quiltingcandy

I tried to put myself into the shoes of the person asking for a copy and just couldn't do it. I have been to places where I see a truly interesting book or pattern someone else has, and would ask to look at it to write down the information about it but could not ever ask to make a copy or even borrow it. That is really over the top. A friend and I will go to the LQS or to a Quilt show and we will each buy separate patterns and then share, but for the most part we don't buy the same patterns because we have different tastes.

I admit I do copy my own books to make quilts because I will put the copied pattern with the quilt I am working on and the book back on the shelf. It is just easier to work with a sheet of paper than a book. And I will copy a pattern too if I need to write on it. Like another member - I was taught not to write in books so even if it is mine, I find it very hard to change.

Karen Mc

The talented people designing the patterns and producing the books are making their living doing so. It is against the law and just plain wrong to copy someone's work unless they give you permission! I have loaned patterns and books to close friends and relatives, but most of the time they end up buying a copy if they really like it and if I know they can not afford to, I purchase it for them. There are a lot of free patterns out there and if the woman can not afford to purchase patterns she can get a lot free. Just tell her "I do not share my books but will be happy to write the name down for you" and point out that it is stealing from the designer and leave it at that!!!

sewbizgirl

This is not entirely accurate. Libraries have different licenses with book publishers than consumers do. A library can let you copy a certain small percentage of a book for your own personal use. Consumers can copy as much as they want to of their own purchased books, again for their own use-- to mark up or whatever. You are never legally allowed to make copies to pass out to others, with or without paid compensation.

adnil458

I recentlly went into a shop that had a sign "No pictures taken of quilts".

Judi in Ohio

I am also a machine embroiderer and they are rabid about protecting their copyrights. I bet the pattern designers are the same. I bought a paper pieced pattern once and the directions said something about if you wanted to enlarge your quilt you had to buy the designs/papers again - I thought that was excessive, but they are protective and if it comes from you you are in trouble. The embroidery companies even employed people to go on online boards and such and hear what they could about sharing and such. This is serious stuff, a couple in Canada lost everything, from machines, to even being on a computer. Now that was years ago when I first started, but when people start messing with your livelyhood they will fight.

maryellen2u

I might be out of place here but sometimes I am enthralled with what a person is making and will want to look at a boo0k or pattern. I am not shy about asking a question about what someone is making especially if I can learn something or I really like the design. I can't make my own designs so I do find lots of great things for free on the internet. I think you should take it as a compliment if I ask about what you are working on. It caught my eye! I'm not necessarily interested in taking your pattern or violating copyright laws.

svenskaflicka1

i'm not much of a borrower or lender--things disappear that way. if you do lend something, pattern, book, household item, tools, etc, take a picture of them on your phone or with your camera, to commemorate the event--and you have their photo with the object, and a date from your phone or camera, printed right on it. made sense to me...

terri bb

what a sad post this was to read

cathyvv

Some people think they own the world. But to write in your book without asking, especially when you are right there to be asked? Well, she must think she's got some kind of special dispensation from good manners.

And just because someone 'always' does something doesn't make it right!

cathyvv

Being enthralled or asking about pattern details or techniques is one thing. Asking to copy a designer
s copyrighted pattern is quite another.

If a person wants a pattern for what you're making, then it is fine to give them the author, the isbn or a web site to buy it from. That's sufficient. They can take it from there.