Inspiration or Copy Cat???

I was emailing with a friend of mine earlier this week and she made something that someone else made.

Someone sent her a nasty email and told her that she was copying off of the person that made the garment first and that she couldn't come up with her own ideas.

Ok. How crazy is that? I think it is a bunch of bull. There have been plenty of times that I haven't even noticed a pattern until someone else made it. Then I will go out and get that same pattern lol. Maybe I will make it, maybe not but still. That is being a copy cat??

What do you guys think? Can you call making something that someone else has already made, INSPIRATION or are we just copying because we can't come up with our own ideas?

I can't wait to hear what you guys think of this!!

Toodles!

Comments

[erica b.]

"If there is no copying, how are you going to have fashion?" -- Coco Chanel

Interesting topic. I think in some cases, it can be "inspiration" and in others, it can be blatant copying. There have been plenty of patterns that I haven't given a second thought to until I've seen them sewn. I buy it and make it. This is what I would refer to as "Inspiration". There have been other occasions where I've seen concepts straight jacked, without giving credit to the person that came up with it. I've seen people take someone's project and emulate it down to the single detail. Could that just be coincidence? Doubtful.

But the real question is: Is it really that deep? My answer is no. We all grab ideas from somewhere, be it the pages of "Lucky" or another blogger. The person who emailed your friend should focus on sewing instead of dippin' in other folks business!

[Vicki]

I think it is inspiration. I would not be offended if someone copied something I did, even down to the same fabric. Maybe if that person was making lots and then selling them....

[stacysews]

I agree with Erica! I tend to notice patterns more after I see them made up and don't consider it copying. I also don't give anyone 'credit' for the 'original' either - not unless it is the pattern that they developed themselves.

[2BSewing]

I believe each of us are given unique talents. Some of us are very creative and some need an inspiration to get creative. I agree with the other posters that we sometimes don't look at a pattern twice unless someone has used a fabulous fabric to give the pattern justice.

I think it's sad when a person becomes nasty (or atleast comes across that way). Life is too short for that.

[Kammie]

I call it the BEST compliment that you could have! Let's face it no one is very original anymore. So if you are inspired by another person's creation then take it as the greatest compliment.

Being in the nail industry there are only so many things you can create with a nail especially in colored acrylic (which I specialize)--my mentor LOVED it when people copied her work....she felt it was a huge compliment to her and her artistry. If people asked if they could use that idea--she begged them to! It just put her work out there for which she created a stlye, which I can now recognize as her work or inspired by.

So if people feel threatened then to hell with them---tell them to quit worrying about everyone else! More than likley they are jealous of someone else's creativity.

[Jen]

You mean she went out and bought a pattern in a store and then made it? That pattern is out there for that very purpose; does it matter that the person might have seen it on another blog first? No, that's just called the free market, baby! Ok, if someone made their own design and someone copied that without crediting it, a person could be upset, but in this case.... I think they should get a life!

[Betsy]

Wow, am I guilty of copying. What is the point of PatternReview and Ravelry if not to see what others are doing and get inspiration to make something similar or to copy what our creative friends are making? Aren't we all each others' muse?

[Izzy]

I WISH I could copy the stuff you have on your blog, so I call it all "inspiration". ;)

[Stacey_CrimsonPurl]

In the scenario you gave I consider it inspiration!!

Gurl I luv it when someone says to me they want to make it now that they have seen me do it! - Prime example the Anthropolgie Capelet in the Noro Taiyo. I just PM'd someone TODAY!! (ironic) that I was so glad I inspired them to make it in the same yarn too! Heck there is someone doing it in the same exact color I did mine in. I think that it is cool I made someone look at something differently!

And I would "hope" others would feel the same as I get inspired by others seeing what they are making too!

Unless I actually designed something myself with my name and copyright/trademark on it, then I just consider it inspiration!

Great discussion topic!

[Nikki]

Did that person not know what a pattern was?

[Lisa Laree]

Um, so what if she *did* copy it line-for-line? That's not illegal or immoral or unfair; that's life as a home sewing enthusiast.

Now, if they were two people who moved in the same social circles, then I could see that the person who did it originally might be a bit miffed to walk into a room and see her original idea on someone else, but if this was just someone on the internet copying something they saw another home sewing enthusiast from somewhere else post...no foul, play ball! If someone is that sensitive about what they make (and I got the idea that the person who was miffed wasn't even the person who made the original), then it shouldn't be posted in a public forum.

If I couldn't copy stuff from other folks my wardrobe would suffer greatly! ;)

[Chelle]

I am, personally, the type of person that can copy anything I see in a drawing, but have no talent to do it in the first place. (Same goes for my knitting; I can knit anything from a pattern, but can't make up my own.)

I rely VERY heavily on inspiration. It's just like when the new Knitty.com patterns come out, and everyone makes them. We all got inspired.

If it was sincerely inspiration, I don't have a problem with it. But I would also hope that some credit for inspiration was given.

And I mean, really. Do any of us have the time to say "I like that dress, and I just know it would make so-and-so so mad if I copied it. Oh, I'll copy it right now, and post it on my blog so I hope she sees it. Wow, maybe I'll even get a nasty email out of it."

I don't know about you, but I don't have that kind of time!

[gold]

Yes I have seen things people made and said Wow that is cute and go and make it.I saw Erica B's top she made from Sim. 2938 and loved it.Some weeks later I made it.But mine's didn't look as fabulous as her's did.

[AllisonC]

Well that just sounds incredibly rude to even send the message to me. I don't see what the problem is at all. I've made several things because I've seen great versions that other people have done.

[Nancywin]

O M G!!! I can't believe it. Do people have nothing better to do with their time? First of all, if I did "copy"someone (and I'm sure I have more than once) I would give credit where credit is due. If someone copied me, I would be flattered. If they copied me down to the last detail, and said it was all their idea, I might feel a little slighted, but I would not send a nasty email. Or are these people still in high school?

[kristan martin]

People should take it as a compliment and get over themselves. Until they actually make the pattern themselves, design and weave the fabric then they're not being copied, they're actually doing the copying first.

[Tracey]

That's crazy! We All would be guilty of this if it were so. Okay Adrienne, I'm just letting you know now although I feel you are an inspiration to me...I'm copying you as I went out and purchase the Simplicity pattern to make that brown top you made and shared with everyone AND I did buy brown fabric. You live in Albama and I in Maryland... possibly I could see you or someone getting a little bent out of shape if we were "girls" and we hung out and I constantly made the same exactly items you did. You get my point...tell your friend to shake it off because she's not the insane one...the person who emailed her is.

[Dee]

Yea, what Erica said!

[Caitlin O'Connor]

The problem is the rudeness, not the copying! In any case, even if I tried with the same pattern and the same fabric, it's going to look different from my source.
There is nothing new under the sun, after all!

[Elaray]

If someone used the same fabric and pattern, I might be a little annoyed, -- for about 10 seconds -- then I'd get over it. I certainly would not e-mail the person and call names. What are the chances that person & I would be in the same place at the same time? No one who sees me would even know that another person has the same outfit. When I buy RTW, it's not original. I don't see what the big deal is. This reminds me of a time when two people I worked with once wore the same denim dress to work on the same day. They proudly walked through the lobby together so we all could see them and make our comments. Then we all went on to work. I thought they handled it perfectly.

[Cassandra]

Some people open their mouth without thinking. That's what that sounds like to me. Or she didn't make herself totally clear on what she meant by copying. Her actual point did not come across. I know people who will not share how they make their own creations. Some think its selfish while they think they are protecting the originality of the crafter. Either way it goes its futile.

Keep Hope Alive and say a prayer for this person to understand how the world works.

Peace!

[MrsSaditty]

Imitation is the greatest form of flattery!every idea begins or is copied from somewhere.

[MrsSaditty]

Imitation is the greatest form of flattery!every idea begins or is copied from somewhere.

[Bonnie]

Uh oh... if making things based on inspiration is bad, I'm in big big trouble!! LOL! Whoever that was needs to get a life. I would say almost everything I make is inspired in some way by something I saw someone else do. Sometimes it's just triggering an idea and sometimes, I may make the exact same item! I like to let the person who inspired me know that I "copied" them. I hope the "inspirers" continue to be flattered and not offended.

[Kristina]

hmmm.... I will readily admit to being a copy cat. That said, if someone has a problem with it, it is THEIR problem. I would be flattered if another person liked something I made enough that they were inspired to also make it.

[yaiAnn]

That's definitely bull! If you look at it this way, the person that made it first was copying from the original designer.. so there!

[Dana Brooks]

Wow. The maturity level that some people operate on, astounds me at best. I would have told her, "no dear, I guess you are a copy cat as well, because someone MADE that pattern, not you! So I guess we are all in the same boat. If you want something truly original, than scan that pea brain of yours, take some good measurement of of your body, and just start sewing.....no PATTERNS ALLOWED"

I am mad FOR YOUR FRIEND...LOL

[Michelle]

Shoot if I was called a copy cat for all the times I've been ispired by patterns (knit and sewn) or other crafty projects I'd of long since tured into a cat! I definelty think in most cases it is inspiration! I mean when I see a sweater that I love on someone's blog, or on Ravelry I add it to my que and may or may not make it.

[jillian]

Even if you "copy" something because you saw it on someone it on someone else and liked it so much, and made it for yourself (aren't selling it), that's the same thing as inspiration to me!

There's nothing truly original anymore. Meaning all design is an inspiration, an interpretation, a combination.

[Dez]

I agree with you and another post, unless the person who made is first designed it, she was coping also! If you dont' want anyone to copy you, than don't post on the WORLD WIDE WEB. Coping and spin-offs is a part of every business. I'm into scrapbooking, and scraplifting is how SSs sell product!!!

[Tany]

My main reason for sharing what I do is inspiring others. If I had any problem with others copying me, I wouldn't share at all. Hey, I wouldn't wear my clothes out, afraid that someone would copy my ideas...

[Roxanne]

Inspiration..... Not to mention FLATTERY... hello? Some people you know?
Love this blog by the way. I check everyday. This is my first time to post.
I hope that you had a great weekend : )

Roxanne

[Cathy]

OMG--how immature! We post reviews, blog, read magazines, shop retail--all of it--to inspire and be inspired. Some folks obviously live in a much smaller world/mind than others if making a garment from a PURCHASED pattern is theft.

[nowaks nähkästchen]

I am sure the pattern companies would all be very happy, if all of their patterns would sell only once for ever... lol

Really, I don't see the problem, if I'm using a purchased pattern it's nothing more than normal that others will use it, too. And if I'm putting pics of my things in my blog... if they ever inspire someone... great! (Okay, mine are not so creative... so no danger of beeing copied...)

Sure, if I was a designer, would make my own pattern and design to sell it and somebody would make the same to sell it, then I'd consider that as unfair. But that would be a totally different situation.

Don't we all pick inspiration from other sources? Including other people garments?

[marty]

When one is limited in fabric choices as many communities are these days, it's not unreasonable to see the same pattern made up in the same fabric by 2 different people. They may or may not wear the same size. Commercial patterns are like that. However, if I drafted a specific pattern for a one of a kind look; then chose a specific fabric and someone copied what I did, I would not be pleased. Then again, we get inspiration from all types of sources. There are just so many ways to make a dress, a top, a pair of pants, etc. There are bound to be others who have similar tastes and ideas. I think the nasty email was sent to provoke the recipient just because the person could do it. I generally ignore posts like that and don't respond one way or the other. It's as if the sender was invisible to me. Just some thoughts.

[Holly]

OK--then I guess I was copying YOU when I loved what I saw on you and HAD to make it!!!! LOL How ridiculous. Don't have time for people like that in my world.

[sheila]

Its all about Inspiration and the person that sent the nasty email should be ashamed of herself uttering such childish words... copy cat... who says that anymore. Matter fact, she should be flattered that another person felt her version was impressive and was inspired by it.

[Kristi S]

Copying is no big deal to me, especially if it was followed from a pattern in the first place. Someone has their undies in a bundle for something petty...

[paco peralta]

Copy ????? I think that every person does what is at your fingertips. The patterns are magazines for that. It is a big business, too. Vogue launched precisely at the beginning of the twentieth century, his first patterns, to understand the demand that had by consumers. Copy, that they do the big fashion houses who just want to make money (and I am not saying names ..... but ........). Adrienne, you continue making patterns you like and all we will do the same. I am glad you have raised this question. best wishes. Paco

[Channon]

Oh puleeeze. I would have quit knitting after my 16th scarf if a friend hadn't told me she was going to do a Booga bag, and I decided I could do that too. I am continuously inspired by what other knitters do, and have had the chance to inspire one or two myself. I am not a pattern designer, so I must rely on someone else's designs, but even with as much time as I spend in yarn shops and on Ravelry, I still can't find all the cute/fun/lovely patterns by myself!

[Cynta]

one word: INSPIRATION!

[Christina]

That is sad that someone would take something like this so serious as to bring it to this woman's attention in a email. It's just not that BIG! To be inspired by someone is a beautiful thing :)

[Jude]

Hmmm... if it is a pattern, I don't really see how it is copying. Like, with scrapping, if I scraplift you, then someone lifts my lift of your LO, how could I call them a copycat? I have accidentally copied someone before and felt terrible, and then, I have purpopsely done it because it was a great idea... like the 31 days journal... got that from you!!(but I do give credit, so I think that is the difference ya know?)

[toni dula]

Wow. It think it was Coco Chanel who said, “Without copying we would not have fashion.” What idea is actually original? Being a copy cat is doing the exact same thing. And even if you do who cares? The person who made the original is off making the next think he/she was “inspired by someone” to do.

[karen j]

WOW!!! well good morning. Your blog is jumping today. I think it is easy for some people to attack others over the internet....It like writing an anonomus note on the bathroom wall....
Is anything really original in fashion, I mean the clothes kids are wearing now I wore in middle school (and it's making me feel kind of old but I digress)LOL...

[Desireé]

Hi, my name is Desireé, and I'm a copier....

I really feel for the commentor. How sad and petty her/his life must be to send such a RUDE comment over something so inconsequential.... Has that person EVER been shopping?!?!? You see tons of clothing that are just a variation on a theme (if that)....

[Melissa]

If the companies that made patterns wanted only one person the make them, then the companies would only make one pattern. I feel sorry for your friend because that person is being very selfish and almost sounds like a baby.

[Wendy]

'Imitation is a form of flattery' and 'we learn best by copying others'. I think it's great when someone sees what I've done and they love it so much that they want to do it themselves too. I've even had people ask me what exactly I've used so that they can make theirs EXACTLY like mine. I look at it as a compliment.

[robin]

That is crazy - no fashion is truly "original" anyway. Sounds very petty to me!

[Cennetta]

Copy cat!..., That is too crazy. I thought "we were sharing and inspiring" other another. As you said, "Sometimes I don't notice a pattern until some else has make it." I'm flattered when someone inspired by something I've made or suggested. Peace!

[Cheryl]

Okay, did I miss something? Were both people using a pattern? If so, then that's not copying at all!!! It's there for anyone to use!

Personally, I would be flattered if someone took my idea and did their own thing with it. I think people get WAY too bent out of shape over things like this and should...CHILL!! :-)

[mimi]

They need to get over it! I think it's flattering when I make something and someone likes it so much they make it for thwemselves, thats great!

Besides I copy Erica B all the time....LOL!!!

[Zhenya]

The offended party either (a) had serious, unresolved issues with her younger sister, or (b) is an only child. I in no way mean to insult only children -- given I myself have an only child -- or generalize this comment as being true of ALL only children... but it seems to me that anyone with siblings confronts the issue of emulation early on. The complaint, in the case you presented, sounds infantile.

I say copy, copy, copy. It's how the great painting and sculpting masters learned their craft -- why should knitting be any different? As long as you're making the item for your own personal use and not trying to sell the copies or the copied pattern for profit, go for it!

[Neecha]

I think it's inspiration and a compliment if someone "copies" the same thing you've sewn. If it was suppose to be an original and they didn't want another to copy it, then they should make it, never wear or post pictures of it. If we couldn't copy wouldn't the entire world of fashion just crumble AND if it wasn't designed for copying there wouldn't be a pattern or the same fabric sold in abundance! Looking at some of the things that you and Eric B have made has inspired me to sew and if I were anywhere near your sizes I'D COPY all the way down to the fabric! I'm in a mood this morning tell your friend to forward the nasty email to me I'll REPLY! LOL!

Have a Great Week!

[GeckoGirl]

Well I guess I should apologize for running out and buying the Simplicity 2896 pattern after I saw it here. If it makes you feel any better, I can't figure out to how to make it :-p (to say I was a beginner would be an understatement).

[Marin]

I don't think they're mutually exclusive. Sometimes you see something and you make it in a different colour. Or make the sleeves longer... inspiration!

But even if you make exactly the same pattern in the same yarn and the same colour, so long as you're not playing Single White Female and wardrobe-stalking the "originator" (who probably copied from someone else), isn't that inspiration from a different angle? Maybe you had no idea what to give your nephew for his birthday and now you found the *perfect* gift to knit... inspiration!

[vee]

how can it be copying if it is fashion? all the clothes in stores are modified version from the runway!

[Faye Lewis]

I guess I'M GUILTY! I get soooo much inspiration from blogs - more than from magazines, catalogs,pattern books and even stores. I think if it were wrong the pattern companies would make ONLY one of each patterns which would be silly. I don't know, but I think a person should be flattered to be copied I know I would.

[Dawn Bibbs]

Hey there! Long time no comment to :-). This is a great question/post. Alright, I'm sure that the garment your friend made may have had SOMETHING a little different that made it her own. But even if not, what's the big deal? I mean, those of us who scrapbook, have "scraplifted" at LEAST once or twice. We may do a little something different to make it our "own". But c'mon now, gimme a break. I get my inspiration from other people. And I'm actually flattered when people "lift" something of mine. You'd think they'd take it as a compliment.

Miss ya!!!

[Saun]

The fact of the matter is the minute you buy a pattern you are in fact "copying" but that is the whole point. Patterns and fabric are sold in bulk thus insuring that many people will "copy" the design. Not one person that buys a pattern is original. Unless you are a fashion designer that can draft your own patterns you are always going to get something someone else did and you're more than likely going to see the garment on someone or in some book and get "inspired" by it. Whether you buy it RTW or make it yourself, you will often be inspired by what you see on others. That is the nature of fashion. There are billions of people in this world and it's silly to think that every single one is going to come out in a completely original outfit.

[Barbara]

I think that there are people who think that way in all facets of life. How many of us have been part of this scenario "Hey girl I like your dress. Thanks I bought it at Macys and then they will say don't buy my dress ( Macys will have at least 100 exact copies of the same dress for sale) because this is my dress!! Same concept some people have no common sense .

[tiennie]

If she claimed it as her own than that's bad but she didn't so it's absolutely fine! We all find inspiration in each other's creations!

[sereknitty]

Who was it who said 'imitation is the sincerest form of flattery'?

Unless the person took a copyrighted pattern and called it their own, I figure it's fair game. Each person normally adds a unique twist of their own anyway, plus likely a different colour, so I don't think there's anything wrong with it.

[Carolyn]

I think before the internet and before sewing blogs that no one considered "copying" someone else...however I do remember times that I'd met people in the fabric store and they were wearing an exact copy of the pattern envelope...so isn't duplicating something you've seen on the internet exactly the same thing?

I also think that with the number of sewing blogs out there and people sewing the same patterns at the same time there is bound to be some copying...can't be helped. There will always be people with vision, people who lead and people who follow...that's just how life is! The point is not to take it tooo seriously and keep it moving!

[Nora]

It seems to me that some women need to focus on the important things in life! :) You're right, sending someone a nasty email [or leaving a nasty comment] is childish and immature - and defeats the purpose of blogging, sewing and knitting. We are all here to inspire, support and encourage.

[corinne delis]

I think if you copy it or use some of it for inspiration it is always nice too give the original maker some credit.

corinnexxx

[Cee]

Indeed, crafts attracts psychotics.

You can quote me on that. LOL! I kinda like that quotation (if I do toot my own horn).

People are NUTS.

[Bobbi]

um WTF? Are people crazy? It's a pattern of course other people are going to make it! If it was an original design used and inspiration credit is always a good idea. Otherwise people are just nutty. I'm always amazed by the pettiness of people.

[Kim Brown]

Wow girl...people have some serious feelings on this topic. Too funny. I think it would be kinda funky if some totally ripped off someone's creation, as far as using the exact fabric etc... and not giving credit to the person that they got the idea from, but I don't think there's anything wrong with seeing someone make something and then coveting that creation, and making it for yourself, while giving credit where credit is due. I would be flattered. For instance....Erica B recently posted a ruffled tank that I have never given a second glance at and I knew immediately what fabric I wanted to use for mine. HeeHee.

[Alexis T.]

I'd call it inspiration, definitely!

Unless a person makes up all their own patterns they must have gotten the idea somewhere. I love seeing new yarns used or variations on patterns -- it often helps me decide whether I want to knit that pattern too.

What does this girl think the purpose of crafting blogs is anyway? Just to stake a personal claim to a project like a big "nahny-nahny-boo-boo, I got there first and now you can't have it"? That's just strange!

(Now, if someone were to publish a variation on something you created, that would be stealing!)

[Lisa]

Well first off, what a mean thing of that person to say! I think that everyone has the right to make whatever and whenever. I plan on starting to sew very soon and thanks to the many blogs that I come across that feature/ include sewing - including yours of course - and from the information you gave to me I'll be able to start with an arsenal of information and I'll be posting about it too - so is that copying or is that inspiration? Some of my projects (example the swallowtail shawl) have been born out of reading other people's blogs... and thanks to ravelry I believe alot more people will be doing the same.
That person needs a reality check and stop raining on someone else's parade when that someone is being creative and enjoying themselves.

[CreoleInDC]

Hey...they make more than one pattern right? ROFL! HEY ADRIENNE!

[Gorgeous Things]

Erica said, "The person who emailed your friend should focus on sewing instead of dippin' in other folks business!"

Sing it, sister!

[Sue]

Yep, whoever jumped on that copier was a freak!!! Inspiration, for sure, and nothing more.......Imitation is the greatrest form of flattery...one of my favorite sayings. I do not sew, but I have to admit that I am bad about going to scrapbook sites to get inspiration and ideas for my layouts...it might just be a color combo or I might love a layout so much that I copy the design and change the papers..whatever, it is just wonderful to have such inspirations as yourself to turn to when my own brain is mush!!! Have a great humpday:)

[Tiffany]

Hey, Adrienne??? I think that copying in this case is the greatest form of flattery, well, the saying is something like that. She used a pattern, how is that copying anyway???? Do they only make one copy and then burn it??? I mean grow up!!!!! Sorry, I'll get off my soapbox now. :-) I just despise pettiness, KWIM???

[DebbieF]

Gee, does that mean if I buy the same print top as everyone else in a department store, am I copying? I use these blogs and PR as a constant source of inspiration. I notice patterns that I might not have thought of making, and I have even purchased vintage patterns because I saw them on someone's blog. I must be the Queen of copycats!

[WMK]

Inspiration Girl needs to pull up her big-girl panties and get back to creating fun stuff. Soooo much better to be a friend's inspiration instead of her punck-line.

Note: unless Copy Cat Girl is a serial copy-catter; then well, maybe it is best to part company.

[Sharon]

I was shocked when I read this post, if the item was made from a commercial pattern I don't know why it should be a problem, because they are out there for everyone to buy. Now if it was an original design then I would say it's wrong to copy....

[.tawnya.]

This sounds very silly.
I vote for the "inspirational" option.

BTW you inspire me babe!! :)

[angie.a]

Wow! Talk about petty. Such is life on the internet though. I for one have totally copied, er, been inspired by what I've seen on PR, on blogs, etc. That's the fun! I'm with Tany...a large reason I share my creations on the net is because I'm proud of them and hope to inspire someone else. I wouldn't be offended even if the same fabric were used, I'd probably just be flattered! :)