First Person
Making It: Accept No Copycats
I met Veronica Van, the founder of Lemonwood, at this year’s Nashville Yarn Fest. We started chatting—surrounded by skeins and stitchers—and the conversation quickly turned from small talk to something much deeper.
She told me about her small, woman-owned, family-run business that creates beautiful, functional tools for knitters and crocheters.
Then she shared what’s been happening behind the scenes: not long after her team launched their signature tool, the Mini Minder, copycats started popping up online. Not just lookalikes—but knockoffs using her son’s original artwork, her daughter’s face, even her own hands in stolen photos.
It’s the kind of story that’s all too familiar for small businesses in and out of our community.
But this is also a story of creativity, resilience, and a whole lot of heart. Veronica was kind enough to open up about what it’s been like navigating all of this while trying to grow a business.
What inspired you to start Lemonwood?
As the owner and operations manager at Dream In Color yarn, I juggled managing employees while trying to squeeze in some sample knitting. I’d end up stuffing yarn in my pocket, only for it to fall out and get dirty on the ground.
Inspired by the convenience of a phone wrist strap, I asked my son Colm to create something similar for carrying yarn. Within a few minutes, some birch wood, and a little laser know-how, the Mini Minder was born.
For those who may not know, can you explain what’s happening with your products being copied and sold online?
About one short month after launching our product on Etsy, we began seeing our four main designs being copied on large online marketplaces. They weren’t just copying the shape of the Mini Minder, they were also stealing our copyrighted designs that Colm, himself, had created. They even took the photos right from our listings.
It was pretty shocking to see my own hands and my daughter’s face being used to sell these inferior goods.
With help from our amazing community, we traced these counterfeits back to multiple factories in China producing low-quality imitations that broke easily and sold for a fraction of the price.
Unfortunately, there hasn’t been much we could do up until very recently. Despite reporting these sellers on Amazon, Etsy, Walmart, Instagram, and Facebook, there was zero response and no action toward taking the listings down. Some of the sellers were so bad that they just took customers’ money and shipped nothing.
What has it been like seeing your original work and even your photography used by others without permission?
It was honestly so shocking. On a personal level I have become mistrustful of so many products that are advertised on social media. I tend to research many of my purchases to make sure they are coming from the original designer of the product. It’s been so eye-opening to realize how many other small business people are suffering from the same difficulties.
On a business level, it has been especially disheartening to have people approach us at shows to share their disappointment in our product, only to discover they had unknowingly purchased knockoffs that were damaging our reputation.
We stand behind the quality of our Mini Minders, 100%, and happily replace any parts that are less than perfect. Unfortunately, I now have to ask customers to show the engraved logo on the bottom to ensure that we are not replacing parts for the knockoffs.
How can someone spot a dupe when they see one? Are there specific things to look out for?
We do not currently sell on any major marketplace like Amazon, Temu, Walmart, Shein, Alibaba, or Target. If you see them there, it’s not our product. We have even had trouble with large fiber arts companies selling dupes of our products, which is very disappointing to see in our own community.
Our products always have our logo on the bottom and are incredibly durable. Our straps are handmade in our studio from genuine leather. Our trusted wholesalers always advertise our products using our name and approved pricing. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
For folks who want to support Lemonwood, what’s the best thing they can do right now?
Come check out our website. We are adding new products all the time as we expand into more hand sewing and lifestyle areas, as well as knitting and crochet. We are truly thankful for every purchase from our customers.
However, we completely understand that a Mini Minder might be out of some people’s budget in the current economy, so we truly appreciate people sharing our products on social media or with friends and family, spreading the word, and even just coming to say hi at shows and events.
Thank you so much to Veronica for sharing her story—and for the care, creativity, and courage it takes to keep showing up, even when the road gets rocky. I hope it inspires you to look a little more closely, shop a little more intentionally, and champion the people behind the products we all love.
Come Shop With Us
Wow! This is unbelievable! Thank you so much for this post and thank you to Veronica for being so forthright. I always try to be mindful when I shop, especially for my knitting-related items, and this is a great reminder. Thank you!
The same thing happened to Franklin Habit. I was shocked to see a news report done on a yarn shop that was selling emotional support chicken packaged kits with no reference to Franklin or his original pattern. There is no respect for intellectual property laws anymore. I hope they continue to fight this theft.
I thought I had written this as a reply, but it posted as a separate comment, so repeating the text here for Robyn: I adore Franklin Habit! Alas, I don’t remember his chicken. I had always thought The Emotional Support Chicken was by Annette Corsino of the Knitting Tree store in/near LA (her pattern is on Ravelry). Was Franklin’s his own pattern? Or did he use Annette’s? Not sure where to look to track this down. The owner of Loopine Yarns in NZ visited California fairly recently and went in to the store to see a healthy flock of the chickens and did a piece on The Black Cat YouTube page. Can you remember when/where you saw Franklin’s? I’m curious to track this down. Thanks.
Franklin Habit is the designer of the sheep called Dolores Van Hoofen, kits available through WEBS.
Andrea Corsino is the designer of the Emotional Support Chicken, kits available through her store The Knitting Tree LA. The pattern is a modification of a design by the late Bev Galeskas called Henrietta and Friends, which Andrea clearly notes on her page on Ravelry.
WEBS doesn’t carry Dolores any more . . . I’ve been trying to find her to make for a friend.
Annette Corsino. But otherwise correct.
The only place on that list of stores that I shop at is Amazon, but if I see the product is from China, I look for a similar product not from China on Amazon. Sometimes the item description doesn’t say where it’s from. I mentally delete that one. I have gotten burned in the past on products made in that country, so I don’t want to go through that again. Being shop-aware is my motto! This article was very enlightening, thanks for sharing such worthy information. Looking forward to looking into Lemonwood for their products.
The only place on that list of stores that I shop at is Amazon, but if I see the product is from China, I look for a similar product not from China on Amazon. Sometimes the item description doesn’t say where it’s from. I mentally delete that one. I have gotten burned in the past on products made in that country, so I don’t want to go through that again. Being shop-aware is my motto! This article was very enlightening, thanks for sharing such worthy information. Looking forward to looking into Lemonwood for their handmade products.
Thank you for this article! I didn’t know about this and will be much more careful from now on.
I have a Lemonwood mini minder ordered from the Lemonwood website, along with a project bag. I love it! It’s beautiful and easy to use. Looking forward to getting another (as budget allows) and possibly a stand, because who works on one project at a time?
Despicable. Thanks for carrying on. Your designs are beautiful! #qualitycounts
I have a real Lemonwood mini minder I bought at Vogue in NYC and I love it! I’m so sorry to hear about the copycat issues. Several knitwear designers have those issues as well – I’ve seen actual pictures of designers in their sweaters from Ravelry on Amazon selling the sweater from China! ☹️
Just ordered one. Thanks for showcasing this company. Would never have known about it otherwise. Always happy to support a woman owned business
What a sad state of affairs, not just stealing the design but the images as well. The major online retailers do not seem to care about verifying the products they sell. Buyer beware!
I have been working really hard to avoid Amazon, Walmart, etc. as much as possible. Online searches for products always show the major online retailers first, but I make the effort to find the product’s own website. Sometimes there is a shipping fee, and sometimes I put too much in the cart to reach the amount for free shipping, but at least I know I am getting the actual product AND the company who makes the product is not having to pay a fee to the Amazons of the world for distributing their products.
I am sad to hear that big yarn companies are selling knock-offs, I trust the online yarn shops I shop with (here’s lookin at you MDK!) but will pay more attention now. Usually prices are pretty consistent across their sites, if something is a lot lower in price I will definitely view it as a red flag.
Kathy, I’ve been totally Amazon free for 5 years now – it is possible, and I’ve found lots of cool little companies (plus shopped local more). You just have to be a little more diligent searching, and sometimes a little more patient getting things.
And blatant piracy of goods is one reason I quit the site.
Was a patent applied for? If not, why? One should protect original works and not just assume people will do the right thing. They won’t.
We have filed for a patent. It takes about 3-5 years to get a response to the patent application. We also have copyrights and are working with a great firm but it all takes time. Especially when going after companies that have international websites.
*Intellectual property attorney here” If not patent was obtained, I am not sure why, but there are a number of possibilities. A patent isn’t always available, because not all products meet the criteria, no matter how cool/useful they are, and what’s more obtaining a patent can be cost-prohibitive (especially for a small business). The article does state the designs are subject to copyright, which can provide another option in the right circumstances. Trademark law also comes into play, as the post mentions the Lemonwood logo affixed to the bottom of every genuine product. The use of a trademark to identify genuine products also tells me the producer is taking steps to protect its intellectual property. Hope this helps…I’m off to the website to look for a genuine Mini Minder. 😉
We have filed for a patent, trademarks and copyrights for our art. We have over 400 individuals infringing on our artwork. Until recently we have not found a law firm that was interested in that many individual cases. We are now under contract with a firm that has the resources to take on this kind of project. Thanks!
Coming back to say that the description of the one I just bought says “patent pending.” Yay! (However, a patent still has to be enforced. “Whack a mole” is a real thing with IP enforcement when cheap knockoffs are coming from abroad.)
These are cute! I probably would not have spend the $$ on something like this for me, or at least had to spend a lot of time rationalizing the indulgence, but the story made me angry and BAM! I purchased the Midcentury Modern mini minder. Something to look forward to.
This is so sad, and happening more and more. I saw these at Nash Fest and wanted to get one, but didn’t. I just ordered one. Thank you for showcasing this awesome business!
Thank you Samantha Brunson for your story about Lemonwood. We all need to keep this front of mind when purchasing goods online. I, too, have a real Lemonwood Mini Minder which was a gift from Laura Nelkin in one of her kit clubs. It is high quality and I love using it. By the way, Samantha, I love that you call yourself an elderly millenial!
I own two, authentic Lemonwood MiniMinders that were gifted to me by a friend. I love them! Makes fairisle knitting much more enjoyable with less time spent untwisting and chasing after my yarn.
I’m proud to support Veronica Van and her exceptional business.
I have a Lemonwood original. I just got up to check the logo on the bottom! It is so handy, and strangers always come up to watch it when I am knitting in public. 🙂
I was so excited to see Lemonwood at Nash Yarn Fest, and their booth was a must-stop for me. Veronica was very kind in helping me choose my Mini Minder and all its accessories (wrist strap, purse strap, holder). It’s such an ingenious design — so smart and clever. I’m just so sorry that she’s going through this.
This is so disturbing. More disturbing is the fact that Lemonwood cannot fix this. I really appreciate knowing this so I can be more careful. I no longer shop at Target or Walmart, and limit purchases at Amazon to items I cannot get elsewhere. I am going onto Lemonwood’s website and support them.
First, your designs are beautiful. I’m sorry you’re having to go thru this. I guess you have to get a patent before you start any merchandising. The internet has its demons. I pray the best for your business.
We had a patent filed already. The problem was copyright infringement. They stole our photos right off our Etsy listings. The big problem is that the counterfeiters won’t respond and attorneys don’t usually want 400 cases with lots of work and only a small payout for each one. The good news is that I have found a firm that will work with us. ❤️
Wondered about Temu, won’t even look at their site.
I am going to order one after finishing this note. I have been burned a few times after orderoing on line from an advertiser. Paid but not received or got a much inferior product from what was pictured. I usually avoid this and certainly don’t purchase a knitting pattern from one of the above mentioned large retailers, and they are out there when I do an internet search. It is a sad note indeed. However, Etsy seems to be OK so far. Any comment on the latter?
I saw them too at YarnFest for the first time. Fabulous items! thanks for the website info
Lemonwood minders are cute, but out of my budget. I made a minder of my own with a jar lid, some paracord, two cord locks, and an old wrist key fob. Works great and helps recycle, too.
I love supporting businesses owned by women – just ordered my first Mini Minder.
Thanks for this story. So many knock offs out there online, when you can’t examine the item and see how poorly it is made. Lemonwood has excellent workmanship.
I have more than one Lemonwood. I buy them from my LYS or their website directly. I especially love my Starlight Knitting Society (Portland, OR) Mini-Minder. They do custom work for yarn shops at times, incorporating their own logos/themes. They are well made and made excellent gifts.
I love my genuine Mini Minder. It’s super sturdy, spins smoothly, and fits flat in my purse so I’m never without a way to manage my yarn on the go. I’m thinking about getting a second one so that I can slip one over each forearm when I’m doing stranded colorwork. I’ve also had my eye on the phone strap for upcoming travels. These well-crafted tools are worth every penny!
I adore Franklin Habit! Alas, I don’t remember his chicken. I had always thought The Emotional Support Chicken was by Annette Corsino of the Knitting Tree store in/near LA (her pattern is on Ravelry). Was Franklin’s his own pattern? Or did he use Annette’s? Not sure where to look to track this down. The owner of Loopine Yarns in NZ visited California fairly recently and went in to the store to see a healthy flock of the chickens and did a piece on The Black Cat YouTube page. Can you remember when/where you saw Franklin’s? I’m curious to track this down. Thanks.
Thank you so much for covering this story, and for the business owner for sharing it. Our country needs to hear alot more of these stories. Maybe a weekly case can be brought to light? The more we know, the more we can push back, especially in the companies who sell here in America. I saw this product, and a a crochet fan, was immediately delighted to see such an awesome and useful product! Pretty sure I purchased mine on Amazon, I’d have to verify.. but what came was not what was pictured. I kept it anyways because it’s so incredible, but decided I’m going to have to find a better quality version. After reading this, now I know, and will go to the official website. To everyone who reads this, who knits or crochets.. we need to all get on the horn and complain immediately to the American outlets and websites.. this matters ❤️ I know the economy is horrid, but on principle, it’s worth eating fish sticks for a few days to support the designer and her kids ingenuity, time and effort out into this business. If they fall.. we all fall.. Its time to end China’s deplorable business practices and cheap imports.. which is currently the cause of all of our economic woes. Thankfully that’s being addressed now, and we are feeling the effects of our businesses being so green from for decades, with these very practices. No soap box here, just a Mom with kids who loves to crochet.. and this one matters.. big time.
*green = ripped off..
not sure how auto spell did that one, but fiber tapping on my phone.. so anything is possible! Lol “-)
I am a lamp worker and I had a rather famous person steal one of my designs and publish it in a book naming it after me (Bridget’s wedding) but taking credit for the design What can you do
Unfortunately through technology and social media ,crime is increasing. I think what has happened to your business,is in a way scary.