For me, this past week has been all about writing up instructions and drawing templates for two magazines – definitely the least fun part of making softies!

The exciting part of course is when crafty folk decide that they want to give the softie a go and then let me know about their creation or send me a photo. Two recent examples are the gorgeous Cheery Chimp that Fiona made (photo by Fiona):

And the charming Owl Pillow that Marita made (photo by Marita):

I’ve mentioned the Ruby Dolls Flickr pool before and I do love popping in there to see how others are adding their own personal style to the simple pattern.

If you happen to have made any Baby Ana Chibi Dolls or Patchwork Seahorses, please let me know and send through a link or pic as I would love to see your creation and post a few of them up here!

The ugly part of making patterns available emerges when you find that someone has taken your pattern and has either copied it outright or has made very minor changes to the pattern, claimed it as their original design, and is selling it for profit. Some of you may have seen the heated exchanges that were going on over at Moopy & Me (relevant posts have now been removed) over the striking similarities between toys being sold by an Aussie company and Hillary Lang’s designs. Unfortunately, this type of issue is not new for Hillary as I do recall a different store (also in Australia) that was making and selling her bear/cat/bunny softies as their own design last year – and at the Magnolia Square market of all places!

The very talented Emily Martin of The Black Apple fame also recently received flack (which in my view was completely undeserved, pitiful, and immature) for requesting that the doll pattern she designed and graciously provided for free not be made into dolls sold for profit.

I do want to acknowledge, as wise old King Solomon once said, that “there is nothing new under the sun.” Rag dolls and animal softies dressed up in outfits are certainly not new. All designs have been inspired and influenced by current and past styles/designs in some way. There is, however, a very clear line between being inspired/influenced and simply copying or making very minor changes (e.g. change the eye shape, change the hairstyle, add some shoes but the basic look and shape of the doll remains the same) and claiming it as your own.

Thankfully, the majority of crafters sincerely respect the work of others and I have discovered that we certainly tend to “look out” for each other and watch each others’ backs :-) This certainly makes the world wide web a much smaller place, allowing such examples of infringement and blatant disrespect to travel quickly through the community – and I must say, though the craft community is very much a sharing and caring place, the backlash against copycats is pretty fierce!! :-)

So I do thank Karyn for letting me know about this doll that is currently being designed/made by a group of mums interstate and sold on an online web-store that caters for babies:

EDITED: The picture of the doll has been removed to clarify that no accusations of infringement are being made against the makers of the doll. It was included here originally to kick-off discussion about similarity/minor variations vs outright copying. The discussion in the comments has been insightful and helpful and I think it can continue without further reference to the doll originally posted here. Thanks!

On my desk, one day early :-)

Writing up the instructions on how to make Springbean.

The new owl softie is also complete and I have named him “Bubbly” simply because I can’t get the song of the same name by Colbie Caillat out of my head!

Bubbly’s whole look has been inspired by the amazing display of vintage and retro owls at the Brown Owl Clubhouse – wish I could have taken a picture of the display to show you. I really loved it. I’ll pass on details regarding the magazine issue that Bubbly will appear in (he will also be available as a pattern kit towards the end of the year).

Oleander has also been winged since her last appearance. Due to a little misunderstanding (she was originally meant to be a custom order), she is now up in my shop, available to anyone who would like to give her a new home :-) Details here.

Can you believe it’s April? It’s my fave month! Bubbly and Oleander wish you very happy and exciting April ahead!