Sunday, May 1, 2011

Stolen Pattern

Once again, I have discovered a pattern of mine that has been compromised. Changed slightly by another artist and then claimed as their own and put up for sale. I have to say "I just really don't understand."

Since my site went to a completely free pattern site, I have received the SWEETEST thank you emails from so many of you. Those emails have meant the world to me. I will usually keep them for several months and will go over them; reading them again, and again, and again because they bring a smile to my face.

I'm not mad....not at all, I'm just so terribly hurt. I feel as if I've been used...and I feel taken advantage of. I really DO NOT want to shut my site down, but I will if I feel I have no choice.

Please don't assume that since I give my patterns away freely, that there was not a lot of hard work that went into them.... because there was.

Please...please respect me and respect my work.

16 comments:

  1. Brenda,
    I think it's a shame people feel they can do this and truly live with themselves. I know how much work you put into your patterns and so appreiate all you have to offer. I would hate to see you remove your patterns, but I would understand. You have every right to be disheartened by someone elses selfishness and greed.
    I'm sorry this has happened to you again.
    It really is ashame.
    Jean

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  2. Hi Brenda
    It really is a terrible thing when people do this type of thing. You are a very kind hearted person giving your patterns for free. What a wonderful thing to do. I too have been taken advantage of, a number of times. I understand how hurt you feel, your heart is giving and you feel taking advantage of. You are gifted with creativity .... thank you for sharing that with us.
    I would be sad if you took your site away. There is always one bad egg... but remember all the people's emails you have received... there are many people out there that really do appreciate your giving heart.
    Hugs and God bless
    Lisa

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  3. I'm sorry this has happened. It's really sad that some people will stoop so low. Hopefully this post will set them srtaight.

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  4. That really STINKS! Some people are so self centered that they don't think or care about others. I'm sorry that this has happened. Hopefully, they will get a clue when they read your post.

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  5. This must by very disheartening for you. I wish you could have seen my little girl's face when I handed her the bunny she picked out from your patterns for me to sew for her. Your patterns obviously come from the heart and touch others-I hope you will continue to create! ~*~Lisa

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  6. Hi Brenda, Maureen at Sweet Meadows Farms just had a similar post on her blog. It's a shame. I appreciate all the creativity and work that you pattern designers put in to your offerings. I understand how you would feel used. I'm sorry your generous spirit has been taken advantage of.Perhaps making these folks name public would shame them into better behavior.

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  7. I am sorry to hear this. I am really looking forward to making some of your patterns. I just found you! I have been looking for the perfect Annie and found All Dressed Up. I can't wait to make her. Thank you for sharing your patterns. I for one really appreciate it.

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  8. im sorry to hear someone has done this.

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  9. Hi Brenda - There is no accounting for tackiness and lack of class. You are an amazing person and have a very generous spirit. God knows what is going on. Be assured, anyone who is stealing your creativity for their benefit will have to give a verbal account to God when they stand before His throne. He will not accept justifications and excuses. You are a beacon of light in the darkness. Don't ever for get that. Love ya. Ronda

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  10. dear brenda,
    I have just found your site and I love it. I cannot imagine not giving you credit for all your hard work! i was just about to give up the idea of making raggady annies because of the price of the patterns and you are giving yours away! what a blessing!!! thank you so much
    love you
    janie

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  11. Hi Brenda. I have just come back off of holiday and I am doing catch up on Blogger. I am so sorry someone has done this to you, I does,nt take a minute to put the designer down and thank them, when selling something from a pattern like yours. They obviously have no consideration, for people like yourself who go out of their way to make others happy. I love your patterns and make so many of them for my grandaughters. It would be a great shame to loose you.
    Love and Hugs
    Bev xx

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  12. I am so sorry to hear that Brenda!!!! I would NEVER do that! I love to give my dolls as gifts!!! I have noticed there are lots of these types of dolls popping up. You have the best website and patterns. Please dont shut it down Brenda :-)

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  13. It is a shame that there are people out there that take advantage of the kindness of others. I recently found your site and thank you for your kindness in giving out your great patterns for free. I love rag dolls and have a daughter that will enjoy the dollies I will make for her from the patterns designed by you.

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  14. Brenda, thank god for kind ,generous warm hearted people like yourself it restores my faith in humanity.....this self serving ,greedy person that stole from you will get their come-uppence one day. You are in my prayers,hope your health improves and a big thankyou for all your patterns......stay well regards suzie from uk

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  15. I wanted to just say thank you so much for providing free patterns on your site and I'm so sorry that someone compromised your trust. Those copycats who steal others patterns and pass them off as their own are not true artists and I'm sure others will agree with me. As an aspiring doll artist and someone experiencing some financial difficulty at present, I am very grateful for your generousity in sharing for free not only your patterns, but your expertise in your tutorials while I learn how to craft dolls. I am very honored to learn from a pro and I'm looking forward to the day when I have learned enough that I can create my very own original patterns and dolls and share back. I believe true art comes wholly from the spirit and when it does, there is no need to copy. Good luck in all your endeavors, especially with the animal causes! I am enjoying your site and your blog very much. It is a pleasure to have made another doll "friend" online.

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  16. I've seen free patterns on Pinterest being so.d on Ebay. It's sad but I just discovered my love for Annie's and in searching for free doll patterns I came across your site. My family does not have a lot of money so I am planning on making all the girls prim Annie's for Christmas this year and the free patterns are so greatly appreciated! I know that what I will make and send will put a big smile on their face and it's because if I can save money on patterns and tutorials, maybe purchase fabric at the thrift shop, supplies, etc. then I can create a wonderful doll. I so appreciate artists like yourself who can dream up these patterns for us folks to bring to life :)
    ~Christina

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