A knitting pattern copyright discussion on Instagram

I found out about this discussion because I saw this (you need to read the information under the photograph)

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE; top photo is the amazing Baa-ble Hat designed by @donnasmithdesigns for #ShetlandWoolWeek 2015, the bottom is a "new design" from @chelseayarns bearing an *uncanny* resemblance to Donna's design. This makes me sad because surely there are enough amazing ideas to be had in this world that you can do a sheepy design without ripping off another designer, and because I strongly believe that we must respect each other's creativity and not exploit it. There are ways and means of approaching someone about using their original ideas but publishing a free pattern on Ravelry that directly quotes someone else's design is not one of them. #notok #originalintellectualcopyright #ripoff #baablehat #istandwithmyfrienddonna

A photo posted by Felicity Ford (@knitsonik) on Oct 14, 2016 at 12:56pm PDT

which was reposted by others, and led to one person sharing their photograph of the hat they had knitted with the original pattern, calling others to do the same...

This is a picture of my #baablehat I wore last year when I was in Shetland during the #shetlandwoolweek. I just read the post of @knitsonik about a copycat (#shewhocannotbenamed) used this fantastic design made by @donnasmithdesigns. This morning Donna posted a picture of her baable hats and new cowl and I'm asking you not to use the copycat cowl, but buy the one Donna is designing! #istandwithmyfrienddonna #baablehatisthebomb #godesignyourowncowl #knittersofinstagram #knitting #rhinebeck #knitstagram #knittingaddict #breien #stricken #shetland #shetlandrules

A photo posted by Madeleine (@madeliciousm) on Oct 14, 2016 at 1:22pm PDT

...which led to more people sharing their photographs...

#getyourbaablesoot me and @knitsonik at #shetlandwoolweek2015 opening ceremony in the #baablehat. I didn't make one in time (@helenemagnusson let me borrow hers) Tomorrow I am going to cast one on! 📸 - THE @jenireid

A photo posted by Louise Scollay (@knit_british) on Oct 14, 2016 at 3:03pm PDT

There are more examples at #getyourbabblesoot.

 Only a few days ago the pattern creator had shared

It's the October holidays here at the moment, so that together with working a couple of days this week and catching up with pals has meant that there isn't much time for knitting. I am however working on a Baa-ble cowl and mittens set now the cold weather is setting in. The patterns will be released very soon! #baablehat #baablecowl #baablemittens #knittersofinstagram #knitting #shetlandwoolweek #inspiredbyshetland

A photo posted by Donna Smith (@donnasmithdesigns) on Oct 13, 2016 at 11:21am PDT

I thought this was an interesting way of dealing with copyright misuse. They are working through Ravelry as well.

An update has been posted by the original designer. It is worth checking the number of likes and comments as there is a lot of solidarity being shown.

I want just to say a massive thank you to everyone lately for their support, the woolly community really is an amazing place! On another note the Baa-ble mittens and cowl is now on Ravelry (user name is Peeriedonna). More pictures to follow - I had forgotten how little light we get sometimes when the winter gets near! #baablehat #baablemittens #baablecowl #knittersofinstagram #knitting #shetlandwoolweek #sheep #inspiredbyshetland

A photo posted by Donna Smith (@donnasmithdesigns) on Oct 15, 2016 at 6:26pm PDT