If studying someone else's quilt and then making it your own (with a few variations) is wrong, then call the sherrif! With the exception of the first quilt I ever made I have never used a pattern. My quilt designs come from my meditation on the person for whom I'm makin it, OR (big OR) from my studying the pictures of quilts on places like QB. But, don't get excited.... chances are strong that you would be astounded if I showed you my quilt and said "it's just like yours!" You wouldn't believe it, because mine is from my mind, my stash, my color sense + the person for whom it is made. (Not to mention the fact that your sewing skill is undoubtably much better than mine!)

I think it's like admiring someone's photo of Yosemite and going out and taking one yourself. It can't be the same because of camera, lighting, skill, etc. It can't be done! How many Ansel Adams wannabes are out there! Thousands!!! If I have used an element, or even the best exact imitation of your quilt I can manage in my 100 or so quilts I have made, please be very complimented because I am very fussy about design. If you do blocks, don't worry.... I HATE BLOCKS!!!! Don't have the patience to keep doing the same thing over and over. Friends talk about how restful it is to them... aren't we lucky we are all different! I've heard more than one woman say she always quilts by hand, usually in the evening while watching TV with hubby. I can't even hold a needle in my old hands anymore and when I could I did it as little as possible. Viva la difference!

For most quilt patterns, it is the written words and pictures that are protected by copyright, in other words the pattern itself (not the design). Most quilt designs are not themselves sufficiently original to be protected by copyright. (Notice I said MOST, not ALL.) IMHO, if you feel that you are copying someone, it is nice to ask them if they mind. Chances are that they will be flattered, and you won't wind up feeling somewhat guilty later.

I see things in magazines and get inspired...I don't have exact measurements, patterns, etc..I just go for it. I think it's ok. I'd love to see what you've come up with!

It's interesting to read everyone perspective on this subject. I didn't expect such a response. But, something occurred to me...my BIL brews beer and he also gets inspiration from trying other folks' recipes, and I'm sure that his tastes a little different than the original brew. Guess that'd be OK.....

Don't hardly think so.

Not that anyone would copy any of mine :D but if they did, I'd be flattered. However, if the person was to then post a picture and take all credit for the same fabric combination, etc., my feelings would be hurt.

...."Its Almost the same" is the key words... And I think it should flatter her, it would me! Its called inspiration and sharing ideas!

Anyone can make a quilt to look like any quilt picture. That is not violating the copyright. It's not that hard to figure out most of them without a pattern. EQ7 will import any quilt picture and isolate the blocks to trace and then print out the block pieces. If it was illegal it wouldn't be in the program and it's been in MS Paint program for decades.

I Agree! Some wont even share a patten name even when it is not their own design.Reminds me off the stuffy old ladies when I was a kid that wouldn't share recipes lololololol
BEST form of flattery in my book. Don't let the stuffies sreal yoir joy!

This is simply not true. You can copy MOST quilts, but some of them are original works of art, and it is a violation of copyright to copy them. For instance, Janet Fogg is an outstanding quilt artist. She does not make patterns for her quilts, because she considers them to be original works of art. It is a violation of copyright to copy these quilts. http://janetfoggquilts.home.comcast....lts/index.html

I wonder if you wrote your comments with tongue in cheek, because it's possible to use almost any software program in an illegal way.