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 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.
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.
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!
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.
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.