Another scenario: I can't tell you how many times I have purchased a pattern and made it according to my personal time tested methods. I ended up with the same finished design. Even if I didn't write my methods down I did 'rewrite it'. That is entirely OK because it was my pattern after purchase and I can use it as I see fit. I just can't market it as mine but I certainly wouln't hesitate to show another quilter how I did mine if I was asked. I ran into this very thing in a Judy Neimeyer class I took. I made one curved section "my way' and the instructor admired it until she saw me doing the next one. Then, she rather chastised me. Oh, well.