The written pattern is copyrighted not how to make it. That is why tutorials are legal to show how to make something without using the pattern instructions. You said you got your patterns from the group leader, did she order everyone a pattern and give it to you month by month? If a pattern is discontinued and the designer says it will never be republished that means no profit for the designer at all so why wouldn't she give permission to use one pattern for a group? I would ask the designer's permission just to stay in good karma's way but I'd form my group and let each one decide how to get the pattern.