Illuminate Crochet: Respecting Licenses, Trademarks, and Copyrights: L...

"Illuminate Crochet: Respecting Licenses, Trademarks, and Copyrights: L...: Before I begin I'd like to remind everyone that I am not a lawyer. The following information is provided to the best of my knowledge and..."

Hi There! Chrystal typing here. The blog above was created by Illuminate Crochet in 2015. The group of photos is a small sampling of completed projects made by YarnKittens during 2023-2024 and was placed here to get your attention.

I feel the information is just a relevant today and wanted to share it. Are you a crochet artist? You can read the full blog at the link above. Below are some important takeaways from the blog.

Copyrights give the author ownership of original photos, text, and more. In a pattern this would cover my instructions, photo tutorials, finished item photos... basically anything that is unique to my pattern. Copyright is automatically granted to the creator of a work. Have you ever written an essay for school? That essay belongs to you under copyright law and anyone who published it without your permission would be breaking the law. To be super safe I add a date to my patterns and attach my name to them, along with the copyright symbol. Did you know that people have violated my copyright? I have had to defend my paid patterns from meanies who try to distribute them online for free or for incentives like website points. I have even had to fight someone on Ebay who was selling one of my free patterns!

Trademarks are words, symbols, and names that are owned by a company to promote themselves. Trademarks are something you have to apply for. A good example of this in the crochet world would be a brand logo like the Lion Brand seal. Team names and logos are covered under this, so any patterns you find online that don't have special permission to use those logos are using them illegally.

Licensed Characters are unique characters owned by the company or individual who created them. According to copyright law, the company owns the character. That company may then choose to license, or officially allow, others to use their characters with permission (perhaps after paying a fee). You have to apply for a license to use someone else's character in your work, including crochet patterns. Examples of popular licensed characters are minions, Disney princesses, Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy, or characters from Inside Out. It is illegal to distribute unlicensed (made without permission) patterns and objects based on licensed characters. This is the most frequent type of violation that I have seen.

It is illegal for a designer to distribute a pattern featuring a trademark or licensed character without the creator's approval. It is illegal for a crafter to sell items featuring a trademark or licensed character without the creator's approval.

Not sure if a pattern is legally created or not? If it's sourced from a major company like Lion Brand or Leisure Arts you are probably safe. If the pattern is made by an independent designer, the designer will likely mention somewhere in the pattern or blog post that they have obtained permission. If not, you may want to ask them.

Want to design and make crochet versions of licensed characters? Two options: Purchase a license from the copyright holder to obtain the permission to create character patterns. Purchase a pattern from a designer who has obtained the permission to create character patterns.

Keep crocheting friends; it's a hobby, a stress reliever, and a valuable skill.

Crochet and Chill at the Coffee Shop

Today, I find myself crocheting in Coral Reef Coffee Company. It seems fitting to support a local business that contributes to the Coral Reef Restoration Foundation, especially since YarnKittens is backing Ocean Conservancy this year through our own fundraising efforts. The symbiotic relationship between these organizations and our mutual love for the ocean makes this a perfect spot to spend my afternoon.

The interior design here is ocean-themed, with soothing colors of teal and pink, accented by octopus plushies lounging on the couches. There are half a dozen family board games on a shelf next to the group seating area by the window. An adorable fish tank rests on the pick-up counter, filled with vibrant fish darting around, and a large screen on the back wall continuously looping mesmerizing underwater videos of sea turtles and other aquatic life. The ambient sounds of new age music play softly in the background, blending seamlessly with the quiet murmur of conversation and the occasional hiss of the espresso machine.

The coffee is excellent too - rich and flavorful, with just the right amount of froth on my oat milk latte. It’s relaxing here, a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Others seem to enjoy it here as much as I do. One person is perched at a high table, fingers flying across a keyboard, likely deep in some creative or professional pursuit. Another sits in a comfy chair in the corner, absorbed in a thick novel.

A family arrives, their two young children immediately drawn to the octopus plushies. They hug each one with delight, their laughter and joy infectious, before carefully placing them back in their original spots. The plushies almost seem to smile, perhaps anticipating the next round of affectionate squeezes.

Customers come and go, some opting to take their orders to go, their pace hurried. I can’t help but hope that whatever they are rushing off to do is worth the cost of missing out on the therapeutic calm that this place offers. It’s a small sanctuary in a fast-paced world, a reminder to slow down and appreciate the beauty around us.

During a lull in activity, the employees quietly straighten up the lobby, rearranging the plushies and tidying up. Their movements are almost choreographed, efficient yet gentle, maintaining the serene atmosphere. The barista, a younger man with a warm smile, pauses at my table to ask if I need anything. It's moments like these that make me grateful for spaces that not only serve good coffee but also foster a sense of community and support important causes.

I try to take a sip of my latte but it’s still too hot. I almost always forget to ask for a cooler temperature when ordering it. I return to my crocheting. This project is the May Monthly Challenge – a dress. I’ve decided on a simple double crochet design child’s dress for my granddaughter. It’s made with soft, thin bamboo yarn, and a 3.5 mm hook. I’m using up me existing yarn inventory so the colors for this dress are yellow, rust, and plum on the yolk and all white in the middle and skirt. I have concerns that the dress will be too big for her, but I continue working anyway because she can always grow into it.

My mind wanders a bit, thinking about what else I should make that will actually sell at the next craft fair. Because of our Ocean Conservancy fundraiser this year I want to focus more on ocean amigurumi, but we need a variety of things. It’s difficult to predict what customers want. Then suddenly all of the thoughts and plans flood my brain at once and I find myself mentally drafting a letter to the owner of the Coral Reef Coffee Co. to ask if they are interested in selling our ocean themed crochet projects on consignment. Our infant safe octopus toys and big fish plushies would fit the aesthetic here so well.

Time jump two days: I sent my email request, and I quickly received a reply from the owner of the coffee shop. He says he is interested in a consignment arrangement with us, but he’s very busy right now. We are going to have further discussions in a few weeks. I need to get this dress done so I can make more octopus, … and fish, … and sea turtles! Oh! Oh! I have new project energy! This is so exciting.

Update: Time jump four weeks: YarnKittens has 6 products available for purchase and immediate pick up at Coral Reef Coff Co.! 

The story of how I reversed my Stenosing Flexor Tenosynovitis without surgery.

"Trigger thumb is a simple term for Stenosing Flexor Tenosynovitis of the thumb. This is a narrowing of the flexor tendon sheath which causes a clicking or popping sensation on attempted extension of the thumb."(1) And let me tell you - it is painful! My thumbs would snap out of place and remain locked there - feeling awful and looking funny. I would shake my hands, pull my thumbs, and swear. Sometimes I needed to soak my hands in hot water until I could get my thumbs to relax and go back into place. Then I would apply ice off and on over the next several days to bring down the swelling. 

I bought braces and wore them often. My thumbs acted up more often. I learned hand stretching exercises and did them daily - not just the days I was trying to crochet. By this point I had lost the original range of motion in my thumbs. I was referred to an orthopedic surgeon. I did not want surgery or steroid injections. The exercises were helping but not enough. I had to learn more. 

Then I found myself at a massage appointment complaining to my massage therapist about the discomfort and lack of function in my hands, and we traced the tightness from my hands and wrists, all the way up my arms, to my shoulders and neck. I had knots in all my muscles preventing me from gaining the benefits from my hand exercises. I stopped using the braces, scheduled monthly massages, and increased the daily exercises. 

Now I'm not saying my method will work for everyone else. Nor do I not claim to have gained all my mobility back. But my thumbs are behaving, and as a bonus, my grip is stronger. I do advocate, however, that every crochet artist regardless of age should stretch their hands before and after a crafting session. Below is my list of hand exercises. Follow along to help maintain your mobility and hopefully prevent trigger thumb in the future.(2)

1. Finger Stretches - Extend your fingers out wide and hold for a few seconds, then relax. Make a fist and then release. Repeat extending and clinching 7-10 times. Then gently bend each finger back towards your wrist, holding for a few seconds to stretch each one. 

2. Wrist Rotations - Rotate your wrists in circular motions, first clockwise and then counterclockwise, 4-8 times each direction. Then extend your arms high above your head and repeat the rotations again. 

3. Wrist Flexor Stretch - Extend your arm in front of you with your palm facing up. Use your other hand to gently bend your wrist downwards until you feel a stretch in your forearm. Hold for a few seconds and then release. Repeat on the other arm. 

4. Thumb Stretches - Hold your hand open and gently pull your thumb back towards your wrist until you feel a stretch along the base of your thumb and wrist. Hold for 10-15 seconds. 

5. Hand Squeezes - Squeeze a soft stress ball in each hand for a few seconds, then release. Repeat 7-10 times. [Oh! I have a crochet pattern for that.(3)]

6. Finger Tapping - Tap each finger individually three times against your thumb, starting with your index finger and moving to your pinky finger, and then reverse the order. Repeat 3 times. 

7. Finger Resistance - Place a rubber band around your fingers and thumb, then open and close your hand against the resistance of the band 7-10 times. 

8. Shoulder Rolls - Roll your shoulders backwards and forwards in a circular motion a couple of times to release tension in your upper body. 

9. Neck Stretches - Gently tilt your head towards one shoulder, holding for a few seconds, then tilt to the other side. Also gently turn your head to look far right and then far left for a few seconds. 

10. Deep Breathing - Take 3-5 deep breaths, inhaling slowly through your nose and exhaling through your mouth while dropping your shoulders.

References

(1) Pencle F, Harberger S, Molnar JA. Trigger Thumb. [Updated 2022 Jul 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441854/ 

(2) Video coming soon to https://www.youtube.com/@chrystalpeavy4220

(3) Crochet pattern for soft stress ball can be found on our Ko-Fi site, https://ko-fi.com/yarnkittens

Photo Dump

Reminder that you are not allowed to sell our patterns. You may sell the items you make following our patterns but please give pattern credit to us - either Chrystal Peavy or Rue Feather of YarnKittens. Thank you. Our 2024 Fundraiser for Ocean Conservancy is underway. 15% of all sales we make this year will go to support this non-profit organization and the necessary work they do.

yarnkittens | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree

Moss Stitch in the Square Dishcloth

By Rue Feather

                                                                                                                                               

Skill Level:  Beginning Crochet.

Finished Size:  about 6.5 inches.

Stitches Used:  MC, Ch, SC, slip stitch.

Materials:  45 yards weight 4 cotton yarn,
6.5 crochet hook.

Notes:  This project is worked in the round. Instructions in brackets and parentheses are repeated by the number following the asterisks. 

            Copyright 2023:
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License.
To view this license, go to https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode       

Do not sell this pattern as your own. You may sell your works made following this pattern. Please remember to give pattern credit to Rue Feather of YarnKittens.

 https://linktr.ee/yarnkittens

 

Round 1:  in a MC make [SC, Ch 2] *4, slip stitch in the first SC, Ch 1.

Round 2: [SC, Ch 2, SC in the Ch 2 space, Ch 1] *4, slip stitch in the first SC, Ch 1.

Round 3: [SC, Ch 2, SC in the Ch 2 space, Ch 1, SC in next Ch 1 space, Ch 1] *4, slip stitch in the first SC, Ch 1.

Round 4: [SC, Ch 2, SC in the Ch 2 space, Ch 1, (SC in next Ch 1 space, Ch 1) * 2] *4, slip stitch in the first SC, Ch 1.

Round 5: [SC, Ch 2, SC in the Ch 2 space, Ch 1, (SC in next Ch 1 space, Ch 1) * 3] *4, slip stitch in the first SC, Ch 1.

Round 6: [SC, Ch 2, SC in the Ch 2 space, Ch 1, (SC in next Ch 1 space, Ch 1) * 4] *4, slip stitch in the first SC, Ch 1.

Round 7: [SC, Ch 2, SC in the Ch 2 space, Ch 1, (SC in next Ch 1 space, Ch 1) * 5] *4, slip stitch in the first SC, Ch 1.

Round 8: [SC, Ch 2, SC in the Ch 2 space, Ch 1, (SC in next Ch 1 space, Ch 1) * 6] *4, slip stitch in the first SC, Ch 1.

Round 9: [SC, Ch 2, SC in the Ch 2 space, Ch 1, (SC in next Ch 1 space, Ch 1) * 7] *4, slip stitch in the first SC, Ch 1.

Round 10: [SC, Ch 2, SC in the Ch 2 space, Ch 1, (SC in next Ch 1 space, Ch 1) * 8] *4, slip stitch in the first SC, Ch 1.

Round 11: [SC, Ch 2, SC in the Ch 2 space, Ch 1, (SC in next Ch 1 space, Ch 1) * 9] *4, slip stitch in the first SC, Ch 1.

Round 12: [SC, Ch 2, SC in the Ch 2 space, Ch 1, (SC in next Ch 1 space, Ch 1) * 10] *4, slip stitch in the first SC, Ch 1.

Round 13: [SC, Ch 2, SC in the Ch 2 space, Ch 1, (SC in next Ch 1 space, Ch 1) * 11] *4, slip stitch in the first SC, Ch 1.

Round 14: [SC, Ch 2, SC in the Ch 2 space, Ch 1, (SC in next Ch 1 space, Ch 1) * 12] *4, slip stitch in the first SC, Ch 1.

Pull tight, Fasten off, Tuck in tail. 

Preparing for My First Craft Fair

Oh Boy!

I know there's a ton of other posts out there from a ton of other bloggers, but why not add just one more? Getting ready for my first craft fair I’ve noticed a learning curve I hadn’t been expecting. How should I price my items? How many of a certain item should I make? How many in what colors? What are the popular items of the season? 

And after spilling into indecision for a little while I came up with my final answer.

It doesn’t matter.

Should I try to make what I think will sell? Yes, most agreed. But if I try to focus on what I think will sell I’m no longer making the things I want at that time and then this turns away from a fun hobby that I enjoy to a stressful job I dread to work on, and I’d rather chase the serotonin not the cortisol. Why sweat the small stuff? Especially when it’s all small stuff.

~ Rue

“Working hard for something we don't care about is called stress: Working hard for something we love is called passion.” ― Simon Sinek