Originally Posted by
Faintly Artistic
So many designers are writing "patterns" for old blocks, then claiming copyright. I NEVER buy patterns, especially for the old blocks. It bothers me that folks are charging $8+ for quilt patterns made from blocks that you can find anywhere.
Don't be bothered, just don't buy! For you and lots of experienced quilters, you know it's a traditional block and you know where to find it for free. But there are lots of people just getting into quilting who appreciate a pattern telling them exactly what to do, step by step, to make a traditional quilt. The pattern maker has put forth work to explain a step by step format to get to the end product, and the buyer is happy to buy. So why get upset? It's just not for you, but doesn't mean no one should buy it.
Eleanor Burns does this all the time. She sells patterns and books of patterns for traditional designs that have been around forever, but with her own format, tips and twists to the construction. Same for lots of other people who write patterns. Just because a pattern isn't 100% original, doesn't mean it shouldn't be sold.
The "copyright" is for their own words in describing the process... the "copy", rather than the design.