copyright for crafters
question 9: Well, what about people on fixed income who can’t afford to buy new patterns? It’s not fair to make them buy a pattern just because it’s copyrighted.
Well, here’s a question in return. Not everybody can afford a car. Do you think it’s unfair that they have to take public transit while everybody else can drive? And if that’s so, are you willing to donate a car to one of these people?
It’s the same thing, just on a different scale. Not everybody can afford luxuries in life. We have to make do with the money we have. New craft patterns aren’t a necessity–we’re not talking about food, clothing, or shelter.
There are alternatives if you can’t afford to buy new patterns. There are free, legal, patterns available on the Internet. If you can get into Yahoo, you can into the rest of the Internet. Some people trash-talk these patterns by claiming they’re ugly and not very good. Don’t take their word for it–check it out for yourself.
And check out the websites of the companies that make the patterns you like. They might have some free sample patterns for you to download. Or go to second-hand shops and used bookstores.
Or why not try your hand at designing yourself? Try adapting your own design. If you do cross-stitch, plastic canvas, or another craft with square-grid charts, buy a pad of graph paper–that’s cheaper than buying a pack of printer paper–and a pencil and make your own charts. Start with a simple sketch or picture, or better yet, ask your child or grandchild to draw a picture for you to chart and stitch.
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