so, where shall I stick it?

It's been a busy week this week with the latest batch of toys getting ready to go to their new homes and Toby's annual statement review meeting - more of that in another post. I've had loads of emails about the copyright issue and I'm really grateful for all of the support and advice. There was also a lovely email from Sena who wrote to me on behalf of a group of Russian ladies, one of whom had made the toys that were copied from mine and written up a pattern for them. The email explains that although the pattern was shared on a forum it was never their intention to sell the toys or the pattern and they've apologised. I really appreciate that they took the time to write to me in english to give me more information.

Anyway, I've been thinking about 're-branding' my little toys for a while and thinking about copyright has been the catalyst to concentrate my mind again. I've re-designed the labels that I attach to each toy and they will now have specific details on the back including the toy's name, when they were made and what they are made from. I've also ordered a batch of ribbon labels which brings me back to the title of the post above. Popping them into a fabric softie would be simple as you'd just sew it into a seam but on a knitted toy it needs to be attached afterwards.

I'm thinking probably in the centre of the back under the clothes is the best place but thought I'd ask your opinion - where do you think I should stick it? clean answers only please ;)

Comments

[Shawn Mary]

When I saw the title of your post I started to laugh...and I really needed to today, so thanks for that.

Once I read further, I think the back under the clothes is the perfect place.

The labels are truly the finishing touch to perfection!

P.S. I just might need you to send me a couple of your new labels so I can sew them onto Dolly and Joey. I want everyone to know that I am a proud owner of an original LCR.

[jill]

That is the right place to'stick it'. Glad the russian scenario has been clarified, Are the labels silky? My youngest son loved the label on his toy. Marks and sparks labels made a good substitute when he wore them out. :0) love the colour of the labels, so understated - classy!

[raspberry]

I think in the back is best, because it is attached to the animal in question rather than the clothes :)

[sunshine]

On a side note I have been wanting to order labels the type you have pictured where did you order these and how much did they cost . Thanks for any help I would greatly appreciate it.
thanks again
sunshine
vintage threads

[Binny]

Where should you stick it? Hehe.. That is a bit of a loaded question, Julie. The centre of the back sounds pretty good to me.

[Lucy]

Definitely that is the best location. It will be secure and out of the way most of the time but prominent when necessary. When they are done, please may I have one for Little Green Rabbit - I should like the world to know where she came from. Thanks!

[KaTilda]

in the back! Under clothes. I think :)

[Fliss]

I quite like the idea of stitching it to the back crease of his leg where it joins his body. It could be tucked upwards into tops, and downwards into trousers and skirts. It would also remind me of my favourite childhood toy as his label was here!

[Lina Eklof]

How about attaching the label underneath one of the feet? Since your beautiful animals have such big feet the label could be attached along the foot to avoid it "flapping" around. Also it wouldn´t be visible unless you turned the animal upside down. /Lina Eklof, Sweden

[Jennifer]

Oooh, I bet you're going to get requests for labels for toys you've already sold. I'm sure you have plenty of time for that, right?
I think that the label is an excellent idea and the place you've chosen is perfect.
It's kind of cool that the Russian ladies contacted you to try and clear things up.

[Barbara]

I make my own tags - a square of satin ribbon with a mitten stamped on. I used to attach them to the clothes, like real clothes tags. But recently I started sewing them onto the toys, on the bum right above the tail. But my tags are a lot smaller, so maybe that location wouldn't work as well for you.

[caroline]

Like the consensus I think you've chosen the best place for the label (although I like the under the foot idea too) and very pretty labels they are too. I was sorry too to read about the copyright problems but am pleased to hear that things are progressing positively

[Kitty]

I think you've stuck it in the perfect place already!

It's good to read that those women in Russia took the time to write to you - and shows how powerful the internet is! x

[The Queen]

I think you should stick it on the bottom of the bum seam, parallel to the leg. Left or right... which ever. And I'll tell you why, as a child fiddling with tags while trying to put clothes on your dolls is annoying, if it was laying flat on the leg then it wouldn't get into the way and would be less likely to be cut or pulled off - therefore keeping your branding in place. And I know you'll want to keep your branding in place because everyone loves your knitted plushies. <3

[trashalou]

glad the russians contacted you (come on, you must have felt a little bit like something from a spy novel.) as for the label I like the idea of in the leg seam as it joins onto the body.

[janet clare]

are they long enough to go round a wrist or ankle- like they put on your newborn baby?

[Ali]

How nice of the Russian ladies to try and make amends. And I like where you've stuck it.

[emmamenu]

As the labels look as nice as your softies ( no, a wee less ;-)), you should choose a visible place to sew them ( top of the leg or the heel, perpendicular to the leg). Babies and youngsters like to scratch labels on their "doudous" ( I've been mending the labels as often as the softies themselves!).

[Denise]

I don't think you should hide the tag under the clothes, the label looks really nice and is almost like a trade-mark for you. Kind of like seeing the W on the foot of a Webkinz. I would sew it on the leg seam like many have said, that way it can be visible if it hangs down or if the 'owner' wants to, they can tuck it upward under the sweater :-)

[Lucy Locket-Pocket]

My suggestion would be to sew the label like a tail on their bottoms!

[Pat]

I think the label looks just right in the middle of the back seam.As some of the little animals have tails,it might look too busy if the label was lower down.

[Karen]

just my opinion, but I like it on the tush

[meg]

I vote for sewing it on to the middle of the bum, like a tail! Then clothes could cover it, but it still wouldn't look awkward.

[Monkee Maker]

Another vote here for sewing it on the botty!

:)

[lizzieJane]

I think adding the label to the back is best.
To be honest I like the idea of a label, it shows that it is an original "Little Cotton Rabbit" and that makes it all the more special.

[sooz]

I think bottom too. Only because you should be able to see it and enjoy it rather than to find it hidden.

[clare owen]

Lovely labels! Very tasteful! I like the back suggestions and also the foot suggestion sewn flat. I think it is a fab idea to put a label on them and give them the air of professionalism they deserve. I get so many admirers of Tomos' rabbit and it would be nice for people to see the maker. Good news on the Russian front too..I am glad they have acknowledged what they have done and apologised x

[Danielle]

Yep, I think that's a great place you've chosen to stick it ;) Glad to hear things are better on this whole situtation and that the Russian ladies sent you a nice apology email.

[AJ]

Glad the incident was somewhat resolved. At least they addressed and replied back to you! That's a good sign.

I would put the tag close to the bunnies rump area. Then again if they are clothed than you could put the label on the back and sort of "hide" it under the clothes.

[Jenny]

You know your little creations like no one else ever could. I think that the spot you have chosen is perfect! - Jen

[Lindsey (ethel & edna)]

Hiya. I like the idea of the label coming out from their BTMs like a tail. However, I personally have any aversion to 'sticky out' labels and think the bottom of the foot would be best. Why do I dislike 'em???? - my daughter and her cousins hate all labels with a passion and I have to cut them off every single softie she owns!!! Grrr - kids!

[Rachael Rabbit]

I love the labels! Top of left leg ... so you can see it but it isn't obvious. People won't hunt underneath the clothes to find the label. Or flat on the bottom of the foot? Would it fit?

[Jayne]

Erm... I like all the suggestions, but I think the label is like a little umbilical cord so it would not be inappropriate to attach it to the tummy. It would have to be stitched so it would hang vertically, though, so the clothes wouldn't bulge....

[PG]

I see we use the same ribbon supplier! I think it is fine where you have it, then it will be covered by a piece of clothing and less likely to be dislodged. I am so glad you have had some satisfaction with the Russian issue, at least you got an apology, and it seems to have been misguided rather than deliberate.

[silvi]

This is the first time I visit your blog, I love your toys, I think you are doing a wonderful job. =)

[Margaret Law]

Hi Julie, I like the middle of back also, hidden by clothes and less likely to be sucked or chewed off by a little one. Take care. Margaret.

[Kim Bunney]

Goodness me... the choices! All have good points! If it was workable, flat on the bottom of foot is like special brand teddy bears have! Bums are like Cabbage Patch dolls with the autograph of authenticity...backs look good to me too! The foot does proudly display it though (but needs to be flat and not flapping around, the back keeps it discreet and not interfering with looking at the lovely little critter as an individual. Of course all the 'pre-birth label LCR's will probably want one to proudly display!!! Groan.....

[Kim Bunney]

PS. Sorry....looks like labels will be too big for the foot, so to be practical, as labels are already made, back is probably best so they dont flap around and get in the way!

[nathalie]

i like the idea of having the tag on the back. i hate the side tags i always cut them off. so i hope this helps! :)

[Deborah Bourque]

For what it is worth, I will add that I like the back also. It can be hidden and is easily accessible. As for the Russian group, I was glad they responded. I visit quite a few blogs during the week and this issue with copy right seems to be everywhere.

[Gina]

Ok, I am wondering the same thing...where did you get those labels from? I just ordered some online, but it took so very long to get them, then they were not printed correctly, and it would be so much nicer if they were in a long strip like that. If anyone else has a suggestion as to where to get those (perhaps a bit smaller for my things though), do share please! :)

[Ramona]

I would sew them on the side of the body, but hidden under the clothes.

Love your toys!

[Debs]

Definitely the back. Love your blog. I just made my first card with one of the little cotton rabbits stamps. Deb x

[amy]

I was thinking of sewing them in the crease between the body and the leg so I'm glad some others thought the same thing. I like to let my stuffed animals run around naked so in the middle of the back, no matter how wonderful a tag, would bother me... of course at this point I would settle for a tag since I dont' seem to be able to get an animal! ;)

[Maddy]

I'm so glad the ladies emailed you, that's very nice.

I think you should "stick your label" ... in the back of the neck so it hangs down and can be seen when you look at the bunny from the back. Or sew it flat in the centre of the back or even on the tummy.

[Tinuviel]

It seems like anywhere on the torso would be good. Centre back or side seam.

[Ickle Pickle Pumpkin Pie]

I would say on the butt too :)

I would also love to know where you got the long spool of labels from ? They look beautiful quality.

[Rachel Tanner]

Hi, beautiful toys, how wonderful they are, I cant get over how long they must take to make!
Like someone else said sewn on the bottom of the foot flat against the sole, under the bottom on one hand side, on the ear, or in the ear, attached to an item of clothing,or with each toy, they could be placed somewhere different to make it a bit funky! Or the back, or across the back, Good luck deciding!
Rachel

[Nathalie]

Love the labels, same question where did you order them?

Thanks in advance for the reply.

PS the back looks fine

[Alice C]

Hi - glad to visit your lovely blog and admire the beautiful toys. You might be interested to know that my daughter nearly had an accident with a label on her favourite cuddly friend. She got into the habit of putting her finger through the loop and then twirling the toy around before she went to sleep. Unfortunately, one night she nearly cut off the circulation from the top of her finger. I know that I should have removed the labels but it seemed so small - I just forgot that her finger was even smaller.
Alice