Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Plagiarism versus Public Knowledge in Sewing

I am currently baffled and peeved. I’m hoping one of you, my wonderful readers, can explain this to me. How can someone “own” the rights to a t-shirt pattern? Or a log cabin quilt square? These things have been produced for a while now and I would think, would be common knowledge. And yet, I see pattern designers that put their name on it and that lovely “for private use only” tag. Like they OWN the magnificent discovery of fabric. Grrrr. I’m sure, to some extent, they are just covering their bums. But it still peeves me, as I love to read blogs, magazines, books, etc about sewing. And I glean ideas from all of them. And I want to see artists credited for their work. But give me a break. You did NOT invent the idea of a WREATH. You are NOT the first person to ever make a stuffed bear. And PLEASE, do not try to convince the world that the zipper pouch sprouted from your head. Next thing you know, they are going to claim to have invented the internet. :)

Okay, my grip for Wednesday morning is over. Resume your regularly scheduled hump day while I put away my soap box.

2 comments:

janimal said...

I came across an Etsy shop the other day that was selling a pillowcase dress pattern and a crayon roll pattern. It made me laugh a bit, because instructions for those two items are EVERYWHERE and it seemed a bit silly to sell them as if they were unique in anyway.

Carolina said...

I know exactly what you mean! Maybe they are just covering their bases? Or maybe they make it a habit to put the disclaimer on everything??

To the previous commenter - Yes, there are plenty of items on Etsy that don't seem "unique," but I would argue that because each one is hand made, it is unique.

Also, there are plenty of non-crafters out there who love handmade goods, and if I see something in an Etsy shop for a reasonable price, I might prefer to buy it rather than make it myself.

just my 2cents... :D

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