Friday, October 19, 2012

Friday's Favorites - pattern storage

 
Over the years I have tried many different ways of organizing and storing my patterns.
I started a new way of organizing my patterns yesterday and it already rates for one of my
 Friday's Favorites.
Really...
 All the storage I've tried in the past just really didn't work for me.
I found this idea on U-tube and LOVE it. 
 
I started out with this mess:
 

It keeps them all in one spot, but as you can see below its not easy finding what you're looking for.
Three drawers. Each drawer holds approximately 100 patterns.
Yep.
Do the math..... 300!!!!
I had no idea!
 
Another issue we all have is trying to get those pattern pieces stuffed back into that little envelope once we're done.
 
 
Am I right?
 
Mine usually end up like this...
 
 
Not any more......
My pattern envelopes are now neatly in a binder and easy to see.
 
 
Each pattern envelope goes into a sheet protector where you can see the front and back.
 
 
I labeled each section - dresses, skirts, tops, pants etc.
 
 
Did you notice I said my pattern envelopes were filed in this binder?
That's because I have all the patterns and instructions filed here - in 9 x 12 manila envelopes.
 
 
 I have plenty of room for the pattern, instructions and any photos or information I might want to include with a particular pattern.
 
 
I filed them first by pattern maker and then by the pattern number.
Simple and easy to find.
 
 I still have two more drawers (200 patterns) to go through.
 
 

In the end, I will end up with more than one binder.
  I plan on making separate binders labeled as women's apparel, children's, babies, home decor,accessories etc.
 
 I can now sit comfortably on the couch with my new binder and dream....
 
I LOVE my new pattern organization.
 
 
Linking today to:


7 comments:

Miss Crayola Creepy said...

SUCH a good idea!!!!

Meg the Grand said...

Oooo...all of the organization makes my fingers itch in the most delicious way! Perhaps I will need to get myself in gear this weekend and track down the random missing pattern pieces in my sewing room!

Carrie said...

Very nice!!

Debbie said...

AWESOME!! Looks and works great...you could have wardrobes for each season with all the patterns you have! :)

Terri said...

Well, aren't you Miss Smarty Pants...I love organization but you have taken it to a whole new level. GREAT idea!

I don't sew much...I am embarrassed to say that most patterns go in the garbage when I am done with them (only ones that I know I will never use again, lol), because the pieces never go back in the envelope properly and that makes me crazy.

Making my granddaughter's Halloween costume right now...I won't be sorry to be done with this one for sure!!

dpeele said...

Wow I am impressed.

Mrs. Laura Lane said...

Great idea!
My sewing teacher, back a hundred years ago, taught us to dry iron our patterns flat to make them fit in the packages again.
Blessings,
Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage