I figured I’d get some interest in the pattern for the doll, as I usually do. Here’s the skinny.
It is the Best Friend Doll pattern from the Summer 2002 issue of Interweave Knits. The issue is sold out at the publisher, but it can be found on eBay at times. Because of the number of requests that I get for the pattern on a semi-regular basis, I emailed IK a couple of years ago to ask if I could give it out, since it is out of print. They said no. However they said that you could contact them directly for a copy, paying $4 for shipping and handling. I’ve forwarded that email on to many people. One person emailed me back to say that they were no longer offering that service, but I haven’t followed up, so I don’t know if that’s still true. If it were me, and I wanted the pattern, I’d watch eBay. Secondly, I’d get in touch with IK for a copy. And I’d be a bit pushy about it if they refused, considering that all of this is an effort to obey and comply with (sarcasm omitted) copyright laws. If that didn’t work, I suppose I’d contact the pattern writer herself, a Sandy Cushman who in 2002 at least, lived in Dolores, Colorado according to the pattern.
And then she’d probably get a restraining order because I’d sound like an obsessed freak but hey, it’s a great pattern.
That’s what I know. Thanks for the interest. I’m glad you like my dolls. I have found them quite a satisfying little knit. It’s fun to play so liberally with skin and hair color, and to make funky clothes.
Addendum- This post has been slightly modified– The little bit of sass I initially included in reference to copyright law has been removed because it misrepresented my true feelings on the subject.
March 28th, 2007 at 11:24 pm
Er…not to be pedantic, but the precious copyright laws are ours, not IK’s. And precious (in the sense of “of great value, to be protected”) they are. Without them, artists of all stripes would have an even harder time securing compensation and/or credit for their work.
Please forgive this mild rant. I love your blog and your delightful patterns (also covered by copyright law!).
March 28th, 2007 at 11:59 pm
I know. And I agree that they are important which is why I emailed and asked the magazine instead of handing out the pattern, but I don’t agree with the idea that people willing to pay money for a pattern are simply expected to “deal with it” when it’s no longer available for purchase. I’ve seen that response before, and it makes no sense to me.
Thanks for reading, pedantic or otherwise :-), Laura
March 29th, 2007 at 4:52 am
You know…I’m pretty cheap. I made two dolls just by sort of figuring it out, after seeing the several that you’ve made. I made a girl–I didn’t knit her clothes directly on her, because it was for my daughter and I knew she’d want to change the clothes! So, I made a little A-line dress to fit the doll. Then, my son saw it and wanted a Superman one–that one was a bit tricky! But both were pleased with the result! I just knitted a triangular body, a round head and did I-cord arms and legs–really wasn’t too hard to figure out.
March 29th, 2007 at 9:42 am
You are too funny. In any case…it’s still a super cute pattern and I love the dolls you have made with it. I love little projects like that…that’s why I stick to a lot of socks…but I have that second sock-itis. I need to learn to knit 2 at the same time so I can actually finish a pair in a reasonable amount of time. Because…well….what do you mean people don’t want to wear wool socks in the middle of summer?!?!?(that’s when they’ll be finished at this rate!!!)
March 30th, 2007 at 8:29 am
They are still offering it, the pattern only for sale. I have a contact name at Interweave if you want it. I love the blue hair on your latest doll!