If you use a pattern and use different colors, materials, change the measurements, I believe it's considered a derivative work and is still covered by the original copyright. Your work has to look completely different from the original - at which point, of course, it wouldn't be the same pattern, right?. Regarding Cotton Theory, which is a technique, and copyright doesn't cover techniques, however, Betty Cotton has a PATENT for it. Patents are a whole 'nother story. ***My disclaimer here is that I've only skimmed the patent, so I'm just making my best guesses and I am not an expert on patent law.*** So this might just be the one case where writing a quilt pattern in your own words using the same technique might NOT be legal, under patent laws, NOT under copyright laws. (Disclaimer: I'm not a lawyer, etc. etc.) The technique described in the patent is very detailed and very specific to the way Betty Cotton does it. It's not "make a traditional quilt block, quilt the block, then join", it's "make and quilt each sub-unit of a block and join using specific folding techniques". So Rosa's technique of using Gloria Bonesteel's lap quilting technique, then joining the blocks with the seams on top probably does NOT come under the patent. Since Betty Cotton sells books and patterns, obviously she means for people to use the technique, so I assume (Disclaimer: I'm not a lawyer, yadda, yadda.) the patent gives her the exclusive right to publish books and patterns with that technique. Copyright laws alone would not do that. (I know from reading biographical articles about her that she had another business where someone stole her ideas/designs and she had no recourse because she had never patented them.) In any case, copyright laws would also apply to Betty Cotton's printed patterns, books, and quilt designs. Her technique can't be copyrighted, but, she patented it! In the case of the tote bag pattern I was looking at, it has some features that I've been looking for in a tote bag, but that I haven't seen in other tote bag patterns that I've looked at so far. If I wanted to sell them (including advertising, which would come under "publishing"), even if I modified the pattern somewhat (derivative work), I think I'd just pay the $100, put the name of the pattern on the hang tag and be done with it. That particular cottage license allows you to make and sell as many bags as you want for a year, which, if you are serious about your cottage industry, is a reasonable expense to protect yourself legally. CMC Here is a link that might be useful: Cotton Theory Patent

I am in Hiram, GA. I have three Walmarts near me that sell fabric and patterns. The Douglasville store off Hwy 5 and Interstate 20, Powder Springs store off East West Connector and Powder Springs Road, Hiram store of Hwy 278/Jimmy Lee Smith Parkway. They closed out the fabric dept at the Thorton Road Walmart 2 years ago. I have heard that the one on Douglasville will be closing out sometime next year. The best of all three is the Hiram since they still have the big 12 foot rack of discounted or special priced fabrics. Some are a $1.00 a yard. I hope they don't all discontinue fabrics. It great when I need something fast instead of having to order it.

Linda in Iowa That was extremely rude of the 'fellow worker.' I'll bet she was more concerned with gossip than the work she was supposedly doing. First, you were wise to wear something to protect your clothing as you concentrated on doing a charitable service for people in distress. Second, those people serious about preparing, cooking, and serving food in a professional manner (whether paid or voluntary) wear aprons. They can then concentrate more about producing a good product rather than worring about ruining, or flaunting, their clothing. and Third, aprons are fashionable right now! You had that heifer beat in every way possible. Susan JF That pattern is a cutie, too. Kathy G in MD I agree; the pattern is not old as in pre-WWII, or difficult. I'll bet it isn't even scarce, but it does seem to be very popular, thus the price. I've bought several lovely patterns from the 50s-80s for $2-$3, some with free shipping even, from both eBay and Etsy. This one is proving to be more of a challenge. Kay Jones That is an idea I may try. I'm going one-step easier. Since I may have better luck finding a child's dress in 100% cotton, I'll start small and see if I can find a dress that will covert to an apron for one of my nieces. That should be good practice.

No, lil S we have a large family room with a big TV and 2 little dens. We have a little TV in the kitchen, but I'd like to see that go. Just got the gas fireplace and wanted to enjoy it sometimes. I'm fine if there's no TV. Just use the room for reading or company as we've used it in the past on the other side. But since you said find 2 chairs you love.....I found these: https://www.houzz.com/products/swivel-print-accent-chair-prvw-vr~113150984  Is there any way to make these work with that sofa? I also have a cream marble cocktail table in my room I could move down (ugh, it's heavy) if need be. I like the musical notes by the piano.