About a year ago, my almost sister-in-law, approached me with the idea of selling my knitted items in a gift shop that she manages. Since I had a closet-full of done projects without a forever-home, I was elated. I came up with a brand name "Deb's Dabbles," which, while slightly grammatically incorrect was a true picture of my varied knitting projects. I came up with a logo--a eye-glassed woman knitting, and even decided on a font.
Then I discovered the harsh realities of knitting. Many, many patterns these days are written with a copyright restriction that forbids the use of the pattern for other than "personal use." So you can't make an item with that pattern, then sell said item--this would constitute commercial use. As strictly interpreted, I can spend my money on the pattern and yarn. Spend my time knitting up the item, and then can recoup only the cost of the yarn and pattern (if that). It is OK, to gift any item.
Several friends offered suggestions--modify the pattern, ignore the rules, etc. There is some talk in the universe that modifying the pattern 10% (whatever that means) is enough to void the copyright restriction. Does changing the cast-on or bind-off method qualify as part of the 10%? What about changing the designated yarn, needle size, or altering proportions? Others say that this is a bogus idea.
I understand that designers want control of the pattern itself. If I want someone else to have a copy, I buy the copy and give it to them. But why does a designer feel she has the right to control every single product that is made from that pattern?
My bottom line: I won't put family or friends at risk of being sued for selling something that has a copyright restriction.
My end result: A cupboard full of knitted items that can be gifted (unfortunately, none of my family is fond of anything I've made other than socks), not sold. My heirs will be cussing me out.
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