Hi Everyone! This week we go a bit deeper into the topic of pattern storage and organization. As with fabric, this is also one of my biggest challenges! Whether you're looking to store traditional purchased patterns or pdf patterns - the challenges are the same. Are easily accessible? Are the pattern pieces easily found? Can you set aside a "project in progress" to jump back into it easily? Is there a master list of all the patterns you have so you don't accidentally purchase the same one twice? I'm pretty sure we all struggle with these same issues when it comes to organizing our sewing patterns.
This week in the SWC Bonuses section, you'll find a current master list of all the Liberty Jane brand pattern titles. It's saved as an Excel file so it's easily editable. It includes the pattern titles and SKU numbers sorted by doll type. You can use this to keep track of the LJ designs you have, track order numbers and purchase dates so they are easy to access on the Pixie Faire site.
If you would like to have a download of your purchase history (for the entire catalog). I'm happy to get that for you! We can access the data and export a list of the titles/order numbers as a csv file. You can then use this to track your purchases and identify the order number associated with a particular title, for easy access to download it again in the future. If this is of interest to you, please email me directly from your PF customer email address. my email is cinnamon@libertyjaneclothing.com
In the video posted below, I'll share with you several tips that address these concerns. My hope is that we all learn and grow together and pick up some serious organization skills so we can be more productive!
Resources (same list for the whole month long topic):
Watch the video :) Then share your tips and suggestions for pattern storage with me and the group! If you have examples or pictures of your own pattern storage that you want to share - please do! If you have questions or need help, don't hesitate to ask.
Post questions as comments under the Facebook Group Post
Next Tuesday - Week 4: We'll wrap up the topic with a look at notions storage.
11 Comments
Carol
March 05, 2019
I have found that zip lock bags, the gallon size or larger, work well to store patterns that I print off of the website. If it’s a pattern that I’ve used several times and have specific material and trims that work perfectly for it, everything goes into the ziplock bag and I store these bags in a big tub. Next time someone wants me to make say a specific cheerleading outfit, I just pull out the ziplock and the material, patterns, trims, and any additional notes I may have from previous times making the outfit, are all in one place.
Marilu
January 23, 2019
I have my patterns downloaded in my computer (also have a backup in a drop-box – just in case) I print only the patterns I am going to use and the cover, to see the final project. After that I put them in clear sleeves but also print the name, which I put on the side to be easier to find – have an excel sheet with the list of patterns downloaded, divided by dress, skirts, tops, jackets…. and if it has been printed or not. Lately after reading all your suggestions, I added a page number which I coded as # (for the binder number) – # (of the page where it is). It will be too complicated to keep them in alphabetical order, so this works for me. With my excel is easy to find where it is.
Which I could put a small picture of the pattern just for my granddaughters to see. For that purpose I have to login and make them see and decide what they want – which usually is something I don’t have… :-)
Christie
January 23, 2019
For keeping track of which commercial (as in McCalls, Butterick, etc) patterns I have, I have started using an app called Sewing Pattern Buddy. It takes a while to do but it lets you store all of your patterns (you have to pay to store more than 25 but to me it was worth it), using categories and tags you make yourself so you can do a search for, say, “women’s boho shirts” and have all of the patterns that fit that description pop up. I still do not have anywhere near my full pattern stash in there, but I think for people with more time it is a really good resource.
Ruth
January 22, 2019
Sandra,
I haven’t tried the pattern code yet, but it looks like the wrong code is shown for this week. I think the pattern code shoukd be ORGANIZE1901. See if that will work.
Ruth
Kim m
January 22, 2019
Silly question, that is a CSV file?
Barb
January 22, 2019
I store my pdf patterns in a three ring binder. Organized alphabetically, and color coded for AG,Wellies and bitty baby. This way if I want to make a matching outfits patterns are together.
Marion Caplan
July 19, 2017
I really liked the file cabinet, and UFO folder. There is also at least one app, maybe more, where you can put all of your patterns in the app. This way you can look up in one app what you have. I used to have SewingKit HD, but it doesn’t look like it’s available anymore. I am going to try a new app and see how it works. As well, I put my works in progress in large, paper size Ziplock bag which also includes the material. That way pieces don’t disappear when I put it away. For larger projects, I use a scrapbook box. This is something that I learn in my quilting group.
MB
July 18, 2017
Organized Sewing Space:
My room is set up with my desk just opposite of my sewing table, both within reach from my swivel desk chair. I print the pattern pieces only and when finished, I fold them into clear sandwiched-sized, zip lock baggies with the pattern name displayed. I file these in a handy file box with labeled dividers named as my electronic files.
My pdf patterns/instructions are filed electronically in my laptop by make of doll (e.g., AG, WW (Wellie Wishers), BFC, Journey Girls, etc.) and by sub-folders in each, by article (e.g. AG: Dresses, Shirts, Jeans/slacks, Tights/footwear, etc.). I open the pdf pattern/instructions in my laptop and can enlarge (if needed) and follow along each time-I don’t print them out or store them.
I am fairly organized with a small room. I save my printer and paper for printing the patterns I need and only when needed. The wonderful instructions are so easy to follow and pulling it up on my laptop is fast and easy. Don’t need Internet connection at this point (stored in computer), and can follow along because of its close proximity to my sewing machine.
My fabrics are a different story, however. Currently I have a bureau dresser (4 drawers) in which all my fabrics are stored. I try to keep them sorted by fabric (knits, cottons, denim, etc.) but find some drawers are too full and have to overflowed into others. Even though I don’t have the space for all the shelves like Cinnamon’s room, (cool room by the way-love it!) your great tips provide me with creative ideas I CAN try. :)
Love the class. Thanks for all the great sewing and organizing tips!
Krissieo
July 15, 2017
I keep my PDFs in 3" notebooks – one for modern, one for historical, one for boy patterns. I also copy the front of my Big 3 patterns (2 to a page) and put those in the folders so I know what I have.
Kerry
July 12, 2017
Love this topic. I’m so disorganized in many ways, but also extremely organized in others; any tips are a big help.
I keep my patterns in binders with the pieces in clear sleeves and the pages three-ring punched so I can turn them as I work. The binder can also be brought with me to travel to my granddaughters’ for sewing with them and they can see and choose what they like.
Sandra Cox
July 12, 2017
I am having trouble using the SWC coupon code. It will not give me the $5.99 free pattern. The code says $0.00. Is there a glitz?
Carol
March 05, 2019
I have found that zip lock bags, the gallon size or larger, work well to store patterns that I print off of the website. If it’s a pattern that I’ve used several times and have specific material and trims that work perfectly for it, everything goes into the ziplock bag and I store these bags in a big tub. Next time someone wants me to make say a specific cheerleading outfit, I just pull out the ziplock and the material, patterns, trims, and any additional notes I may have from previous times making the outfit, are all in one place.