And there is a a big controvery as to whether the disigner can indeed do this...

I have read lots of ideas on this subject and just get more confused. They seem to contradict each other. I read one article that seemed to contradict itself. It is all so confusing.

I hate to make a confusing issue more confusing, but yes, it does matter where the inspiration comes from. If you copy the artwork of another artist - be it a photograph, painting, needlecraft in another medium, etc. - it does matter where the inspiration comes from. You will need to ask permission to use the image. It does matter when the original image was created (I believe it's within the last 75 years, but I could be wrong).

By "copy" I mean copying an image for which a pattern hasn't been sold. For example, I design my own quilts, and I don't sell patterns of the design. You can't copy my quilt and claim it as your own.

I ran into an issue when I started selling Christmas stockings and after checking with a lawyer on it, as long as there is at least 5% difference between the item I created and the item the other person created it is considered unique. I had a problem with someone copying my work exactly for resell not personal use. All it took was a letter from my lawyer and they changed their work slightly and there was nothing else I could do. This all took place in 2008 so things might have changed since then but we haven't had any more problems.

As quilters I think we borrow a lot of ideas and inspiration from one another...but I tend to go traditional or design my own quilts. Copyright violation is a serious issue, but I think it can be taken way too far.

I guess what I am getting at is more of the social/ethical issue. I'm trying to get a sense of the atmosphere in the quilting arena.

I know for me, if I designed or made a quilt and someone copied it partially or totally, I wouldn't be offended, even if they made money from it. However, I just make quilts, it's not how I make my living. I might feel differently if that were the case.

It is a social/ethical issue. A pattern or technique can NOT be copyrighted. What is copyrighted is the wording, illustrations, etc. of the pattern, but not the pattern itself.

I wouldn't feel right copying someone's ORIGINAL work...and by "original" I mean something that is not comprised of blocks that are ages old...or a twist on those older patterns achieved with color or fabrics...

~shrug~ My two cents worth, for what two cents is worth these days! ;)

Lots of traditional pieced blocks are in public domain which means they are free to use for anything. You can make any design for your own use. If you sell that can get tricky.

I still say,If you dont want someone to make it dont show it or make a pattern of it.

I completely agree jolo.