I am no expert
on copyright law. I let one notion guide my actions: stealing is wrong.
I write
knitting patterns. Not many, but some. And I sell those patterns. (You can find
them on Ravelry.) I would hope that no one would make copies of my patterns without my
permission. I would hope that if a knitter is interested in knitting one of my
designs then that knitter would be willing to pay a modest fee for the effort I
put into the design and pattern.
In the course
of my knitting life, I have purchased many patterns. I mentioned one in a
recent blog post: the Classic Elite pattern, Ruins of
Dunstaburgh Castle vest. A few days later, a friend of mine told me she found
the pattern quite interesting but she was having trouble finding a copy to
purchase. She asked if I’d be willing to send her a copy.
I responded, “I
feel uncomfortable copying the pattern, but I’d be happy to give it to you. I
don’t plan to use it again.” So, I sent off the pattern to its new home. I’m
thinking that I’ve at least held to the spirit of copyright if not to the
letter.
Amy, this is definitely an area of concern. When I teach, if I want to use a copy written pattern I make sure the syllabus and/or the supply list clearly states at least 2 sources where the pattern can be purchased. Recently I came across a picture I had torn out and saved from a very old knitting magazine of a pattern I was really interested in. I contacted the yarn company and was able to get the pattern directly from them.
ReplyDeleteGood idea, Lindy, to contact the yarn company.
ReplyDelete