For example, you can make a working copy of a chart in your possession. If the copyright statement doesn't grant you that permission, you can write to the designer for permission. But you cannot make a copy for yourself and loan the original to a friend (or vice-versa). Wait until you're done, then loan the original chart. You can't scan a chart to share with friends, either.

You CAN sell, trade, lend, donate any pattern that you own, once you have purchased it, but you only have the right to do that with the original physical copy that you paid for (you cannot sell a photocopy, for example).

It is acceptable to take a picture of your stitched piece to post online to show off your hard work and fine skills. With that, post the name of the piece, the copyright symbol and name of the copyright holder or publisher nearby the picture to help protect the image.

You can combine elements from several designs, changing colors, fibers, stitches, etc., but you cannot change elements of a design and then publish and sell that design as your own work. This is called a "derivative work," and you must gain permission from the original designer to publish such works.

You can stitch patterns for charity auctions, gifts, church bazaars, and sales, as long as you are not mass-producing the piece. To mass-produce a piece from a design you have purchased, you must gain permission from the copyright holder or publisher.

Remember, our favorite designers keep designing in order to make a living. Copyright infringements hurt these designers, shops, and eventually all of us when they force higher prices to compensate for lost sales due to illegal copy sharing. Protect your hobby, and have so much fun stitching this winter.

© 2007 Theresa Venette. Articles on this site may be reproduced in needlework group newsletters or other handouts with permission of author and proper attribution. Send questions, comments and suggestions to: xspeddler@yahoo.com