OK - here is the dilemma. I am browsing on sites, reading this forum, looking at quilting magazines and I happen to see a quilt that is just SO pretty, I am dying to make it. I also notice that I can purchase a kit in order to make this wonderful quilt.

However, I am a pretty experienced quilter, I know the design, I calculate my own yardage, and I don't need directions. However - do I still have to buy the kit?

Now note that I would not sell the quilt after I make it. And I KNOW that we need to support quilt businesses so they can stay in business. But I wouldn't use the kit, so why am I paying for it?

So lets hear your opinions!

I would look thru some of the old books that have blocks and see if the main block (s) is there. If so, then you should be ok doing your own thing. If it's an art quilt and you will draw stuff, I think that gets iffy.

You could contact the designer and ask if it is available as pattern only. You don't necessarily have to like the colors or fabrics on a kit and should be free to still make the quilt supporting the quilt industry. I don't like to be imposed colors when purchasing kits. On the other hand, many people like to be guided and when they see a quilt they want to make an exact replica.

I copy stuff all of the time. I rarely purchase a pattern (think I have 2x). Most of the time traditional blocks are used in commercial patterns, that is why we like them!

I do not take pictures of others stuff to copy, just remember what I saw and draw it out on graph paper when I get home, so who knows if it is a copy? I will usually throw in extra stuff like pinwheels, ect to personalize it anyway.

What if the pattern is a well known block, but the color scheme is what makes it different? Trouble is there are SO many ways you can vary the look of the block by the color selection,what makes it proprietary?

No you don't have to buy the kit . Anyone can make any quilt any way they want to as long as you don't advertise it as "yours" Does that make sense ?

Many designer just want the recognition. If you use one of Marcia's patterns(Quilter's Cache) all she requires is that you acknowledge that you used one of her original patterns.

So I can put the provence on the back with an indelible marker? (I always do this to acknowledge at least the pattern and where i got it)

Boy, there have been many discussions on this here!!! Look in the search area. Plan on being able to spend a lot of time reading!! Topics were very interesting.

I acknowledge if I did pick up on someone else's idea, for sure. I have a Frank Lloyd Wright in the works now, and you can bet I am going to acknowledge him. (I am not worried he is gonna get me, LOL, I just think it is right)