To the best of us.

If you "like" my business page on Facebook*, you're probably aware that I had a bit of a shock when I saw Lisa Lam's new book recently.  It appears that we both came up with the same design idea, quite independently and unbeknownst to one another.  They were published around the same time.

It happens to designers, especially now that we live in a world where information and design influences spread about the globe like forked lightning.

Lisa and I have come up with different solutions for some of the minor things (...and I've rabitted on endlessy about how to make the perfect structured strap with a ring in it, as I'm apt to do...), but the bag shape is the bag shape and a lot of it looks the same.  It happens.

Today, I bought this book....

...and there's another version of what looks like the wristlet project from my book (albeit a much simpler version, with no pocket, straps or facing, and no wadding in the interfacing mix). 

I'm quite sure that Sue Kim has never seen my book before in her life (unfortunately, my book is still very difficult to get in the USA).

And people wonder why I'm not precious about people using my "designs" to make purses and hats to sell at markets or boutiques or on Etsy...?

The key to the patterns that I produce is all in the how-to (and I'm very, VERY precious about that!).  Most of the time, I choose to work on fairly simple shapes that are merely the basis for the construction and  finishing techniques I want to teach.   The simple shapes that inspire me are the same that inspire others; it's how we interpret them that makes the difference.

So...in answer to all of you who are polite enough to ask if I'd mind if you use my designs to make things for markets, Etsy or whatever... go ahead.  

For every polite person, I'm assuming there are a dozen impolite ones and another two dozen who came up with a similar shape without knowing the first thing about my work.

I'm thankful if you credit my pattern (and the help it may have given you in your beautifully-finished work! ;) ), but it's not a proviso.  I only ask that you put your own unique twist on your interpretation of my designs and feel proud of every improvement in your sewing and design skills. 

The one thing I'm protective about is the intellectual property I pour into my class notes and  instructions.  That stuff is hard-earned through years of work, experimentation and making my own mistakes:  it's not common knowledge.  It's also how I make my living. 

I have heard tale of people sharing class notes and patterns with friends.  Please, please don't do that, especially if you want me to still be here to teach you any more new sewing tricks.

In other news, I'm almost certain that I'm headed for another book-case explosion (or a new book case).

This is the top shelf of sewing and design collection.  The bottom shelves are stuffed full and I've just moved a few boxes of my yarn-based craft books into the studio.  Somehow I don't think they'll fit into the current arrangement.

And as an addendum to my first point about the influences we share, globally.... how many of these books do you recognise?

*My personal Facebook page is for friends and family only.  Please don't send a friend request to that page unless you're a friend or family member. :)

A little bit of cheer-me-up...

Sometimes I feel like a treat but can't justify spending loads of money. It's at such times that I do a search on "Sewing" in the Better World Books "Used" section. For about $20 I can look forward to a bundle of reference books to add to the library. They're often around $3-$4USD each.

With sewing books, the information is all useful despite the change in styling through the decades. I've used all three books since they arrived on Monday and I'm sure they'll be pulled out again and again.

I can also smile a warm and fuzzy sort of smile, knowing that I've made the world a better, more literate place with my purchase.

And then..... sometimes when I want a bit of cheer-me-up..... I spend loads of money on a book I've wanted for a REALLY long time.

I love this book. And now I can stroke it's silky-matt cover and drool all over the stunning photographs of divinely draped 1930's garments. Bias cuts and inset panels.... (and is it just me or does it look like that woman is using a mobile phone?)

But this is the best thing... the patterns that explain the HOW of the designs. I'm singing this song today...

The man of the house (a tad concerned about my retail therapy) asked me one day, "But... do THINGS really make you happy?"

...

...

Some days they certainly bring a little sunshine!

All for a good cause.....

Ummm... do I really need any more books?  Particularly GREAT BIG HEAVY ONES....?

Ever since reading Tania's post about this book, I've felt deeply that I must indeed add this weighty tome to my (ahem) work reference library. The Art of Looking Sideways is all about opening the designer's mind and sharpening the eye to see what isn't always seen... come in sideways and you'll see the truth of the matter... the sort of inspirational thing I MUST have in my life... in my work reference library.

 

And then I discovered Better World Books.  Wow - my kind of bookshop!  Not only does it give the best prices and the cheapest shipping I've found, but it's a not-for-profit organisation that funds literacy projects around the world and saves surplus books from becoming landfill.  Read all about it here.  Buy a book.   

Because it's SUCH a good cause... I also have about 4 more (other book) orders winging their way to me as we speak. Since I bought a new bookshelf for the kiddie books, I have space in my re-built and re-enforced (formerly exploded) shelves for a few more, so it's ok.  Really.

By the way - has anyone else noticed a font size change in Blogger?  My text is MUCH SMALLER on the usual setting, so I've had to make it MUCH BIGGER now (so I can read it!).  The in-betweeny size that I like no longer appears to be an option...?