A different approach...

> Sorry to hear about your experiences; it's a tough old life, sometimes. I
> guess it would also cost some dollars to send a lawyer's letter saying
> "Cease and Desist" - or words to that effect, especially as you
> have already got clients in the shape of friends and family who can vouch
> for your designs. It would be additional proof if you had pictures of your
> work - even if it's a family photograph of the baby with blanket.

> Because you're the one with the designs and the inspiration, you will know
> how easy it is to modify/improve on the designs and really make them your
> own. I'd especially recommend taking photographs of them. Additionally, it
> is be worth creating an embroidered logo which can be sewn into any
> blankets you sell.

> As far as building a web site - I can help you with that; if you send me
> an email, I'll show you how inexpensive it can be to create a good
> shopping cart site which will be search-engine friendly and which you can
> market online.

> I'm sure you'll get lots more advice and assistance here! It really is a
> nice, friendly place.

> Margaret

First let me say that you should take Margaret up on her very generous offer. Since she operates a retail store plus internet biz, she really knows how to help you.

Now, to put the screws to your 'friend'...you approach the local newspapers, radio or TV stations about your product and put a 'local' spin on it so they know it would appeal to their audiences. This would involve a press release and would be free except for the writing help for it, if needed. You can get information on how to do a press release on the internet...just Google it.

The idea behind the press release is that you can 'get the word out' and 'tell your story' in a manner of speaking. Your rip off 'friend' will probably be embarrassed to claim your design as hers after the press releases appear...and you have proof that your design was first. Let people draw their own conclusions about what she did...it'll have more impact. People can put two and two together if they have the facts.

Margaret's idea of the signature on your blankets is a good idea...that way people would know whether they 'have an original' (yours). Emphasize the original theme in your promotions and let folks know how they differ by inference. Quality speaks for itself.

BTW, while designs may or may not be patentable as such, the PROCESS used to produce them certainly is if there is something unique about it (you use certain type of filler or fiber or stitch them together in some unique way etc). If you can prove yours pre-dates hers, you may have a patent infringement case whether or not you actually filed a patent on it. I'm no lawyer but you may wish to check it out.

I hate to see things like this happen to good folks. Wish you all possible success.