RIP Hero of Canton Hats

A few people have already heard, but I wanted to make an official statement regarding the situation involving a certain network banning the sales of a certain hat. If you haven't heard, read this (http://io9.com/fox-bans-the-sale-of-unlicensed-jayne-hats-from-firefly-471820413).

Here's what I have to say:
I depend on making these hats to afford to eat. I depend on these hats to keep my business running. No one really buys anything else from my store. Out of the 125 sales on my Etsy shop 76 of those are Jayne hats. That's roughly 61% of my sales.

When fans want to buy a Jayne hat (oops I said it!) they want to buy a handmade one made by a fan for fans. They don't want a machine made hat from a company that hasn't even seen the show or claim to be a fan. ThinkGeek is not at fault here. Too many people were requesting the hat to be sold on there. They were just giving the people what they wanted.

Here's what I don't get. Why didn't they just get a bunch of people who make the hat already with love and passion for the show and pay them? Haven't we taken away enough jobs? There are too many people who make this hat that would love to work for a company like ThinkGeek and provide these hats to true fans of the show, but no we have to manufacture them with a machine. We can't have independent contractors make the hats for a retail website because that's just too complicated.

Here's what I don't get with Fox. Why after ten years do they just now get around to telling people not to sell these hats? Because someone bought the license for it? Because they realize how much money they're losing not having this licensed? To protect the company that bought the license? Because they're tired of hearing people beg them to bring the show back? Because they're Alliance? Whatever their reason, they still have a legal right to protect, but that only goes so far.

"Although characters have an identity, persona, and other expressive elements, clothing, by itself, is considered a useful article, unprotectable under copyright (a principle that's proven a major irritant for clothing designers). In a 1989 case, a court of appeals refused to protect costume designs even though the company had registered its costumes as "soft sculptures" with the Copyright Office. Other decisions reinforced the rule that costumes are not protectable. There may be instances where a movie company that owns a series such as Indiana Jones could complain that your costume sale -- for example, hat, jacket and whip -- could violate trademark laws if you used the name of the character in your advertising... To be safe under trademark principles, avoid any advertising statements that imply endorsement or an official connection with characters or films." - Posted on Whedonesque.

 With this information it seems that I can still sell the hat so long as I use terms that aren't used in the show. But hold on, here's what Fox told Etsy to tell me.

 Etsy received a notice from Kasimira C. Verdi (foxip@fox.com), Director - Intellectual Property for Fox Group Legal. The notice said that Fox is the owner of copyright, trademark and other intellectual property rights in and to the television series FIREFLY (the "Series"), which currently airs on the Science Channel. These rights also include characters, images, designs, slogans and/or other distinctive creative elements of the Series, and the exclusive right to license merchandise in connection with the Series. According to the notice, use of various trademarks, characters, images, designs and/or other distinctive creative elements is not authorized. 

The letter stated that these listing(s) incorporate designs, symbols, language, images, or photographs that infringe upon the concerned party's copyright or other intellectual property right.

So who's in the right here? And who do I talk to so that I can find out? Here's part of the FAQ that they included with the cease and desist letter.

------------------------------

-Q- May I change the design or wording of my listing(s) and
reactivate them?

-A- Etsy cannot offer advice on how to change the listing(s).
Please address any questions concerning this matter to the person
who contacted Etsy (see contact information above) or an
attorney. Do not reactivate these item listings or relist these
items until the issue has been resolved.

------------------------------

An attorney. Because people trying to make a living on Etsy have easy access/can afford those. Oh, but I can try to contact Fox about this matter? Fine. They've been so great about settling this in all of those interviews they've been doing - oh wait, they haven't actually responded to anyone about this situation? Huh.

Here's part of the letter that I found downright insulting and pissed me off more than anything else.

This is a confidential matter, and we request that you not discuss this issue in the Etsy Forums or otherwise violate the confidential nature of this email.

They just took away something that I depended on to provide for myself and keep my business afloat and they expect me to keep my mouth shut? Fuck that. To these corporate asshats a $20 hat might not mean much of a loss for the people who made them. Just like how a certain retro-futuristic sci-fi show didn't mean much to them. All they see is the dollar signs and how they can profit. They don't see how this really affects the people who made the hats.

I've been looking for a job for the past two years and you know how many people actually gave me an interview? One. I got the job, but I only get to work EIGHT FUCKING HOURS A WEEK!!!! I also teach a knitting class every Friday, but I only have two students that actually show up every week and then there are weeks that they can't show up. Not a very stable income. What if these students decide that they're done learning or get to a point that they feel it's too complicated and stop coming to classes? I'm screwed. That's what happens. Does Fox care about my situation? No. Does anybody? It certainly feels that way sometimes, but I do know that I have people in my life that actually gives a shit about me.

I've been paying attention to how the fans have been reacting to this situation and it really fills my heart with pride to be a part of a fandom that genuinely cares for not only the show, but the people who also love the show. The overwhelming support of the Browncoats show that we really are unified and I feel like together we can achieve anything. To anyone reading this, Browncoat or no, thank you. This has been a very stressful couple of weeks for me and my mind is spinning trying to find a way to make this work. There's been a lot of screaming and a lot of tears. Now that I've seen how the fans have been reacting to this I feel like I'm not alone and I might actually be able to find a way to continue making a living.

New Photos!

The photo shoot was a success! I finally had a chance to get out and take a few pictures. My friend took the pictures and I modeled. It was still kinda wet outside, but it was a beautiful day for taking photos. This is just a taste of what I did. I have more photos on my Facebook and Deviant Art. 

www.facebook.com/magicineverystitch

www.branxnia.deviantart.com

Classes are now on Fridays!

I'm going to start doing knitting classes at Hobby Lobby off of Atlanta Hwy in Athens every Friday from 3 pm to 5 pm. I did a demo last Saturday to get the word out there. I got a lot of people to notice me since I was sitting at at a table knitting, but most of the people who talked to me thought that I worked there and asked me where things were. I tried really hard, but only got three people to actually sign the sign up sheet. Several people said that they weren't sure if they could make it, but would try their best. They legitimately seemed interested, but usually it's a nice way of saying "no thanks". I would much prefer it if people said what they really felt. Telling me your opinion won't hurt my feelings. Pretending you care and giving me hope will.

I made a cute flyer for my classes! These will be at the front of the store, so it doesn't have the location on it. I don't really plan on having these flyers anywhere besides the inside of the store that I'll be teaching in.

I've been preparing for the con season that is coming up. Hopefully I'll do as well as I did this past year. Momo Con is coming up and unfortunately I didn't get accepted into the artist alley. Sukoshi Con is next month and they haven't even opened applications for the artist alley yet, but it's pretty scary since the event itself is so close. I've been getting ready for it just in case. AWA is a really big event and it takes all year to get ready for that.

I got a lot of stuff done today. I finished a lime green and black elf hat, a Knives Chau scarf, and a Jayne hat. One of the things that I wish is to actually have a Jayne hat or two available for cons. They're my best seller on my Etsy shop so I know a few people would be interested in buying one at a con. It would be ideal to have a Dr. Who scarf available as well.

Twilight Sparkle!

Though I am not a fan of My Little Pony, I will be making more pony hats. I have quite a few Brony friends and there are way too many people out there who truly enjoy the show for me not to make Pony hats for them. I've been doing the unicorn hats for years now so the MLP transition should be smooth.

I just bought the yarn for a Twilight Sparkle hat. I've been getting a lot of requests for her so she's next. I've got made to order Rainbow Dash hats up for sale right now on my Etsy shop.

Made To Order Rainbow Dash Hat

One of the criticisms I've gotten over my pony hats is that they don't have the cutie marks on them, which some people think is lazy. The reason why I don't do it like that is because these are meant to be worn as cosplays to make you look like the character, not to represent the character. The cutie marks go on the rear, not the head.  If you notice with my other animal hat designs, I never add a face to the hat. Your face is the face. 

I'll eventually get to the point that I can make the other main ponies as well. I occasionally get requests to do Pinkie Pie and Applejack, but I've yet to get a Rarity request. The ones I get the most requests for is Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, so those were the ones I started with. 

[rant] I hate it when people request that I make a specific pony, or anything really, and then have no interest in actually purchasing it. I would rather spend my time and money making something that I know will sell than take random requests and lose that time and money. It really annoys me sometimes how people don't understand that I have to actually charge them money for my work and then they get offended that I would actually ask them for money for something that I made. It's like they forget that I am running a business. Or they try to play the friend card and I haven't seen them in years. My real friends are the ones who at least offer to pay. I try to work out deals for them because they understand.[/rant]

Pixie Hat Tutorial

What materials you need:

* 7 double pointed needles (dpns) size 8

* Stitch holders

* Cable Needle

What skills you need:

Working in the rnd with dpns

C4b

C4f

C6f

C6b

T3

i-cord

K2tog

K3tog

P2tog

Tbl (through back loop)

Gauge:

22 sts and 26 rows = 4in/10cm worked in cable st in the rnd using US 8 (5mm) dpns

You will be working in the round. Start with three needles and as you increase more sts, add another dpn. Be sure to have even amounts of sts on the dpns.

CO 6 sts
Kfb al sts - 12 sts

(K1, kfb) 6x - 18 sts

(P3, kfb) 6x - 24 sts

(P2, k1, kfb) 6x - 30 sts

(P2, k2, kfb) 6x - 36 sts

(P2, k1, t2, kfb) 6x - 42 sts

(P2, k4, kfb) 6x - 48 sts

(P2, c4f, k1, kfb) 6x - 54 sts

(P2, k6, kfb) 6x - 60 sts

(P2, k7, kfb) 6x - 66 sts

(P2, k2, c6f, kfb) 6x - 72 sts

(P2, k9, kfb) 6x - 78 sts

(P2, k10, kfb) 6x - 84 sts

(P2, k12) 6x

(P2, c6f, c6b) 6x

(P2, k12) 6x

            Rep rnd 16 twice more

19. (P1, pfb, k12) 6x - 90 sts

20. (P3, k12) 6x

            Rep rnd 20 twice more

23. (P3, c6f, c6b) 6x

24. (P3, k12) 6x

            Rep rnd 24 twice more

27. (P2, pfb, k12) 6x - 96 sts

28. (P4, k12) 6x

            Rep rnd 28 twice more

31. (P4, c6f, c6b) 6x

32. (P4, k12) 6x

            Rep rnd 32 5 more times

            Rep rnds 20 - 32 3 more times

59. (P4, k12) 6x

            Rep rnd 59 3 more times

* Divide for ear flaps. You will stop working in the rnd at this point.

P2, place next 32 sts on a holder, turn.

Starting with last 2 sts worked, k2 (p12, k4) 3x, p12, k2

K14 (p4, k12) 2x, p4, k14

K2, p12, k4, p2, place rem 44 sts on a holder, turn.

(Working on first ear flap only) k2, p4, c6f, c6b, k2 - 20 sts

K2, p12, k6

K2, p4, k14

            Rep rows 6-7 twice more

12. K2, p12, k6

13. K2 (p2tog)2x, c6f, c6b, k2 - 18 sts

14. K2, p12, k2tog, k2 - 17 sts

15. K2, k2tog, k13 - 16 sts ****

16. K2, p12, k2

17. K2, k2tog, k8, k2 - 14 sts

18. K2, p10, k2

19. K2, k2tog, k6, k2tog, k2 - 12 sts

20. K2, p8, k2

21. K2, c4f, c4b, k2

22. K2, p8, k2

23. K2, k3tog tbl, k2, k3tog, k2 - 8 sts

24. K2, p4, k2

25. K2, k2tog tbl, k2tog, k2 - 6 sts

26. K2, p2, k2

27. K1, k2togtbl, k2tog, k1 - 4 sts

28. K1, p2tog, k1 - 3 sts

Continue on these 3 sts on one dpn to knit a 10in i-cord.

Cut yarn and draw through sts to secure.

Work second ear flap. Return to sts on holder and with WS facing, work across first 20sts as follows:

(WS) k6, p12, k2, turn, leaving rem 24 sts on holder.

K2, c6f, c6b, p4, k2

K6, p12, k2

K14, p4, k2

            Rep rows 3-4 twice more

9. K6, p12, k2

10. K2, c6f, c6b, (p2tog) 2x, k2 - 18 sts

11. K2, k2tog, p12, k2 - 17 sts

12. K13, k2tog, k2 - 16 sts

Work as first ear flap from **** to end, finishing with another 10in i-cord tie.

Return to 24 sts on holder; beg with a WS row, work 2 rows garter st. BO.

Slip rem 32 sts from first holder to needle. Beg with a WS row, work 2 rows garter st. BO

Sew down front and back loose edges to sides of ear flaps. Make a 2in diameter pompom for the top of the hat and two 4in tassels for the ends of the i-cords; sew on securely. Sew in all loose ends. 

Indoor Photoshoot

I really, really don't like doing indoor photoshoots, but I am in desperate need of getting new listings on my Etsy shop. My room is completely filled with things that I've made for AWA. I was going to sell at Momocon, but they only have 40 tables this year and they've already filled up.

I heard that a lot of people were rejected without their work even being juried. That's lazy and unprofessional on Momocon's part. How can you insure the best art for the costumers if you just take the first few people that sign up and leave it at that. There are many talented artists out there who deserve to sell in the artist alley. *cough*me and Amber*cough* (We'll also include one of my Lolita friends Ashley in that cough because she makes the cutest jewelry.)

Anyhoo, I need to order more bronze findings to finish up the more "Steampunk" chokers. I won't call them Steampunk just because they have bronze findings, but whenever I tag them on a listing I will include Steampunk. Maybe one day I'll branch off into making more appropriate Steampunk chokers.

My Etsy shop is up to 79 sales now! I'm so excited! This Jayne hat sale was a great idea. I've been making a ridiculous amount of these hats, sure, but I've been able to afford food and more yarn. :D I think my next sale will be those Elf styled hats that are really long and striped. Usually they are $55 but I think I'll try to sell them for $40 for a month. Each month I'll try to have a new sale going on. I'm sure people are waiting for those Dr. Who scarves to go on sale, but we'll see. ;P

There was some super cute yarn with shiny silver wrapped around it so I had to buy one of each color. I bought black, purple, pink and teal. I plan to make two hats with each color; a "college hat" and a cabled slouchy hat. I've already tried this out with the black and there is just enough yarn to make two hats with the two patterns that I've picked out.