Space Dye - Stacia vs. Missoni

Ever since I started working with space-dyed yarn, I've constantly been compared to Missoni, who in the 1970's started the space-dye trend. But what is "space-dyed" yarn anyway? According to answers.com, the definition is "(textiles) Yarn dyed in one color for a specified length and in other colors for other lengths, the sequence being repeated." In layman terms, let's say there's 4 colors in a space-dye pattern (red, white, blue, yellow), you'd dye the yarn in red for about 6" then white the next 6", blue another 6", yellow another 6", and repeat again. The overall yarn will have a sort of rainbow effect and will be a pre-determined color repeat. The fun starts in the knitting process, though, because the pattern is not predictable nor is it engineered. You may have areas of striping, diamond shapes, or zig-zag effects. There's no telling what kind of pattern will evolve, because as the machine knits across the garment and then back down to the next row, the colors will layer on top of each other and create unique patterns on every garment - that is, no 2 garments will be the same. That's the beauty of space-dye yarn - you can get a one-of-a-kind look without a couture price (unless you're Missoni of course!)
So Missoni didn't invent space-dye, nor do I claim to have invented the wheel, but this special dye technique is just another pattern out there for knitwear designers, textile designers, and even carpet weavers to utilize to express an array of color in one fabric. You have polka-dots, stripes, plaids, tie-dye, and then there's space-dye. They're all patterns for fabrics and not patented or copyrighted in the universe. Sonia Rykel is famously known for her stripes, but everybody and his brother (aka J.Crew) have done stripes through the ages. So is it flattering to be compared to Missoni? Sure, they're an iconic brand, but I hope I'm offering my own take on the space-dye yarn in my own designs and colors, and at an obtainable price for a real person (not a celebrity!) I'm not manufacturing $1500 sweaters here, but I am offering affordable, luxurious knits that retail under $300.