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):
- My Sewing Room Inspiration Pinterest Board
- Pegboard Hooks
- Command Strips
- Thread Rack Wooden
- 10 Drawer Craft Cart - Tall plastic drawer unit for storing "projects in progress"
- Cascading Wall File Organizer - Plastic Inexpensive
- Metal Grid Magazine Wall Holder (just like mine in the video!)
- Desktop File Box (clear -change it up with new decorative file folders!)
- Fabric Organizer Boards - Mixed size set
- Art Bin 12x12x2 Storage box - Great for storing "projects in progress"
- 25x35 Bulletin Board - Cute & Stylish!
- Portable Kitchen Island (similar to the one shown in the video, a bit larger)
- Drawer Organizer Insert
New Items Referenced this week:
- Colette Sewing Planner
- Cute Hanging File Folders
- Printable File Labels and Cute Folders
- Dropbox (free online file storage)
Week One task:
- 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
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.
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… :-)
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.
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
Silly question, that is a CSV file?