This is brilliant and quite different from what I've seen so far. I love that the instructions stay with the pattern pieces. And adding a little swatch of fabric is super clever! I'm trying to reduce my plastic usage, but this would also work well with paper folders. Thank you for sharing!
I suggest the Christmas wrap holder from Rubbermaid, you can always get more than one and the footprint would be the same size as the wire basket you use now
I really like this system. I have been trying to decide the best way to organize and store my Indie patterns. I have looked at other videos and methods but this is the best one so far. Thanks for sharing.
I always just print the pattern and not the instructions to save paper. I have all my patterns backed up on dropbox so it's really easy just to search the pattern name.If it's something I use a lot I trace off my size in a thin tissue to save on bulk too. Interesting to see how you do yours though! I might have to do a video on my method.
me too. It's easier to keep track of instructions if they are on the computer. When you trace you lie the tracing paper over the main pattern? What are you using to trace onto?
Your system is very similar to mine. Instead of using plastic folder I use pocket folders and file them alphabetical by designer. Now you got me thinking maybe I should file them by garment type. I also have 2 - 4 drawer filing cabinet from which 6 drawers are already filled! Thanks for the suggestions and I am in for the organization party.
I believe I have finally settled on a way to handle my patterns overall after a year of trial and error. For my PDFs I have a small sized three ring binder with card-stock for each pattern. On the card-stock I have the line drawings (or photo if that is all I have) and all the pertinent information, including whether this is a pattern I have on the computer, have already printed but is still rolled up. This is my catalog of files on the computer or in one of my pattern books. I keep this binder in front of my file system which uses 6x9 envelopes with the clasp closure. These are for the patterns that have pieces cut out and/or instructions printed out already. I paste a line drawing, size chart, fabric suggestions and any other pertinent information on the outside of them and folded the pieces and instructions for the inside. I like to keep each project separate, so if I cut out one pattern that requires different sizes or views, it gets its own envelope with the pattern name and what size/view is in there because I get very anxious sorting through a ton of pieces I simply do not need for a project. This works for me because I trace my patterns on to medical paper, if I were to use thicker paper or cut the patterns out from a printed file, it may not fit neatly, which is why I started with larger envelopes, but that got difficult to keep nicely for me. I have never done many different versions of one pattern as of yet, so this way works well so far, I just note any other envelopes on the main one and that keeps me straight. (I am an Archivist by education and trade.. I love papers and filing LOL). The envelopes are simply stored in some dollar store baskets with low sides I had hanging around. They fit them perfectly upright and I can see everything very easily. The categories are divided with card-stock dividers I made up with some paper I had on hand. What I really love about this system is when I have a "complete wardrobe" pattern package, I can keep which pieces I actually want to use in the category they belong in once I cut/trace them off. Just a note on the original envelope will let me know if I did that already. I wish I could include a picture because I just recently fixed everything to suit my use and am quite happy with the results.
My PDFs before use I put then in a clear plastic page protector. If it's to fat I put the instructions in one and the pattern in another. Then I file, by company. After I use it I file the instructions and roll the pattern. I don't want to take them apart and I usually have fitted them for my body. I have the file on a disc that is also labeled and filed.
I do very similar to you. However my rolled bin has gotten out of hand! I just bought a larger big rectangular container to try and rangle them in it.....so far I’m not loving it. I’m looking for a better solution! I hate to fold them up too after paying to get them all printed at the plotter.
Yep! The best! Called TPM. It’s on Pressley Road near the airport. They are nice and fast. Just email them the files and they are ready the same day. Usually in an hour or so.
