Pattern Organization and First Guest Author!

While attending Sew Kansas recently, I was introduced to an easy, attractive and useful way to organize my many patterns. This idea came from Valorie Sanborn who graciously agreed to be my first-ever guest author on Now Sewing.

Here is what you will need:

• tape
• 10x13 inch white envelopes
• baskets or filing cabinet for storing the envelopes
• patterns, of course
• inexpensive light weight fusible interfacing

Right now, I have my patterns quasi organized into the four drawers of a smallish dresser. The drawers stick. The patterns get crunched because they don't fit. The envelopes are different sizes. Of course I have the usual problem of exploding pattern tissue once I open the pattern envelope. And they tend to tear from multiple uses.

I have just begun to organize my patterns using Valorie's storage method. My plan is to gradually introduce this, maybe by cleaning out part of a drawer at a time. Or I'll convert each pattern to this system, as I use it.

Before:

After:

Here is what Valerie says about her method of organizing patterns.

I reuse my patterns over and over again.  I have patterns that I use regularly that I have had for 20 years.  I alter them; I change collars;  I lengthen them and change or remove sleeves all together.  The result of all of this was I needed a system for preserving and storing my patterns.

The first thing I do with a new pattern is that I cut out the pattern pieces from the tissue leaving an ample amount of paper surrounding the pattern piece.  I then lay a thin fusible interfacing, glue side up, on my ironing surface and position the pattern pieces on the interfacing.  I then iron the pattern pieces onto the interfacing and cut out the individual pattern pieces.  For the interfacing I prefer to use Pellon Apparel Interfacing - Basics:  P44F JAS Fusible Interfacing.  The cost is $ .99 per yard; I wait for a coupon from Joann's and buy it by the bolt.  Do not use a stiff interfacing.

Now that I have my pattern pieces, I need to store them.  I purchase 10 x 13 white envelopes from the office supply store.  I take my pattern envelope and cut the front and back and place them side by side and tape them to the envelope.  I use the reverse side for any notes.  I store the envelopes in wicker baskets on shelves in my sewing room. A file cabinet would work also, but I like  the baskets because when I am fabric shopping online I place the basket next to me so that my patterns are handy.

Many thanks to Valerie for sharing this! Another reminder how much we learn from fellow sewers.