Sewing Instruction, Tech Editing & Supplies
Simply stated:
Whether you teach using a single pattern, magazine article or from a book, each student should have his/her own legitimate copy. It is generally NOT okay to buy one copy of a pattern, magazine or book and then make copies to distribute to your students.
But patterns and books cost so much!!! Believe me, cost is a HUGE factor in deciding which projects to do with my kids.
As a librarian at the day job, it’s my responsibility to explain copyright and fair use to my staff. I’m certainly not an intellectual property attorney; however, I do my best to model ethical copyright behavior in both the day job and when teaching sewing classes. Here are some tips to help keep things copyright compliant while keeping costs down:
When planning projects for classes, I survey my students to see what they’d like to make. If it’s a garment, see #4. If not, I meet with the shop owner to see if there are any patterns currently in stock that they’d like me to use. If not, I’ll go to option #2 & then #5. Honestly, I usually develop my own patterns and instruction sheets for the Kid’s Club projects. Most project patterns are written for adults – not children. Occasionally, the quilt shop calls because a customer wants to buy my project instruction sheets. I’ve since spiffed up the format and now sell them when asked.