Obviously, I'm not an expert but from what I've been reading on the web, besides the consensus of "go for it", to be legal you could buy that old pattern from your friend (for whatever price she will sell it for). It is then yours to sew with and to do with the finished product as you wish. You may sell the wall hanging(s) if you so desire. I'm basing this on the information from tabberone in the link above provide by snipforfun.
By far (to me) the most interesting thoughts on this subject come from Leah Day:
http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.c...terrorism.html
Originally Posted by
quilting in my60s
Okay, I have a question about copyright. If your friend has a pattern for a small wall hanging and you search and search and it is not available any more. Can't find anyone who is selling it and can't contact the designer can you copy it and make it for just your own use?