffic, much less a paltry portion of their sales, as if a single person could compete with something like that) that owns a patent concerning ribbons sewn in a seam. It seems that this company is infamous among Etsy sellers for doing this very thing that happened to me. I did a lot of internet searching and then a lot of soul searching. I got some advice from family members. And then I basically did nothing. I can't decide whether to pursue it (I would really like to prove to them that I am not infringing on their patent or copyright or whatever, but unfortunately I don't have the means or the time) or more realistically, just get over it and figure out something better to make.The thing is, I know that it really is a favorite among babies and toddlers, from my own personal experience. My youngest son (currently 26 months) has a blanket that I made with my own two hands, and it is his most beloved security object, aside from his favorite sippy cup, but that's another story for another time. He even has a particular ribbon that is his favorite, that he goes to, even if you hand him the blanket from the complete opposite corner.
At the risk of someone stealing my idea, I have thought of continuing in my applique designs with ribbons incorporated like before, just leaving off the ribbons from the seam/ edge.
Ideas, thoughts? Anyone?
But, in the meantime, if you were to be looking for one of these blankies, just drop me a note, I think I might be able to find one or two, I just can't tell you where they came from....
Gosh, I hate being so negative, but now it's out there. Maybe the next post will be more positive....
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