DogHouseMom

I know I can't (won't) copy patterns or pages from books to share with others. But I'm wondering about sharing concepts that are gleaned from books that were written for the sole purpose of teaching a method (as opposed to a specific pattern).

For example ... I purchased a book called "Fabulous Fractures". While the book does give some defined specifics about sizes of strips to cut, and seam allowance - the basic crux of the book is the METHOD that is used to create a fracture. The method is basically a simple math equation. The concept, the method are remarkably easy.

Because it was published, I'm hesitant to pass along to others the basic concept I used to make my fracture. A few have remarked "wow - how did you do that" - none have asked me to share, but I'm wondering if I can if asked. I did make a few remarks about the concept, but didn't give instructions and left out some key elements as I was skating on rather shaky ground.

So what do you guys think about sharing methods?

And one more question while we are at it. Is it OK for an LQS to host a class to teach a method learned from a book? Would a requirement for each class member to purchase the book be necessary to teach the method?

I'm curious ... can a "method" be copy written? The words that describe the method can be, but the method itself??

boxerlady

That's a good question. I'll be following this thread.

athomenow

I would share but that's just me.

sewbizgirl

Copyright applies to actual written words. You cannot copy and distribute someone else's text or words. If you can share a concept in your own words, I don't see a problem with it. I am, however, not an attorney...

alderdweller

I don't know the answer...but I hope you'll be able to share

Holice

It has been my understanding that the words are copywrightable but the method can be trademarked. There was a case many years ago (back in the 70's) in which a quilter got a tradmark on her trapunto method. All quilters wondered how this was possible since the method had been used for many many years.

qbquilts

I agree with a previous poster that copyright belongs to the actual words.

As for the LQS teaching a method, if the method is available in a bunch of resources (from different people/sources), then I don't have a problem with the teacher teaching it without requiring purchase of a book as long as the teacher has created all her handouts/instructions in her own words (and maybe include a list of her favorite resources for additional info). If the method is only available from a specific author, then I'd think the teacher should require purchase of the book, unless the author gives permission otherwise. Just my two cents - not a lqs owner or teacher, not an attorney, not an author.

LeslieFrost

I think that you are right to be cautious. Since some of us may want to make money from our methods or patterns in the future, it is better to refer everyone to the original source, if they want to know how to do it.

With regard to the class, I believe that the answer is yes, the LQS must either insist that each class member purchase the book, or get specific permission through the publisher to distribute copies of the necessary pages.

jhoward

Was Eleanor Burns the first to do chain piecing? Did other copy this METHOD? Or is that a METHOD? How about strip piecing?? Just wondering??

deemail

intellectual property is intellectual property... their idea, their book... share the name, author, and publisher information...anything else is not fair to the writer...