Well. July's block created quite a stir! :-o The pattern was for the large center star and the designer called it 'Cupid's Dart'. I got right to work! A feathered star! This star is the whole reason I decided to make this BOM~ I love feathered stars!! :-) I thought it would take me a while to do it~ and it did! Then I heard the news that it was recalled~ see this article. Uh-oh! What to do, what to do. :-/ I was quite far into the block so I went to the library and got Marsha's book. The Mexican Pinwheel in her book is a 27.5 inch block. The paper published a 28.5 inch star. (which I already had cut out and started).
So my question is, if I put it in my quilt and give Marsha McCloskey credit on my label, is it ok to use it in my quilt? After all this work, I kinda hate to leave it out? What is the 'right' thing to do here?
Thanks for stopping by, I am looking fwd to hearing your replies!
Have a great weekend and
Happy Stitching!!
12 comments:
Seriously? It's so gorgeous. I'd have to the sinner on that. It's easier to ask forgiveness than permission. That block is breath taking.
What a shame, but you know I have never understood how one can copyright a block design. So many blocks are based on blocks that others have already made and published. Yes, I agree that you can not reproduce someone's written instructions and maybe quilt design, if it is very unique, but the actual block, I don't agree with. I would think that if you give her credit on your label, you should be ok. It is quite pretty!
In reading the article on the re-call - they suggest if you are using the original Mexican Star by Marsha to use her instructions. HOWEVER, I would send off an e-mail to Marsha to ask permission to use her star and why and with acknowledgement to be give on the label. Most designers are very approachable and appreciate it. If she should respond with a no, then I would save her star for another project - a pillow to go with the quilt maybe - and then use the alternative pattern in the quilt.
It's your quilt right? Why can't you have it if it is a published pattern of course I say give credit to Marsha McCloskey but what a fun story to go with that quilt, So many quilt blocks out there along with new designers simply tweaking old patterns these days and giving them new names is what I see happening. Then we have ease of programs like EQ to allow us to duplicate quilts we see and love....sometimes never knowing who the designer was to even offer credit. I was playing with a fun block from a magazine when a friend came over and saw it. She was in a pickle for something fun for the quilt guild and asked if she could borrow it. Sure I said...it wasn't mine. The next thing I know she is wanting a name for the class and I suggested one...she loved it. The next thing I knew she changed the size, pressing directions and published it under the name I told her! I was a bit irritated...but it happens. She would rewrite, resize and do whatever to appear to have something new. Then we see all these free patterns online...would the quilting ancestors be upset with us for making their blocks and not know their names to put on our quilt?
Second email....does this mean for every sampler quilt we need to list all names of the designers blocks? I think not!
As long as you're not selling the pattern or benefitting in any financial way, I don't think you're doing anything wrong. The pattern is 'out there' and you did nothing wrong to obtain it. It's beautiful!! Use it and credit Marsha.
Are you going to enter this quilt in competitions or is this just for your personal use at home? Personally I think you'd be better off contacting Marsha and asking her permission, mentioning that you'll give her credit on the label. It's a beautiful block and hopefully she'll be agreeable. Alternatively, couldn't you buy the book so you'll own the pattern and have the right to make it? (I don't know if you want to spend that much money on it or not.)
Gorgeous feather star! I too would say to ask Marsha since it's such a pretty block it would be a shame not to use it.
I wish I had a good answer for you but I'm puzzled.
It's a shame that this has happened.
Feathered stars are so beautiful and this one is in my favorite color! It is really beautiful. My thoughts on using the block and giving credit are right in line with what Teresa said above. Credit given on your label should be good enough in my opinion.
I am confused? Is this quilt for a quilt show? If so give her credit for the design. If it is for your use, I see no problem. The book was at the library,so she meant to share it. What they did was sell it,you are not going to do that. Let us know what you decide.
I think that if you've made this quilt for yourself, there is no issue over copyright. If you're going to show it, or sell it, then credit the designer IF you used her instructions.
Post a Comment