Privacy Policy

1. What I collect

I collect personal information only when you give it to me or when it's needed to run the website. Depending on how you use the site, this can include:

• Account details – your name, email address and a password (stored encrypted) when you create an account.
• Order details – what you bought, the price paid, and for physical items (kits, finished pieces) your delivery address and phone number if you provide one.
• Payment confirmation – a transaction reference from PayPal or Square. Your card or bank details are entered directly with those providers and never reach my website.
• Messages – anything you send through the contact form or by email, so I can reply.
• Newsletter sign-up – your email address, if you subscribe.
• Technical information – your IP address, browser type and the pages you visit, collected automatically by the web server and any analytics tool in use (see section 6).

2. How I use it

I use your information to:

• process your order, deliver your pattern download, kit or finished piece, and send order and shipping emails;
• give you access to your account, your past downloads and any members-only content you've purchased;
• book you into a workshop and contact you about it (dates, changes, materials);
• answer your questions and provide support;
• send the newsletter, only if you've subscribed;
• keep the website secure, prevent fraud and fix problems;
• meet legal and tax obligations in Australia.

I do not use your information for automated decision-making or profiling.

3. Who I share it with

I never sell or rent your personal information. I share it only with services that help me run the shop, and only as much as they need:

• PayPal and Square – to process payments. Each has its own privacy policy.
• Australia Post or other couriers – your name and address, to deliver physical orders.
• My web hosting provider – where the website and its database live.
• Email delivery and newsletter services – to send order emails and, if subscribed, the newsletter.
• Video hosting (e.g. YouTube or Vimeo) – members-only lessons are embedded from these services, which may set their own cookies when a video plays.

I may also disclose information if required by law, or to protect the rights and safety of my business or customers.

4. Patterns, downloads and membership

When you buy a pattern, the PDF is linked to your order and, if you have one, your account, so you can download it again later. Patterns are for personal use only and are covered by copyright; please don't share the files. If you purchase the Learn to Crochet Kit or digital membership, your account is marked as a member so the lessons area unlocks. This doesn't collect any extra personal information.

5. Newsletter

You'll only receive the newsletter if you've signed up for it. Every email includes an unsubscribe link, and you can also ask me to remove you at any time. Placing an order does not automatically subscribe you.

6. Cookies and analytics

This website uses cookies – small files stored in your browser – for things that make the site work: keeping items in your cart, remembering that you're logged in, and remembering your preferences. These are essential and can't be switched off without breaking the shop.

I may also use a privacy-respecting analytics tool to understand which pages are popular and how the site is performing. Where an analytics tool is in use it is named here, and you can block it with your browser settings or an ad blocker without affecting your ability to shop.

7. How long I keep it

• Order records – kept for at least seven years to meet Australian tax and record-keeping requirements.
• Account and download history – kept while your account exists, so your patterns stay available to you.
• Contact messages – kept as long as needed to help you, then deleted.
• Newsletter list – until you unsubscribe.

8. Security

The website uses SSL encryption (the padlock in your browser), passwords are stored using one-way encryption, and access to the admin area is protected. No method of storing or sending information online is completely secure, but I take reasonable steps to protect your data from loss, misuse and unauthorised access.

9. Your rights and choices

Under the Australian Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles, you can:

• ask what personal information I hold about you and request a copy;
• ask me to correct anything that's inaccurate or out of date;
• ask me to delete your account and personal information (I may need to keep order records for tax purposes);
• unsubscribe from the newsletter at any time;
• make a complaint about how I've handled your information.

To do any of these, email driftwoodcottagedesigns@outlook.com. I'll respond within a reasonable time, usually within 30 days. If you're not satisfied with my response, you can contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).

10. Customers outside Australia

Patterns are sold worldwide. If you're in the UK, the EU or another region with its own privacy law (such as the GDPR), you have equivalent rights to access, correct, delete and restrict the use of your data, and to object to processing. The legal basis for handling your information is the contract with you (your order), my legitimate interest in running the shop securely, and, for the newsletter, your consent. Your data is stored on servers that may be located outside your country.

11. Children

The website and its products are intended for adults. I don't knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If you believe a child has provided information to me, please get in touch and I'll remove it.

12. Changes and contact

I may update this policy from time to time, for example if I start using a new tool. The date at the top shows when it was last changed, and significant changes will be noted on the website.

Questions about privacy? Contact me at:

Driftwood Cottage Designs
Kathy Vasic
New South Wales, Australia
driftwoodcottagedesigns@outlook.com