This really takes the cake! 1-19-22

This upsets me so much it makes me cry!

117 thoughts on “This really takes the cake! 1-19-22”

  2. Angie from Baltimore

    Do you have any recourse? Is there any way you can respond on their website?
    Good luck. I hope you can get some satisfaction.

  3. Shirley from Oregon

    I love this. An on Making one when I head ho.e in the spring. I picked out fabrics before I left but too many for the motorhome. My driver would have had to.move out. Lol

  6. MartyCae

    I just don’t understand this type of business. You have every right to be upset. I would be giving them a ring on the phone!

  7. Dorothy

    I was almost going to comment “how pretty”. Then I read what it was—–FOR SHAME !!!

    PS I live in W. WA–2 indoor kities. 1 indoor dog. 1 outdoor feral kitty

  9. Sandi McGuire

    I can’t believe it!!! This is illegal and immoral! There is so much wrong in our society right now. So sorry Mary. I want to buy your pattern. How do I do that?

  11. Marj in Western Wisconsin

    Isn’t this a violation of the copyright laws? I know some people in the industry have no qualms about stealing other peoples ideas, patterns, etc. I try not to support someone who does that. Doug Leko is a designed who has stolen rulerf ideas from another quilter. I won’t buy his patterns anymore.

    1. Diane, Squeak, and Buddy in Central Ohio

      I totally agree with everyone so far. I even told my husband it was Bull____!! They should NOT be able to steal your pattern. It is right in the book for heaven’s sake. I think calling someone who does copyright law might get you somewhere. I am so sorry, Mary. You and Connie worked hard for so many years to make a wonderful quilt shop with super fun and doable patterns. To have someone steal yours is just wrong. I don’t even like that one, so there to them. GRRRR.
      Love you, Mary.
      PS. We had a seasoned and sage principal who once told my husband, “When you’ve been kicked by a Jackass, consider the source.

  12. Carolyn in Illinois

    Would it help if we commented on Facebook, their website, etc.? At least expressing our feelings and perhaps stating will not purchase from an unethical shop..

  13. Nilene Thompson-Finn

    If your pattern is protected under US Copyright laws and you feel (without buying it to check) that it is word for word wholly stolen, I would contact a lawyer and have them send a cease and desist letter. You do have recourse as long as it’s copyrighted. I feel for you truly! I’ve had several jewelry designs stolen outright in years past, but hadn’t copyrighted them, so I had no recourse.

    As an aside, I am a bit of lurker. I live in San Diego, adore your blog and so look forward to new posts. I have two dogs, Buddy and Gizmo. Giz is a Maltese and Buddy a rescued mutt.

    1. Mary Ellen

      I’d mail her a copy of your pattern with the date on it!!!!!! Infuriating!!!!😫😣Mary Ellen / Little Quilts

  15. Amy M

    Mary, I suggest you contact Martinglale. I’m sure they have cease and desist letters. They still sell the Book Quilts from Aunt Amy as an ebook so they have an interest in protecting the pattern. Good Luck and I agree you should be mad as heck!

    1. patti leal

      that’s right. i had forgotten that martingale originally published this in a book. they have attorneys who could easily send letters. letters from an attorney would be much more effective than an irate call from either mary or connie, as original designers. i would try this route first. i totally am in agreement about the rage. everytime i see this stuff it makes me angry. let martingale do the work. hugs to you both, patti in florida

  16. Jean

    Mary surely this is not right. Do not let them do this else what or whose pattern will ever to safe? If there is ANY way us readers can help please let us know.

  19. Sharon

    Awful! I’ve also seen them “sell” a quilt that doesn’t even exist, just a picture taken from the internet.

  20. Joyce from NY

    This is so wrong Mary, I hope there is something you can do. Some people just don’t care! I would cry too! Don’t they know the rules?

  23. Carol Eberhardt

    Terrible but not surprising. When I first retired, I would cruise the internet with my eye on what was new in Children’s Literature. It was my literacy speciality, being able to match the right book to the child or group of learners. I had compiled Master’s level classes around that, taught at colleges as well as my elementary school, had done numerous staff development teaching comprehension strategies across subject matter using literature … you name it, I could find an application.

    Imagine my surprise to find that some chick in North Carolina had somehow accessed vast amounts of my work (I suspect one of our teacher’s sons was dating her) and took my name off all my work, designed new covers and made it available to all her “fans”. For a fee, of course.

    I contacted her and let her know that while some considered imitation to be the highest form of flattery, I considered it to be a punishable offense to steal another person’s work. She suggested that as an educator I should be pleased that my work had spread around the country. I let her know that as a national teacher of the year honoree, I was well aware of how far my work went. That was not the point. Taking money for my work was the point. She thought that was hysterical until I mentioned the US Copyright Office and that my husband/lawyer had already been informed of her violations. Her make-it-better solution was to footnote my name as a contributor!

    Sometimes I think some people have no souls, or very dark holes for souls. Like the Grinch song says… her “soul is an appalling dump heap overflowing with the most disgraceful
    Assortment of deplorable rubbish imaginable, mangled up in tangled up knots!”
    It makes me laugh now to think about it now (every time the Grinch steals Christmas) but I was really angry at the time.

    Karma is real. She’ll get hers someday.

    In your case, you should get more than a footnote. Charging $ for your work… shameful.

    1. Diane, Squeak, and Buddy in Central Ohio

      Oh my , Carol. As a retired English teacher, I am appalled at that woman. To think she laughed. It would have been worth it to sue her and see how far she got. UGH and GRR on people who are so despicable.

      1. Carol Eberhardt

        Right, you hope educators will be morally upright and responsible and honest etc etc etc but then… they are human and possess the same free will as the police and politicians and clergy and and and… you choose to do right or you choose to be self serving, I guess.

  24. Jean Elliott

    I went to their Facebook page and wrote a comment “This is a Country Threads pattern from years ago. Don’t call it yours.” Wonder if they will respond

  25. Montana Kathy

    The absolute nerve of some people! What a scummy thing to do! There must be something you can do, Mary. Can we all rally behind you and send protest letters to the publisher? Keep us up to date on this, please. I feel for you.

  26. Brenda Ks

    I went to their website and left a comment about stealing patterns. Will see if I get a reply!

  27. Pam in NC (formerly an Iowa farm girl)

    If you go to the Simple Simon blog, I commented where and when this pattern was publish and by whom. I suggested they look into copyright law! I tried to copy my comment to here, but I’m electronically challenged. This royally ticks me off! I’ve bought and used Country Threads patterns and books since I began quilting in 2015 and feel like this is a fellowship! In fact I just put the binding on Daughter of the Regiment from “A Country’s Call”! I feel better. Let’s see if she takes it down. She owes Mary and Connie an apology!

    1. Pam in NC

      BTW, they are fabric designers for Riley Blake whom I assume would not condone this action of “using/selling” someone else’s design as your own.

  28. Susan K in Texas

    Wow how nervy!! It’s amazing to me how many times people steal other peoples work and market it as their own. I’m sorry it happened to you!

    1. Kelli

      I am shocked and saddened!! Give them a call ASAP! We out here in blog land arr behind you!

    2. Kathy in western NY

      Susan, how are you feeling? Did u find out about your test? I know you said you hadn’t been feeling well.

      1. Susan K in Texas

        Thanks for asking! I love our community here! Still waiting on test results but feeling ok. If it weren’t for fear of spreading covid I would be back to normal. As it is I’m staying upstairs while my husband is downstairs. He’s been bringing me my meals – thank goodness I made a spice cake and big pot of taco soup over the weekend. He’s also done most of the laundry with some guidance from me. He helps me with it otherwise too.

        1. Kathy in western NY

          Susan you are doing what’s right to stop spreading this horrible disease that none of us knows what it would do to us till we have it. It’s a gamble I don’t want to risk at my age when they are ways to keep us safe and I applaud you for thinking of others by staying away from them till the time is better.

  29. Launa

    I agree about contacting Martingale with this…they still sell ebook…Quilts From Aunt Amy! I sewed the pattern long ago. Probably gave it away!

    Was 26o here this morning with a few stray flakes. More predicted for tomorrow so skiers will be happy!

    It took 10 days for a package mailed 3 days to me! Now I read 18 year old drivers are going to be allowed to drive semis across state lines due to lack of drivers for overload of shipping products! The government is setting up training programs. Hope they hurry with those!

    Working in my sewing room today! My son just brought in the mail. Another BLAIR catalogue…second one this week!

  34. Arrowhead Gramma

    Mary and Connie, I just left a comment on that FB page. I gave accurate information (as I have the book) about your copyrighted pattern (1999) in the Quilts from Aunt Amy book published by Martingale.

    I urge others to do the same as this is totally against copyright laws.

    Hang in there. 😉

  35. Susan K in Texas

    I went on both their Facebook and Instagram sites and let them know they were stealing your pattern. I don’t know if it’ll do any good but they can’t say they didn’t know.

  36. Nancy

    You own a copyright for your pattern. I think you should contact the person who is publishing and selling this to let her know of her violation of copyright. It would make me cry, too.

  37. Cheryl

    Country Threads certainly has PROOF via earlier books that this was your pattern first! Did Martingale publish your books then? If so. They might find this interesting!

  39. Dianna in Wisconsin

    I’m so sorry Mary. Maddening for sure.
    I have a bullseye top done, your pattern was a fun one to use. I’m working on old projects this winter so I hope to add my bullseye to the pile of finished quilts. I give you credit for the pattern. My copy of “Wear warm clothes” needs to be pulled out again this winter. Thanks for the great patterns that I have purchased. I look for your name when I purchase and will continue to do so.

    Good luck with getting answers from this person.

  40. Kris in Naperville

    Ohhhh… this makes me so mad, too. I posted a link to your pattern shop on their Facebook page. I encouraged people who were interested in the pattern to purchase it from the original author. I also sent them a private message… pointing out to them that it is a pattern from your publication and that they would want to remove it from sale to maintain their integrity…. I’m so sorry that you are the victim of this theft…. I am hoping it was a mistake and they will do the right thing… take heart Mary, your army of friends will avenge you!!!!

  41. Sally Babcock

    I, too, just made a comment on their Facebook page. This is shameful and inexcusable! I’m sure many others will comment on their page or website on your behalf.
    Sally B, Quilted Hearts

  44. Beth T.

    I left a message on the Simple Simon blog post, advising them of what I think of their ethical and copyright lapses. I am sorry you have been taken advantage of in this way. I will let Riley Blake know that I am disappointed that someone representing them is showing so little integrity.

  45. Moe in NE Illinois

    Hi Mary, I see YOUR Bullseye constantly and you aren’t the author. It’s still one of my favorite quilts and has been so much FUN working on it through the years….yes! It’s taken me awhile. Now I have leftover blocks I want to make into a smaller version. Then I want to do other color ways too.

    The Bullseye quilt will always be yours and your Aunt Amy’s.

  46. Ann in PA

    just like Arrowhead Gramma, I just left a comment on their blog to let them know that’s a pattern from the book Quilts From Aunt Amy by Country Threads, Published by Martingale?????
    Contact Martingale, they should have your back. What a shame… sheesh!

  47. Sally B, Quilted Hearts

    Mary, read the comments that have already been posted on their Facebook page, including one from me.

  48. Johanna Irwin

    Well thats just wrong , I don’t blame you for being upset .
    They should not be able to do this and say it is theirs .
    WRONG WRONG WRONG !!!

  49. Bobby Sutton

    I agree with you Mary. Its sad to see one bad apple in a barrel filled with wonderful peop,e. Glad to see thst Beth T alerted the right people.
    Bobby in Md.

    1. Beth T.

      Thanks, Bobby! Simple Simon removed the message I left on their blog–apparently they don’t want any “public facing” negativity. Too bad for them. I am going to keep up with Riley Blake. There are plenty of quilt/fabric designers with integrity; no need for them to advance these women who are trying to profit off of someone else’s work and creativity.

      1. Denise Miller

        I so agree with you Beth. I too left a comment and it was taken down from their blog. I went to their Facebook page and questioned their reason for taking my and others’ comments down. No response yet. I am happy to see that Country Threads did request they remove the item from their sale site. I feel, as the quilting community, we must apply continued pressure to make it very clear that this type of behavior will not be tolerated. As a group we can make a difference. Please keep us informed of any response Riley Blake Company officials make concerning this issue.

  50. B

    Contact them and ask them to take it down. If they do not, raise a big stink on Instagram, they have 20,000 followers including some big industry names. They are counting on you being too old and out of touch to care. If you don’t have the energy for this, hire Ms. Pins Media to make a few emails and Instagram posts.

    We’ve got your back.

  51. Carolyn Boutilier

    Mary, I understand. I had 2 rug hooking patterns that I designed and my teacher had her husband take pictures of them and she put them on her web site stated they were her designs. She was selling the patterns on her web site. She was a teacher and did this, so disappointing. I am sorry it happened to you.
    Carolyn b Shenandoah Valley VA

  52. Barbara

    Isn’t this copyright infringement? What a shame that people feel entitled to claim credit….and make money from something that clearly isn’t theirs,

  53. Jo in Wyoming

    I agree with everyone. I’m so glad the techy’s are posting on Facebook. If I knew how, I would too.
    A phone call requesting royalties is appropriate. Either from Martingale, or Connie. You have a lot on your plate. At the least, a call to Martingale is appropriate.
    The nerve!

  54. Mary

    OMG, this is SO wrong!🤯 I totally understand your outrage, hope something can be done.😞

  55. Debbie G

    You have every right to be upset! It’s so wrong to steal from another designer! I agree that they need a phone call from you!!

  56. Barbara

    By the way just went to their site and posted how disappointed I was to see them claim the pattern as their own….there was another comment on the site stating the same thing. You have fans and supporters 😊

  57. Marian

    What a bummer. Surely this is copyright infringement. Sorry you have to go through this.

  59. Denise Miller

    I sent a message to the people that posted this. I am going to “hope” they were not aware of your copyright and take this down. Very disappointing to think these young ladies would “ steal” a copyrighted design.

  60. Fiona at Ice Bear Quilts

    That is outrageous! But Mary you published the pattern in Quilts from Aunt Amy, so you have copyright. I’d get in touch with Martingale and get them to fire of a cease a desist letter to the people offering this for sale.

  61. Micky

    I would have spit nails if this had been me. Sorry this happened to you and Connie. My hope is that they get their just reward.

  63. Bobbie Woodruff

    Mary, I went to there site and then posted it to Facebook. That they stole your pattern. I think what they did is horrible. I hope they apologize and take it down.
    I don’t know know if people read her story with the pattern. But she was so tickled she talked a company into letting her and her friend use there long arm after hours to quilt it. They had never used a long arm before. How bad it turned out. This is so irresponsible they could have really done a lot of damage to this machine. To them it was just funny. Some people care for no one but there selfs. This is one person I wouldn’t want as a friend. I hope the company who is letting her say this is her pattern takes some action. Ladies just remember her and never buy anything from her.

    1. Susan K in Texas

      I just went and read the story! Wow so many flags on their behavior! So they lied about knowing how to use a machine, they disturbed a man trying to work, they did a terrible job of using the machine, and they’re proud of their “accomplishment “! It doesn’t sound as if they have a lick of decency or ethics in their bodies. That should be a big red flag to any company doing business with them.

      1. Nilene Thompson-Finn

        Wow! I read the story too and honestly was shocked at how cavalier they were with an expensive machine that wasn’t theirs. They seemed proud that the machine whirled and hummed alarms at them for going too fast. Talk about red flags! No moral compass in sight.

  64. Kathy in western NY

    Look at this “ Country Threads Army “ fighting for you. Now that puts tears in my eyes so many are doing the right thing by commenting on social media. I hope Martingale puts pressure for the others to do the right thing. We will be watching and know who will not be supported or favored in the future if this isn’t resolved.

  67. Marsha from Kansas

    I’m mad, too. As the designer you invested many hours developing your idea, writing and testing your pattern, and marketing your book or pattern. Then to have somebody just steal your pattern isn’t right. I sure hope you can get MartIngdale’s legal help. Surely they have a department protecting their copyright material.

  70. Sandy

    Hi Mary, we all need to let them know about their bad behavior. And tell others, we are all on your team! Cool day today so Stella and l are making g lemonade scones,take care everyone, best wishes from Sandy

  71. Glenda Fletcher/SD

    Mary.
    That really makes a person mad and upset. I never could do something like that.

  72. Sheila in WI

    Agree with others, Mary and have left comments in appropriate places. The really sad part is that I don’t think you’re the only quilt designer that this has happened to.
    Hope you are able to get in contact with your publisher and have them take care of things for you. You have enough on your plate right now.
    Take care!

  73. Pattie Weber

    I also went to their website and posted that this was never their pattern. I have a huge problem with dishonesty.

  74. Debby Krzyston

    I added my opinion on the Simple Simon Facebook page about stealing your Copyright.
    I think everyone should spread the word to their Quilt Guild group on Facebook.👍🏼

  75. Kathy Hanson

    Oh no! Some people have no scruples! I agree with all the others who feel as bad as you and the rest of us do! Hopefully Martingail can be of help!

  76. Loisann

    My daughter sells her original patterns in her shop. Someone in Australia bought a copy of each, made copies, and sells them with no proceeds going to Corinne. Another quilter copied an award winning quilt of Corinne’s and gave no credit and even said it was her original design. It was in a book and several major quilt shows. She denies she copied the quilt. Corinne won’t complain because she doesn’t want to cause trouble and get a bad name in the industry. As her mother I am furious. You have every right to be upset and I’m upset for you. Why is this allowed to be such a problem?

  78. Jan from TN

    Dang right you have the CT army on your side! 😁 My two cents……
    Your pattern is copyrighted. Martingale published it & their books include a clear statement about copy infringement. At the very least I would enlist the help of Martingale to perhaps either send a cease & desist letter OR a letter threatening legal action. Maybe a letter asking them to immediately remove the pattern from their shop or they will be hearing from your attorney.😤 Please don’t let it just go & be upset. 🙏🏻 In the meantime, I’ll join the others by posting on their Facebook & Instagram pages so their customers can see what they’ve done & how it’s illegal. Good luck! 🤞🤗

  80. Carol Eberhardt

    MARY! I wrote on Simple Simon’s FB page and informed them of their infringement upon your work, I tagged Riley Blake Designs, and… wait for it… they sent me a response … they are going to look into it! This should be interesting!

  81. Nancy

    This is a violation of copyright law, is it not???? I think the “company” earned their name. 😡 If you and Connie take them on…you’ll have supporters all over the world.

  82. Diane in Maryland

    Simple Simon Co. must be simple minded not to know that quilters remember quilts and quilt patterns! What nerve! They just lost business with each of your blog readers and there’s a lot of us. Contacting Martingale is a great idea one of the readers suggested. Simple Simon will or has already stolen other patterns too.

  83. Sandi

    I am so sorry people can be so rotten! No one can say they didn’t know, they know they didn’t make that pattern!! Hugs,

  84. Rosalie

    What a terrible thing. I hope you do take action, Mary. There were some great suggestions in the comments.

  85. Sharon L

    I sent them a note and said was disappointed that they didn’t credit Country Threads……,

  86. Mary

    Gees, Mary. Everyone else has said it all. I hope you get some recourse. Even the same name!

  88. Sue in Marion, IN

    This makes me furious! I went to their blog post about the pattern release and left a couple of nasty comments, then I emailed Martingale and told them what is going on. I’m sure they have an effective legal department!!

  89. Jan Vandewalle

    Hang in there Mary sounds like these people will get their comeuppance for plagiarizing your pattern.
    No way this is right, they are probably the kind to cheat in school when they were there..
    I have the book Quilts from Aunt Amy. My sister and I have shared the pattern but have never tried to claim the pattern as ours. Or any other of your patterns that I have bought and paid for. Plagiarism is wrong no matter where you try to pass something off as yours.
    today has been another grey foggy ,drizzley day. Has been like this for several days now, feels colder than the temp . Had friends go camping at the coast they said it was sunny and warmer than here80 miles inland. Vandy , my blue heeler mix has been on the couch most days. these dark days get very depressing after awhile but we will get some relief this coming weekend Jan in Oregon

  92. Kris in WI

    I added my outrage to the Simple Simon website. I doubt it will see the light of day. As of this writing (8:25pm CST) the pattern was still being sold. And they have the nerve to post this A.A. Milne quote on their facebook page, “A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference.” Yes, it sure does. GRRR…

  93. Nikki in Texas

    I can not say anything that hasn’t already been said. I feel you should consult an attorney & sue.

  95. Teresa

    I’m sorry this has happened to you and Connie. It’s not okay to steal someone else’s intellectual property and sell it as your own. Unfortunately, with the internet and social media, this type of theft happens all the time and I see designer’s calling out thieves on their Facebook pages. It’s the lack of integrity that’s so disgusting. I hope your publisher pursues legal action, I hate seeing people getting away with this.

  97. Cathy in IN

    I’m sure many people remember Paula Nadlestern walking into a Houston hotel & seeing one of her kaleidoscope designs reproduced on the floor of the lobby. Paula sued & said she couldn’t reveal how much money she got but, oh, did I tell you about my completely remodeled kitchen? 😄

    These thieves should pay the piper too.

  98. Luci, Georgia

    When you walk into a store and take something without paying for it, they call it stealing. Your store was just not a solid, brick and mortar store, but is there a difference.? I can’t see it.

  99. Bridget

    I feel sorry for the children. Apparently they will not learn moral or ethical behavior from their mothers. Some day the children will be adults and unleashed on the public.

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