Quilt Show Credits ?
 

I went with friends yesterday to a very nice quilt show. As we looked at so many beautiful quilts, reading the labels, the question came up about giving the designer of the quilt patterns credit on the show labels. That information is usually not included on any that I have seen. Several quilts were patterns that I have made or have purchased patterns for. Don't want to stir up anything, but it seems like it would be at least a courtesy to mention that information. What do others think about this? Just me?

I agree with you in principle, but I think it might be difficult in practice. If I use a pattern but make it in totally different fabrics/colors and then add a couple of mitred borders that aren't in the pattern, is it still your pattern or has it become my own? I've never followed a pattern exactly, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who uses a pattern as a starting point for my own creativity. And maybe my result is really ugly and the pattern maker would prefer not to have his/her name associated with it (joking). Definitely a point for discussion, though.

You could always say 'inspired by .....pattern'.

I usually say "my variation of...."

Some pattern makers state in their patterns that you can only display a quilt from their pattern in a quilt show if they are given credit as the designer. I think the big issue is if the quilt is a masterpiece that makes it into the bigger shows and the designer sees it without the proper permission of designation.

That debate happens at our show every time. There are so many people putting their name on classic quilt blocks that I am up in the air about it. To me, if it is a kit or purchased pattern by all means note the designer. IF it was seen on tv, pintrest or other media, it's fair game. A quilter shouldn't pass anything off as original unless it's truly original. References are nice for others who might like to make the pattern.

Giving the credit or "inspired by" would be an honor to the pattern designer. I do appreciate this when others make my designs.

When I applied for a big show it said right on the entry:

• Credit must be given to the author, teacher, artist, etc. who inspired the work.

Not sure if this will be on the labels, but it did have to be with the entry.

Watson

I go to a lot of national shows. I see quilts made from popular patterns and many times no reference to the pattern designer for the audience to see.

I think most well known patterns are easily recognized at a show. Like Judy neimeyer I don't need someone to tell me it's her pattern because I will recognize it right away as hers. Most quilts I see at shows from patterns are easily recognizable.

Missed our local show. Ugh!!

Many, if not most, National shows now require that you get permission from the pattern designer to enter and must give credit. Small variations made to a pattern don't suddenly make it your own original design, like changing the borders or replacing two HST with a flying goose unit.

Another problem I have with shows is not requiring a mention if the quilt was professionally longarmed by another. Some shows do but I know of plenty of entries into some of the biggies, like Houston or Paducah where the entrant made no mention of it even though I knew the person who longarmed it was not the same person as the maker. Some shows don't have it on the entry form unless maker and longarmer enter as a team.

I'm with you on both naming the pattern/designer (and giving credit if you've made just minor changes) and also crediting the longarmer, Feline. Obviously, some piecing is so amazing that even if it were shown as a "flimsy" it would still be amazing--but quilting--whether machine or hand--really dresses up the quilt--much like putting on a party dress without any accessories or shoes!

What does the show want on the label?

I would say that way less than 50% of the people at a quilt show would recognize patterns. We come to see the beautiful quilts or make a few ourselves, but some of us don't ever look at the quilts on the internet.

I made a quilt at a class but made the blocks larger (couldn't see wasting 1/2 inch of fabric on each block) made the quilt much larger (I don't do many wall hangings, I want large quilts) and my sashing was much narrower (I thought the wide sashing took away from the center stars, and this way the stars "float" more). Then I put a very different border on it. Is that an original design? If you saw the original, it would be easily recognizable in mine, but you would see the difference.

I made a "Simple squares" about a year ago. Then Jenny Doan made one just like it. Who's on first? Mine was on point so it looks quite different.

there is "what is right" and there is "what is done."
they should be the same but so rarely are.

if i got my idea elsewhere i would note that on my entry and label whether required or not.
if i used a free or purchased pattern - whether entirely or in part - i would note that.
if somebody else did the quilting ... see above.

regardless of rules or requirements the answer to "what is right?" is usually pretty easy to figure out.
just put the shoe on the other foot and see what makes it feel most comfy. :)

As I understand it, you can't enter a quilt into Houston that was longarmed by someone else unless it's done as a partnership, and not for profit. They didn't want someone trying to buy their way into quilting fame and fortune.

I'm not sure if that rule is still in effect - the AQS shows do not have that rule.

Edited to add: Paducah does ask for the name of the quilter if different from the maker, as do most other shows. Sometimes the information doesn't get put on the information card. They also ask for the pattern source.

Boy is this a can of worms. I am annoyed seeing traditional blocks being labeled as an "original" pattern at quilt shows and in magazines. How would you ever know who first drew a quilt pattern with squares, triangles, circles, rhombuses, rectangles, etc.? Does just turning a pattern on point make it an original pattern? And how many times have I seen Baby Blocks renamed? There are some new to me patterns like mazes that are truly original and should be given a credit to the designer. But, if I use a patterns from my book of a 500 traditional quilt patterns, turned a bunch around...or not..., would I give the book's author credit? This is a lot to think about and perhaps the "inspired by" suggestion would work. It'd cover a lot of territory. "I was inspired by the traditional quilt pattern Baby Blocks?"

Generally credit is stated on your entry form, the quilt label often is something more personal or some shows want a minimum on the label, like name of your quilt, your name, city and state; but the other information is on the entry form. If someone sees one of their designs and questions the entry form can be obtained and shown the information.
A show organizer once told me they did it that way because often the people looking would zero in on the designer name and not acknowledge the person who made the quilt or worse would judge harshly believing it was not up to that designers standards.
Im sure every show is different and has their own rules. I don't generally put the designers name on my labels but I do include it in the quilt description

Addendum: I usually make traditional patterns, such as "Flying Geese", or make up my own. I have one UFO from years ago with a pattern based on a picture in a magazine ad. What do you do if you can't remember?

I saw a picture of a quilt and I am going to make one using the same technique, but there was no mention of the designers name in the article. What do I do then..."Inspired by a quilt that was shown at the Tokyo Quilt Festival 2017, designer unknown"?

Watson