Yep, it's me asking for advice again. I have a question, and it's one that probably doesn't have a great answer. That means, Moms (& people in the industry) this one's mostly for you! :D
So, I'd say I'm a pretty crafty person. I do a little bit of everything. And when I see something cute, I can usually copy it pretty easily. Well, lately I've been TOTALLY into quilting, and I've noticed that EVERYONE has a pattern out there. Now, I have bought some patterns that I could have totally copied, out of a sense of obligation to the person whose idea it was. But I'm wondering, when do I copy something and when do I pay for it? There are so many different tutorials and variations of quilting blocks out there, it really is easy to find a pattern for free most of the time, but it seems like the one I really LOVE is a pattern that someone made, and then I tweak it to make it my own. An example of that would be the Christmas quilt I did -- she had a few directions that I chose to omit,
Okay, so here's an example: I really love this block from V&Co. BUT... I was actually inspired by the same block as a ceramic tile that was featured on an episode of "Dear Genevieve" (an HGTV show). So, I haven't completely figured out how to make it, but do I owe her the "copyright" to this block? Should I actually pay her for the pattern, when I could totally copy it on my own? If so, what makes that okay, and not okay to just copy, say, the googly eyes quilt I just made (which I totally purchased a pattern for, but could have absolutely copied on my own)?
And what about this one from a quilt blogger. I LOVE it! Love the look, love the colors, love everything. But I could totally copy it, really easily. Sure, it might not be completely the same, but it will be enough the same that I feel the dilemma there. So... is that wrong? And yet... is it right to pay money for the pattern when I am smart enough to figure it out on my own?
It's a moral dilemma. Please let me know your input!
p.s. Did you notice that today is 12/12?? What will you be doing at that time? I'll be trying to get Paige to DRINK HER MILK (that girl always "forgets" to drink it!) so we can get her to school!
Monday, December 12, 2011
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5 comments:
Coincidentally, I have that exact pattern (the houndstooth) on my black & white skirt today. I know how much a moral dilemma this is, but my rule of thumb has been if a person shows an idea on a blog, without mentioning a cost or a link to "purchase" the pattern, and you are talented enough to adapt it and use it as your own, go for it, girl! (Of course, you aren't turning around and selling it as your own and making a profit from someone else's idea.) My two cents!
When Patty was doing ceramics back in the day, if you made two changes to a design, you could claim it as your own. However, if you copied it straight over, that was a no-no. Don't know if that helps.
Umm. Maybe I'm a horrible person, but I figure if it's simple enough for me to figure out on my own (and I'm not trying to sell it) then I just copy. I've read a lot of bloggers say to contact them if you're planning on making a profit on their idea, so I think personal use is fine. That being said, I'm not really talented enough to figure a lot of things out. I usually just search for a free tutorial and avoid the guilt (and confusion) altogether.
Totally steal the idea. Make it your own-That's what design is! It's not like she created the houndstooth design- just found a way to make it a quilt block and took the time to spell it out for others. And her idea is not necessarily the best way- your way of doing it could be way better (probably is)! But if it is worth the money to save you the time it will take you to break down the pattern- then buy it! I would only worry if you make the exact pattern and try to sell it. If you still feel guilty (and you shouldn't) just send her a pic with kudos for the inspiration- I'm sure she would love it!
Sorry to just jump in- but I accidentally clicked over from christinas blog and your christmas post made me laugh so I just kept reading :)
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