Great news! I heard back from Etsy's legal team, and they have removed the infringing listing from Happy Moon Pads' Etsy shop. Thank you to Danny for dealing with it.
Happy Moon Pads could of course list it again, which she has done in the past, but she has a record now... and Etsy's policy is to "remove and discontinue service to repeat offenders".
I will be keeping a close eye on her Etsy shop, and will be watching Etsy in general in case she decides to open up another shop under a different name. But for now the main listing is GONE, justice prevails, and I am happy. :)
[Edit 1: I found another infringing listing in
her shop - the 11.75 inch pattern which she is attempting to sell
separately - so I have reported that to Etsy's legal team also.]
[Edit 2: The second infringing listing has been removed by Etsy!]
Monday, 27 July 2015
Thursday, 23 July 2015
Luna Wolf Patterns Now Available For FREE!
What a week it's been at Luna Wolf HQ!
As you may know from my previous blog posts, I have been having problems with the ongoing theft of my patterns/tutorial set by an Etsy seller going by the name of Happy Moon Pads. She bought the pattern/tutorial set on 19 April 2014, and shortly afterwards started selling it on Etsy and on her own site, with her business details inserted in place of mine. She claimed full credit for the 15 page PDF file, even selling a $25 licence for people to sell pads made from the patterns, as long as credit was given to her shop. (You do not need a licence to sell items made from a sewing pattern - this is bogus.)
I reported this brazen theft of intellectual property to Etsy, as did several other people, but Etsy weren't interested. Happy Moon Pads altered the listing photo to make it slightly less identical, but a year later the original listing is back on Etsy, and people are still unwittingly buying it.
Meanwhile, I had been having terrible problems with my website after attempting to migrate it, and could not get my shopping cart set up correctly to sell the tutorial anymore. Happy Moon Pads was profiting from my work, and my site was too broken to sell it myself. Even if I did manage to fix the shopping cart, or broke my Etsy boycott and listed the pattern/tutorial on Etsy myself, I knew that whatever I priced it, she would undercut it and continue to rip me off - and frankly I don't have the time or energy to continue pursuing her.
After much deliberation, I decided the best way forward would be to offer the pattern/tutorial set for free, or for a small optional donation. This is the best way I can think of to stop her from profiting from my work. You can't undercut free. I have done a complete revamp of my website (the broken shopping cart is gone!), and you can now download both the A4 and US letter versions of the tutorial, plus templates for wider versions of the pantiliner and 8.5 inch pad. There is a donation button on the website if you like the patterns and want to say thanks. (A massive thank you from me to the people who have already donated!)
Here are the free patterns!
A4 version
US letter version
Wider versions of the pantiliner and 8.5 inch pad
You can help by sharing the pattern/tutorial set with its Luna Wolf branding far and wide, and speaking up if you see it being sold on and/or claimed as somebody else’s. I am happy to provide the original high resolution photographs from the tutorial photoshoot (including the many that didnt make it in!), photographs of the original patterns drafted on cardboard, screenshots of the original tutorial files on my PC date stamped 2009, a screenshot of the Paypal transcation from 19 April 2014 when Samantha Hughes (AKA Happy Moon Pads) purchased the pattern from Luna Wolf, or whatever else it takes to prove this is my work.
If you have previously bought this pattern from Happy Moon Pads without realising it was stolen property, I suggest opening a dispute with Etsy and/or Paypal, although I have little faith in the former.
I have been overwhelmed by the support I have had from the cloth pad community. I wasn't sure how people would react to seeing a pattern they had previously paid for become available for free, but generally people have completely understood and supported my decision, and I am so grateful for that.
As you may know from my previous blog posts, I have been having problems with the ongoing theft of my patterns/tutorial set by an Etsy seller going by the name of Happy Moon Pads. She bought the pattern/tutorial set on 19 April 2014, and shortly afterwards started selling it on Etsy and on her own site, with her business details inserted in place of mine. She claimed full credit for the 15 page PDF file, even selling a $25 licence for people to sell pads made from the patterns, as long as credit was given to her shop. (You do not need a licence to sell items made from a sewing pattern - this is bogus.)
I reported this brazen theft of intellectual property to Etsy, as did several other people, but Etsy weren't interested. Happy Moon Pads altered the listing photo to make it slightly less identical, but a year later the original listing is back on Etsy, and people are still unwittingly buying it.
Meanwhile, I had been having terrible problems with my website after attempting to migrate it, and could not get my shopping cart set up correctly to sell the tutorial anymore. Happy Moon Pads was profiting from my work, and my site was too broken to sell it myself. Even if I did manage to fix the shopping cart, or broke my Etsy boycott and listed the pattern/tutorial on Etsy myself, I knew that whatever I priced it, she would undercut it and continue to rip me off - and frankly I don't have the time or energy to continue pursuing her.
After much deliberation, I decided the best way forward would be to offer the pattern/tutorial set for free, or for a small optional donation. This is the best way I can think of to stop her from profiting from my work. You can't undercut free. I have done a complete revamp of my website (the broken shopping cart is gone!), and you can now download both the A4 and US letter versions of the tutorial, plus templates for wider versions of the pantiliner and 8.5 inch pad. There is a donation button on the website if you like the patterns and want to say thanks. (A massive thank you from me to the people who have already donated!)
Here are the free patterns!
A4 version
US letter version
Wider versions of the pantiliner and 8.5 inch pad
You can help by sharing the pattern/tutorial set with its Luna Wolf branding far and wide, and speaking up if you see it being sold on and/or claimed as somebody else’s. I am happy to provide the original high resolution photographs from the tutorial photoshoot (including the many that didnt make it in!), photographs of the original patterns drafted on cardboard, screenshots of the original tutorial files on my PC date stamped 2009, a screenshot of the Paypal transcation from 19 April 2014 when Samantha Hughes (AKA Happy Moon Pads) purchased the pattern from Luna Wolf, or whatever else it takes to prove this is my work.
If you have previously bought this pattern from Happy Moon Pads without realising it was stolen property, I suggest opening a dispute with Etsy and/or Paypal, although I have little faith in the former.
I have been overwhelmed by the support I have had from the cloth pad community. I wasn't sure how people would react to seeing a pattern they had previously paid for become available for free, but generally people have completely understood and supported my decision, and I am so grateful for that.
Saturday, 2 August 2014
Update on Happy Moon Pads Infringement
As mentioned in my previous entry, an Etsy seller going by the name of Happy Moon Pads was attempting to sell the Luna Wolf cloth pad pattern and tutorial set as her own work. She was also selling a licence for people to sell items made from my pattern/tutorial set, as long as credit was given to her.
I have evidence of my ownership of this pattern/tutorial set dating back to 2009, when it was created. The patterns themselves were hand drafted in 2008. Happy Moon Pads did not exist until 2011, according to her own slogan - "Brightening periods since 2011".
I reported the listing to Etsy, as did several of my friends. I never did hear anything back from Etsy, which was disappointing, but the offending listing was removed.
Good news, right? Well, I thought so, until I realised that she'd created another listing. Different picture, a few edits, but still my text word-for-word in the description. I have reported the new listing to Esty. I have yet to determine whether the downloadable product is my work, as that would involve BUYING it, and the thought of giving money to Happy Moon Pads to access my own work makes me feel sick. I think I'm going to have to bite the bullet and do it though, to ensure I have the evidence I need.
The licence is still for sale, relating to the "new" patterns.
She also has the same listing on her own web site, which I have reported to her web host.
I'm obviously upset (and furious) that this has happened, but equally I have been bowled over by the support of my friends and customers who have added their own complaints to Etsy, and helped spread the word. Thank you to all of you.
I have evidence of my ownership of this pattern/tutorial set dating back to 2009, when it was created. The patterns themselves were hand drafted in 2008. Happy Moon Pads did not exist until 2011, according to her own slogan - "Brightening periods since 2011".
I reported the listing to Etsy, as did several of my friends. I never did hear anything back from Etsy, which was disappointing, but the offending listing was removed.
Good news, right? Well, I thought so, until I realised that she'd created another listing. Different picture, a few edits, but still my text word-for-word in the description. I have reported the new listing to Esty. I have yet to determine whether the downloadable product is my work, as that would involve BUYING it, and the thought of giving money to Happy Moon Pads to access my own work makes me feel sick. I think I'm going to have to bite the bullet and do it though, to ensure I have the evidence I need.
The licence is still for sale, relating to the "new" patterns.
She also has the same listing on her own web site, which I have reported to her web host.
I'm obviously upset (and furious) that this has happened, but equally I have been bowled over by the support of my friends and customers who have added their own complaints to Etsy, and helped spread the word. Thank you to all of you.
Wednesday, 30 July 2014
Rip-off of Luna Wolf pad patterns and tutorial set
Hi everyone,
It has been brought to my attention that the pattern and tutorial set I created in 2008/9, and still sell through my website today, has been ripped off by an Etsy seller called "Happy Moon Pads".
This is my original pattern and tutorial set:
You can see from the picture that the text on the pattern reads "Copyright Luna Wolf 2008. For personal or non profit use only."
This is the ripped off pattern: [EDIT: this has now been removed and replaced with a different listing - see following update post.]
Screenshots (click to enlarge):
As you can see, it is identical, but the text pertaining to Luna Wolf has been removed. Her price also undercuts mine. Unbelievably, she is also selling a licence which enables the buyer to sell pads made FROM MY PATTERNS - as long as they give credit to HER SHOP!
PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE THIS PATTERN/TUTORIAL SET FROM HAPPY MOON PADS! This is MY work, for which I can provide the original hand-drafted patterns if anybody would like to see them. Please do not give your money to somebody who is making money dishonestly off of somebody else's hard work and creativity.
Etsy has been notified.
Thanks for reading.
Vicky
It has been brought to my attention that the pattern and tutorial set I created in 2008/9, and still sell through my website today, has been ripped off by an Etsy seller called "Happy Moon Pads".
This is my original pattern and tutorial set:
You can see from the picture that the text on the pattern reads "Copyright Luna Wolf 2008. For personal or non profit use only."
This is the ripped off pattern: [EDIT: this has now been removed and replaced with a different listing - see following update post.]
Screenshots (click to enlarge):
As you can see, it is identical, but the text pertaining to Luna Wolf has been removed. Her price also undercuts mine. Unbelievably, she is also selling a licence which enables the buyer to sell pads made FROM MY PATTERNS - as long as they give credit to HER SHOP!
PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE THIS PATTERN/TUTORIAL SET FROM HAPPY MOON PADS! This is MY work, for which I can provide the original hand-drafted patterns if anybody would like to see them. Please do not give your money to somebody who is making money dishonestly off of somebody else's hard work and creativity.
Etsy has been notified.
Thanks for reading.
Vicky
Friday, 9 March 2012
Karmic Cloth pads on sale at Luna Wolf
A couple of years ago, I started a sister pad company called Karmic Cloth. The idea was to create a line of pads that would be easier to make (but still equally high quality), to supply to local health food shops. Unfortunately the idea never really took off - I think our small market town wasn't quite ready for it - and as a result I have a lot of lovely pads that are just sitting around doing nothing.
Rather than let them languish in a cupboard, I've added them to the Luna Wolf website under their own category, at a deeply disounted price. They are very different to Luna Wolf pads, but don't let that put you off. It's a case of French knickers vs bikini bottoms - different cuts, but they do the same thing. The Karmic Cloth pads I have in my stash get used every month without fail, and I expect I will be pinching a few more of them.
Here's a sneak preview:
I hope you enjoy them!
Rather than let them languish in a cupboard, I've added them to the Luna Wolf website under their own category, at a deeply disounted price. They are very different to Luna Wolf pads, but don't let that put you off. It's a case of French knickers vs bikini bottoms - different cuts, but they do the same thing. The Karmic Cloth pads I have in my stash get used every month without fail, and I expect I will be pinching a few more of them.
Here's a sneak preview:
I hope you enjoy them!
Monday, 6 February 2012
Taking an indefinite break
Hi folks! I hope you're all doing well.
The title of this post says it all, really. As of today, I will no longer be making Luna Wolf cloth pads. The pads that have just been uploaded will be the last Luna Wolf pads available for sale. (I won't say "EVER!", because that sounds a bit melodramatic, but at least for the forseeable future.)
Why am I winding down Luna Wolf? A few reasons, but first and foremost because I've been doing this for almost five years now, and I'm ready for a change. I've made about 2000 pads during the time Luna Wolf has been open. That's a lot of hours cutting, sewing, photographing and uploading. I've introduced new designs, written a tutorial, sold fabric/menstrual cups/pouches, hosted giveaways, and written articles. I've loved every minute of it, but I'm starting to burn out. After fighting it for a while, I finally came to the conclusion that it's time to close this door and open a new one.
The secondary reason for closing Luna Wolf is that my supplies have gone up in price significantly the last couple of years. Not just fabric, but electricity, sewing machine needles, thread, etc. I can't make a living from pad-making anymore unless I hike my prices way up, and I wouldn't feel right asking £8 for a day pad. (Of course the other option is to become a pad-making superwoman and churn out 30 pads a day, but the reality is that on a good day, I average five pads.)
A few weeks ago I started working as a freelance audio transcriber, and I'm really enjoying the work. The files I transcribe are often very intresting, and I also get to use two of my favourite skills: touch-typing, and correcting people's grammar. ;) I'd like to get certified in medical terminology, and maybe eventually get an administrative position in a hospital.
I have really enjoyed creating and building up Luna Wolf. It's been a fantastic learning experience, and it's allowed me to meet some wonderful people - customers, suppliers, bloggers, and fellow crafters alike. Luna Wolf is also responsible for putting me on a Prince's Trust training course, and meeting one of my very favourite people - my good friend Gemma. I wouldn't change a minute of it.
So how will this work? As stock dwindles, I will condense all the Luna Wolf pads into one category so they're easier to find. I will also continue to offer the Karmic Cloth pads on sale until they're all gone. (I have a bunch of those still to sew up.) The bamboo fleece will stay up until it's all gone; ditto the pouches and cups. I intend to keep the site live so that I can continue selling the patterns/tutorial, and will add some links to other pad sellers that I recommend. I may sell off some of my quilter's cotton and poly fleece - it depends whether or not I can bear to part with it. I certainly do have a lot of it! As always, I will keep you posted.
Thank you to everyone who has supported Luna Wolf over the years. Whether you've spent your hard-earned money on pads, "liked" me on Facebook, been a reliable supplier, or just read my ramblings on this blog, it means more to me than you will ever know.
- Vicky
The title of this post says it all, really. As of today, I will no longer be making Luna Wolf cloth pads. The pads that have just been uploaded will be the last Luna Wolf pads available for sale. (I won't say "EVER!", because that sounds a bit melodramatic, but at least for the forseeable future.)
Why am I winding down Luna Wolf? A few reasons, but first and foremost because I've been doing this for almost five years now, and I'm ready for a change. I've made about 2000 pads during the time Luna Wolf has been open. That's a lot of hours cutting, sewing, photographing and uploading. I've introduced new designs, written a tutorial, sold fabric/menstrual cups/pouches, hosted giveaways, and written articles. I've loved every minute of it, but I'm starting to burn out. After fighting it for a while, I finally came to the conclusion that it's time to close this door and open a new one.
The secondary reason for closing Luna Wolf is that my supplies have gone up in price significantly the last couple of years. Not just fabric, but electricity, sewing machine needles, thread, etc. I can't make a living from pad-making anymore unless I hike my prices way up, and I wouldn't feel right asking £8 for a day pad. (Of course the other option is to become a pad-making superwoman and churn out 30 pads a day, but the reality is that on a good day, I average five pads.)
A few weeks ago I started working as a freelance audio transcriber, and I'm really enjoying the work. The files I transcribe are often very intresting, and I also get to use two of my favourite skills: touch-typing, and correcting people's grammar. ;) I'd like to get certified in medical terminology, and maybe eventually get an administrative position in a hospital.
I have really enjoyed creating and building up Luna Wolf. It's been a fantastic learning experience, and it's allowed me to meet some wonderful people - customers, suppliers, bloggers, and fellow crafters alike. Luna Wolf is also responsible for putting me on a Prince's Trust training course, and meeting one of my very favourite people - my good friend Gemma. I wouldn't change a minute of it.
So how will this work? As stock dwindles, I will condense all the Luna Wolf pads into one category so they're easier to find. I will also continue to offer the Karmic Cloth pads on sale until they're all gone. (I have a bunch of those still to sew up.) The bamboo fleece will stay up until it's all gone; ditto the pouches and cups. I intend to keep the site live so that I can continue selling the patterns/tutorial, and will add some links to other pad sellers that I recommend. I may sell off some of my quilter's cotton and poly fleece - it depends whether or not I can bear to part with it. I certainly do have a lot of it! As always, I will keep you posted.
Thank you to everyone who has supported Luna Wolf over the years. Whether you've spent your hard-earned money on pads, "liked" me on Facebook, been a reliable supplier, or just read my ramblings on this blog, it means more to me than you will ever know.
- Vicky
Monday, 31 October 2011
And now for something completely different! Waterproof pouches, and tube pads
Luna Wolf has an exciting new addition to the shop - waterproof pad pouches!
These beauties are handmade by the lovely Sarah from AngelPadz, and come in large and small sizes. The large size holds approximately 4 medium pads, and is perfect for storing your pads when out and about. It would also be a very attractive make-up or toiletry bag! The small size holds a single liner or medium pad, and fits discreetly into a handbag or pocket. It's great for carrying a spare pad around.
Both sizes are made from quilter's cotton and lined with PUL. The large pouches fasten with zips, and the small ones with snaps. They are available in the new Waterproof Pouches category, and I expect to be ordering many more of them in future!
On a different subject entirely, I have a friend who runs a charity for poorly children. This weekend she received a request for some cloth "tube pads", and is looking for volunteers to sew some. Kids with tubes and buttons often experience leakage, which irritates their skin and makes them sore. They then end up having to wear medical dressings that are uncomfortable, not to mention boring!
Cloth tube pads are very quick and easy to make, and are a great way of using up scraps of fabric. You can find instructions here. I used three layers of flannel for the first few, and one layer of flannel plus one layer of bamboo fleece for the rest.
If you find yourself with an hour to spare, why not whip a few up and send them over to Vikki at Post Pals?
 |
These beauties are handmade by the lovely Sarah from AngelPadz, and come in large and small sizes. The large size holds approximately 4 medium pads, and is perfect for storing your pads when out and about. It would also be a very attractive make-up or toiletry bag! The small size holds a single liner or medium pad, and fits discreetly into a handbag or pocket. It's great for carrying a spare pad around.
Both sizes are made from quilter's cotton and lined with PUL. The large pouches fasten with zips, and the small ones with snaps. They are available in the new Waterproof Pouches category, and I expect to be ordering many more of them in future!
On a different subject entirely, I have a friend who runs a charity for poorly children. This weekend she received a request for some cloth "tube pads", and is looking for volunteers to sew some. Kids with tubes and buttons often experience leakage, which irritates their skin and makes them sore. They then end up having to wear medical dressings that are uncomfortable, not to mention boring!
Cloth tube pads are very quick and easy to make, and are a great way of using up scraps of fabric. You can find instructions here. I used three layers of flannel for the first few, and one layer of flannel plus one layer of bamboo fleece for the rest.
If you find yourself with an hour to spare, why not whip a few up and send them over to Vikki at Post Pals?
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