Comments on: Reader submissions: Fabric Designer Kristen Doran

By: Liesl

Liesl — Sat, 26 Aug 2006 01:42:45 +0000

Thanks for the update, Kelly. I’m glad to know Amy Butler has revised her policy!

By: Rosemary

Rosemary — Fri, 25 Aug 2006 17:29:54 +0000

I just wanted to add that many artists also have problems with using papers in their collage art. It’s a very tricky subject when it comes to using someone else’s designs, even though these patterns have been mass produced and sold commercially. I think it is best to make patterns on your own. This way you can avoid running into problems in the future. Most crafters run their businesses on small scales without knowing business skills extensively. And they can get really costly when having someone take care of it for you. It’s really important that crafters and artists are aware of their rights so they can watch out for themselves and avoid legal complications if they should arise.

By: kelly

kelly — Fri, 25 Aug 2006 16:21:02 +0000

As sara and erin mention above, Amy Butler has changed her original policy. On that link that erin posted, it says, specifically:

———-
FOR INDIVIDUAL PEOPLE WHO BUY AMY’S FABRIC AT RETAIL COST (FROM A SHOP OR ONLINE):
You can make items for sale. Since you are buying the fabric at retail, the non-commercial use does not apply to you.
———-

I think that the original whip-up post should be edited/corrected to eliminate this misinformation. I am impressed with Amy Butler’s change to this policy, based on feedback from customers. On that FAQ page, her company graciously semi-apologizes for their former policy with the statement: “we appreciate your patience and understanding as Amy’s business grows.”

Rather than continue to berate the company for an initial mistake, I would like to see the crafting community support an organization willing to change its policy based on customer demand.

By: Liesl

Liesl — Thu, 24 Aug 2006 00:24:59 +0000

Yeah, it really irks me that designers claim you can’t sell things made from their fabrics. They’ve already profited from the design: a restriction like that would never hold up in court. It’s one thing if you’re buying leftover fabric from a designer’s clothing line (or such) with the agreement that you won’t sell things made from it, but the designs are made specifically to be printed on fabric which is then sold. Unless you’re reproducing their designs without permission, they can’t possibly prohibit you from buying the fabric and selling a product made from it. Anyway, sorry for the rant, but that just drives me crazy!

By: sara

sara — Wed, 23 Aug 2006 03:04:35 +0000

Didn’t AB and co finally declare that they actually could not legally prohibit individuals from selling things made from her patterns and fabrics? They can prohibit businesses from mass producing using her designs, but individual use including sale of produced items is considered fair use under trademark law.

By: erin

erin — Wed, 23 Aug 2006 00:58:55 +0000

I love her beautiful screened designs, and would encourage anyone to try silk screening as a really fun way to personalize anything.

From a legal perspective though, any fabric you buy retail (not wholesale) you technically can turn into a project and sell. This includes Disney fabric (despite what their reps will tell you), and any fabric that says “For Non-Commercial Use Only”. This applies only to manufacturers; a crafter making one or two purses for a craft fair is not commercial use. Unless you sign a contract stating you will not use their fabric for something you will sell, you are not bound to their rules.
Amy Butler specifically addresses this on her website here: http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/faqs/

By: Sew Recycled!

Sew Recycled! — Tue, 22 Aug 2006 12:45:44 +0000

I strongly recommend you take a look at this very clever and talented designer. Her textiles are simple yet very intricate whilst using calming delicious colours.

By: mo

mo — Tue, 22 Aug 2006 02:55:09 +0000

I am a fan! I have ordered twice and they are really lovely- the designs and the quality.