craftgrrl | Morality and using patterns? (Reply)

The Question: Where do you think the lines between plagiarism/idea stealing are drawn? At profit? At specifically claiming the idea as your own?

What I Do: I love to cross-stitch and embroider, but I also really can't draw. (I can use computer software to make a decent pattern, but it takes me forever because I can't draw in photoshop either.) So, when I'm just sewing for fun and relaxation, I generally use patterns I buy, find for free online, or get from my friends. If I was entering my stuff in some sort of craft show or selling it, I wouldn't feel comfortable using a pattern someone else made as if it was my own artistic property. When I'm just giving something away to a friend, however, anything is fair game.

The Situation: One of my friends is trying to raise money for her volunteer organization. I didn't have any money to contribute, but her church is holding a silent auction and I said I could donate some needlework to sell. I didn't think about it at the time, but all I have done right now is stuff from patterns from etsy and the internet in general, and I don't really have time to make anything new before I have to mail them to her for the auction. I'm not selling them personally as an artist, and only a nonprofit is profiting. Do you think it would be okay? Would you be upset if it was your pattern I bought from your etsy store?