JudyAnn Apologizes

JudyAnn Needlepoint recently was asked to paint a Waffle House canvas by a customer who furnished a rough design that was said to be the customer's own work.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1748114450163227&set=a.607525490888801

Turns out it was actually a design by One Part Whimsy that is currently sold out.  JudyAnn is horrified and apologized to One Part Whimsy.  I know JudyAnn from way back and I am sure she didn't know her customer was trying to get a sold out design by lying to JudyAnn about where the original came from.  

https://www.onepartwhimsy.com/products/waffle-house-diner-hand-painted-needlepoint-canvas

If you are the miscreant, shame on you for putting a nice lady like JudyAnn in such a position!  

If you are a designer, I urge you to avoid logos or any sort of brand image as the copyright pitfalls are huge.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright July 24, 2026 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Ai Fraud Comes for Handwork

I stumbled across this article about Ai-generated craft books today.

https://www.404media.co/bobbin-tatting-lace-ai-generated-books/

The focus of the article is on bobbin lace but I've heard there are stumpwork books that are Ai rip-offs now.  It's only a matter of time before this hits needlepoint.

Why is this a problem?  It's two-fold.  Most of these books are geared toward beginners who are given bad information.  And the people selling these books are unscrupulous; they are pretending to have knowledge they do not have.  They are using Ai to throw together books that often violate copyright to make cash without any thought for the person buying a book that's a fraud.

These Ai-generated books do a disservice to us all.  Keep an eye out for them and warn your stitching buddies when you stumble across one. Use social media and needlepoint websites and your favorite shop to find good books through personal recommendations from actual needlepointers.

Together we can keep this sort of thing at a minimum.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow 

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright December 27, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Penny Linn Hit by Copyright Theft

Penny Linn has just announced via Instagram that she's been hit for a while by a copycat of her acrylic pieces.  The video explains in detail the timeline of her creation of her acrylic line and how it has been copied and sold to her customers.  Since her copyright has just been granted by the U.S. Patents Office, I imagine a lawsuit is in the works.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C_iyqrwvUCD/

In support of Penny Linn, I have removed all mentions of "Company M" from Blog.  If you notice non-Penny Linn magnetic acrylics for sale, please take screen shots and send them to Penny Linn so she can contact the store involved since they are also liable in a court of law.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright September 5, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Abigail Cecile Talks Copyright

The designer Abigail Cecile talks about copyright, how it differs from inspiration, what she avoids basing designs on and more in this thought-provoking article.

https://www.abigailcecile.com/blogs/how-to-guides/my-personal-views-on-copying-and-imitation

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright May 4, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Chart Thief on Etsy

Textured Treasures has discovered that the Etsy shop "BettsVintagePatterns" is selling PDF versions of one of Textured Treasures' charts.  This person is also selling other designers' work as his/her own.  Fortunately, after a lot of folks complained on Karen's behalf, Etsy pulled the sale.  It looks like the seller has stopped all sales, too.  Hopefully this is for good.  

https://www.facebook.com/TexturedTreasuresStitch/posts/pfbid0vTtEmxg3VSaku9nBNS379xxuKg5r3YFroKJ6z6bYgGFQFPvvjQeMzsui7B2FLAN8l

If you want to buy a real Textured Treasures chart, just visit Karen's website.  She sells kits, too.  A friend is stitching From Dusk to Dawn, and it is stunning!

https://texturedtreasures.ca/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 15, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Copyright Thief Steals from Anne Fisher Needlepoint

A sharp-eyed shop owner noticed a fake Anne Fisher canvas and alerted the artist, who is understandably upset.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C3-8pUKv2yo/

Remember, every time you buy a canvas of a sports or fashion logo, that is of a famous person, that shows a food label, copies a book cover exactly, or shows a movie, cartoon or tv show character, you are buying stolen property unless the needlepoint designer has arranged to pay a fee to the design owner to use their work.

If the original work has been licensed, the needlepoint canvas will state that.

There are so many wonderful original works of art on needlepoint canvas, it's a slap in the face to those artists if you continue to buy stuff that rips off another artist, a company or a sports team.  If you notice something that seems wrong, ask your shop or alert the designer.  

And never ever buy a copyright violation. If these thieves didn't make money off stolen goods, they'd stop ripping off the owners of the copyright.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 2, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The Nashville Needlepointer Talks Counting Out A Design Copy

Instagram's Nashville Needlepointer talks about copying painted needlepoint designs by counting them out.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CrTwnQ1JURU/

Some simpler designs can be copied onto blank canvas, but remember--this violates copyright and is illegal.  That's why a designer got a cease and desist letter recently from Chanel--the designer copied their logos, perfume bottles, etc. without permission.

This can land you in all sorts of legal trouble.  Besides, it is stealing.  You really don't want to do this.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 22, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Breaking News: Chanel Serves Designer with Cease and Desist Letter

The rumor mills says a designer has received a cease and desist letter from Chanel about their use of Chanel copyrighted logos.  I don't know which designer, but I would caution any shop and designer to be careful about selling designs based on other people's artwork or logos without permission.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 18, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

When Needlepoint Is Against the Law

The Collection Designs posted a photo on their Instagram page of a copy of one of their designs that someone else is selling.  

https://www.instagram.com/p/CpeQLbmNuP-/

Changing the colors doesn't make it ok.  It's still copyright theft.  The old saying that if you change 10 percent of something it's ok is just a wives' tale.  The law still considers it theft.  

This is stealing.   Small businesses can't afford to go after thieves so this continues, making it up to us needlepointers to not buy stolen goods.  

How do you know something is stolen?  It's easier than you would think--only buy original designs.  What do I mean by that?  

Don't buy canvases that show things that are not original--like sports team logos, food labels, restaurant signs, cartoon and movie characters, book characters and even book covers, anything that mimics something you've seen elsewhere and loved. It's not the canvas designer's to take and sell, with a few exceptions.  Tabasco bottles are licensed by Jude, Smoky the Bear is licensed by Devon Nicholson, sorority logos are licensed by Kangaroo Paws, Mary Engelbreit is licensed by Painted Pony, etc.  These canvases will ususally have the copyright symbol on them as well as the name of the owner of the licensed copyright. The owner of the copyright is paid for the designer to use their artwork so these are totally legal.

Sometimes it is hard to tell that something is copyrighted.  Images of famous people are problematic as even deceased celebrities' estates own the copyright to their images and some of them pursue violators.  There are stories the corporate owners of the artwork and image of Frida Kahlo rampaged through Etsy, issuing warnings and threats of legal action, before the pandemic hit.  Needlepoint is somewhat under the radar but anyone selling Disney characters or Harry Potter items should be worried.  Those are well policed.

We all protect our designers by not buying this stuff.  If we don't buy, they aren't tempted to sell things that are not theirs.  They won't get into legal trouble.  And stealing is morally wrong.  Don't be part of this thievery.  

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright March 7, 2023 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Copyright Theft of Trish Burr Embroidery

Trish Burr is being hit by copyright thieves again.

https://trishburr.com/2021/06/26/copyright-infringement/

It is a lot of trouble and expense to stop the thieves and they just shut down if someone takes their shop down, change their name, and pop up again.  If you are a fan of Trish Burr, don't buy her designs from anyone except her or Inspirations Magazine.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright June 26, 2021 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Mickey Mouse Needlepoint

Lots of people want to stitch Disney characters for their younger family members but these things have not been licensed for needlepoint.  So what is a law abiding person to do?

Luckily old copies of Walt Disney Characters Needlepoint Book are available on eBay.  Here's one current auction of several.  This was licensed, making it legal to buy and stitch.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Walt-Disney-characters-needlepoint-book-Embroider/302475845066?epid=4536317&hash=item466cf71dca:g:lxsAAOSw7L1Z1BJc

Disney has recently licensed a chart book called Disney Princesses in Cross Stitch.  I haven't seen this so I don't know if the charts use a lot of half or quarter cross stitches.  If they do, these would be difficult to do on needlepoint canvas.  This cross stitch shop can probably advise you, however.
https://www.everythingcrossstitch.com/disney-princess-cross-stitch-22-easy-to-follow-patterns-featuring-ariel-belle-jasmine-mulan-and-more-mrp-p78603.aspx?k2=e1

It's difficult to abide by the law but take heart.  Mickey Mouse will most likely (unless Disney can find a way to get around or change the law) be in the public domain by 2023.  But that's not going to apply to all of the Disney characters.  Just Mickey.  Expect Disney to continue to vigorously attack anyone making Star Wars and Baby Yoda items, Marvel characters, any of the other Disney cartoon characters, and anything they may come up with or buy in the future.
https://alj.artrepreneur.com/mickey-mouse-keeps-changing-copyright-law/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 8, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Let's Get to Know Emily Peacock

Virginia Wolf Canvas, from Emily Peacock

The latest in Bobbin and Fred's interviews of needlepoint designers focuses on Emily Peacock who is better known in her native United Kingdom than here in the United States.  I was intrigued by what Emily says about copyright since intellectual property theft is something I am campaigning against on Facebook.  It's rampant and also shocking the number of folks who don't think selling someone else's artwork is stealing.
https://www.sewingwithbobbinandfred.co.uk/2019/04/lets-meet-emily-peacock.html

You'll have fun browsing Emily's kits.  Many of them are on 7 or 10 count Zweigart canvas, making them a fast stitch or perhaps a good choice if your eyes are currently bothering you.  She does 12 count printed designs, too.  The portrait of Virginia Wolf above is one of these printed canvases that comes in a kit with Appleton wool.
http://emilypeacock.squarespace.com/shop

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright April 5, 2019 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Copyright Violations Strike Again

Counterfeit Trish Burr Embroidery kits are apparently a big problem.  This impacts the creator of the designs since it is costing Trish sales.
https://trishburr.com/2018/11/04/counterfeit-kits/

It also impacts us, the stitchers.  What if Trish was so hurt and upset that she stopping creating new designs?  This happens more than you would think.  I was told the author of Creating Contemporary Bargello was so upset by the plagiarism of her book that she refuses to have it reprinted and will not write another.
https://trishburr.com/2018/11/05/copyright/

So think before you copy a stitch guide or chart for your friends.  You may be doing them a favor but you are stabbing all the creators out there in the back (or to the heart) with your action.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 5, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Don't Be a Thief

Enriched Stitch is having a sale on their instant downloadable stitch guides and a warning.
http://astheneedleturns.com/stitch-guide-sale-and-more/#comment-2013

Don't copy stitch guides or book stitch diagrams and then hand them out to all your friends. It's stealing and even if you have no qualms about that, remember that the world of needlepoint is small.  If folks realize that you copy guides, the shops and stitch guide writers will warn each other of your actions and it'll get harder to buy the supplies you want.

And as one commenter mentions in the link above, I take copyright seriously on Facebook.  If I catch someone repeatedly violating copyright on the Facebook Group Needlepoint Nation, they are removed from the group permanently and also blocked from viewing the group.   Many folks don't realize that copying items from a book or guide (or taking photos of a diagram on your phone from a shop's books) is stealing.  But it is.  If you want to pay more for books and guides or want to risk banishment from Needlepoint Nation and being whispered about among the guide writers, handing out copies of something you bought is a good way to achieve that.  The stitch guide writers especially are my friends and colleagues and I will do my best to protect their businesses.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 3, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Why Vetty Creations and I Hate Pinterest

Yvette Stanton of Vetty Creations has a great post about Pinterest on her blog.  It spells out exactly how Pinterest is used to skirt copyright laws and steal from our favorite authors and designers.
http://vettycreations.com.au/white-threads/2018/03/06/pinterest-is-fantastic-pinterest-is-terrible/#sthash.Jd7hXSvx.VFaD6jsL.dpbs

Boycott Pinterest!  It's a Den of Thieves!

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 5, 2018 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

More about Copyright UPDATED

A Member of Facebook's Administrator Group posted this link to an article about copyright that explores the myths people believe justify their use of other people's work.  It's technical but not so much so that it isn't understandable by non-legal folks.
http://www.templetons.com/brad/copymyths.html

UPDATE:  Ruth Schmuff just posted her own take about copyright.
https://bedeckedandbeadazzled.com/2018/02/copyright-2/#comment-8534

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 12, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Profile of Jessica Chaney (Lycette Designs)

This fashion blog has a profile of the owner of Lycette Designs Needlepoint.  It's an interesting interview, touching on other aspects of Jessica's life, the dangers of copyright violations to a new designer, and more.  Many thanks to Paige of The Pink Clutch for helping us get to know one of the newest designers of painted needlepoint canvases.
http://www.thepinkclutchblog.com/2017/03/the-needlepoint-queen.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright March 31, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

A Bit About Copyright

I stumbled across an interesting article on copyright while looking at this fabulous website of antique Valentine cards.  It makes clear exactly why copying something old may not keep the lawyers from your door and shows several ways how something that seems ok, might not be.  There's very useful information in clear language here, but always consult a lawyer who specializes in copyright before you do something that could well bring you to court.
http://www.vintagevalentinemuseum.com/p/copyright-and-fair-use-of-vintage.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright February 14, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

The New Loretta Spears Design

Last year when I was sorting through a bunch of Loretta Spears mystery design charts that had been donated to me to give away to Loretta's fans, I stumbled across a real treasure--a chart of a design I'd never heard of.  It's a one page free design dated 1993 meant to promote Needle Necessities threads which are used in the project.  The design is untitled except "A Design By Loretta Spears" is at the top of the page.  So that's what I call it.  More about this design is on the Loretta Spears blog.
http://lorettaspears.blogspot.com/2015/09/the-needle-necessities-chart.html

I am starting to stitch this so I'll have photographs for the article about the design.  You can follow along here.
http://lorettaspears.blogspot.com/2017/01/a-design-by-loretta-spears-free-chart.html

As a special bonus, Pat Miller is also stitching this piece.  She is sticking closer to the original instructions than I am.  You can watch her progress on her blog.  This should take you to all her postings about this piece but if not, just click on A Design By Loretta Spears in the right hand column where she lists all the pieces she has stitched.
http://needleartnut.blogspot.com/search/label/A%20Design%20by%20Loretta%20Spears

Unfortunately, the copyright on this new design still belongs to Loretta's heirs, not Needle Necessities' heirs, so this design cannot be copied and distributed.  Loretta's family, following her wishes, will not sell her copyright or allow her designs to be distributed.  The best I can do is stitch it for you to see.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright January 9, 2017 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Etsy is Cracking Down on Copyright Infringement

Looks as if Etsy is cracking down on shop owners who are violating copyright. Good for them!  I don't think using other folks' intellectual property for your own gain is ethical or legal.  Of course I've had blog articles plagiarized, so I have personal reasons to be pretty strict about this both here and on Facebook's Needlepoint Nation.
http://www.thewriteassistantllc.com/2016/11/09/etsy-shop-shutdowns/

It also looks like they are cracking down on shops selling merchandise that they did not make themselves.  I wonder what effect this will have on shops selling needlepoint canvases?  I think this is geared towards shops that import items made in Chinese and Thai factories and pass them off as their own creations.  I'm pleased about this as I feel Etsy is supposed to be a place for creators to sell their personal handwork.

What are your opinions on this?

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 10, 2016 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.