Other people's items

[wezyus]

I did copy patterns from others but with modifications, not exactly the same as the original... i always like to hve my own designs, this inspiration i got it when viewing n surfing patterns in different web. Or sometime when having problem to understand any piece or items, i pmed the owner for the patterns which they gave me without any hecks ...thnks

[IcePrincess]

I've often counted out patterns I found on the internet, or at least worked something close to what the photos showed me.
I don't sell my tatting though and always give credit to the inventor when I'm asked. On my homepage I clearly state that the patterns are not designed by me but found someplace.
Admittedly I'm too lazy to design myself when there are so many brilliant patterns around.

[carolivy]

I never print out pictures clear enough so I could "count" anyone's stitching. That said, I also never copy exactly what I see either. I agree that would be wrong. Like I said, I put my "own twist" to the pattern or design to make it my own. Isn't that what design is though? We all get inspiration from all over the place.

[Marty]

I copy of lot of photographs from the 'net. I keep them in a file to use for inspiration. So far, I have so many things I want to tat that I haven't bothered trying to make them. The only thing I've tried to duplicate are Jon's beautiful earrings (made around a cabone ring). I liked that so well, I bought her book!

[katie]

When I first started tatting, I'd copied pics with the intent of figuring out the pattern. Frankly, I just don't have the time to figure them out! Besides, I always manage to find a similar pattern either free or for sale. There are so many patterns out there, I usually manage to come very close to finding what I like.

I love supporting the designers. They do all the work I don't have the skills or time for, & so many of them offer free patterns as well as the ones they sell. Tatting designers are some of the sharingest people!!

I demo tatting & people always want to buy my pieces, so I'm considering selling. I have patterns from a designer who gives permission to sell what you make with her patterns. Yahooo!!!

I've sold lots of craft items over the years. I've contacted several designers of patterns & gotten permission to sell what I make from their patterns. I've never been told, "No!" Most designers are just so happy that you'd bother to ask, & so long as they know you're not mass producing, they give permission.

Those designers who share a pattern now & then, most often get my business - it's a great way to promote their designing skills, & it lets me find out if I can follow their instructions. I like to know before I purchase a pattern how it's written:
visual pattern, written out, notations, do they use symbols & is there a symbol chart at the beginning of the pattern, etc. Not all designers at good at writing instructions, too. Being new, I need thorough, clear instructions.

[AnneB]

A small warning to all of you who copy from photos. First you start to make small adjustments here, another ajustment there, adding a little twist in the beginning and an exstra row in the end - and all of a sudden, without noticing, you have become designers!

[yarnplayer]

My own ideas have been often been inspired by vintage patterns that are public domain. I've always added my own "playing around" to it to make it new and unique, although how many changes make something a "new" pattern is a difficult call to make. I've also been inspired by the tatting of new designers, and I think we all learn from each other.

Personally, I have no problem with people figuring out how something is made from looking at my pictures. That is why I put them up - to inspire. Of course, each designer will have their own wishes about that sort of thing, and those should be respected.

A lot of my stuff is on the tricky side, and pattern sales have been very brisk - so I don't think that many people are really figuring things out from the pictures. Regardless - I really am happy that they are enjoying the designs, and that they are tatting!

I've always given permission for people to sell things they've made from my patterns. The only time I'd get really upset was if they published one of my patterns, unchanged, as their design.

Marilee
yarnplayertats.blogspot.com