As a new quilter, I'm wondering about the sharing of ideas, so to speak. Besides a few quilting magazines, I have never actually bought a pattern. Basically, I've browsed a lot on the internet. If I see something I like and think it's in my skill level, I just create it myself on graph paper, sometimes the same, sometimes changing it.
My question for those experienced in the industry is at what point does it change from being inspired by someone's work to stealing someone's pattern, to even plagiarism (I don't have a better word right now.)? Right now, I'm just making simple quilts for myself and family. I imagine things are different for people who sell quilts or enter them in competitions and shows. I'm interested to see what others' thoughts on this are.