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From: avajo
Date: 09-23-2004, 12:35 AM (1 of 10)
| I am fairly new to sewing and have a large collection of patterns , due to the fact that I found about 80 brand new patterns at a yard sale for a couple of dollars. When I have used a pattern I can never get it back in the envelope neatly. There is one pattern that I have used about 10 times to make my little boy some shorts for last summer. Now it is wearing out. I thought that all of the patterns I bought were brand new because they had never been cut apart and looked like never used. After reading some of the posts here I am wondering if they look this way because whoever had them traced them instead of cutting them. I would be interested to know what ya'll think is the best way of handling patterns for ease of use and also durability. Sorry this is so long , but do you trace or cut and if you trace what do you generally use for paper? Thank you. |
User: avajo
Member since: 09-01-2004 Total posts: 10 |
From: SBEAR
Date: 09-23-2004, 03:51 AM (2 of 10)
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I sew continuously, all the time, and I always have a project in progress and I'm thinking of several more that I want to do after that! If I am using a pattern for the first time, or plan to use it only once, I cut the pieces out and make any necessary alterations by folding, pinning, cutting, splitting, spreading, etc. I save any large envelopes from the mail and after I have used a pattern, I fold the pieces carefully and store in the large envelope. I cut the original envelope, lay it flat, and rubber-cement that envelope to the large envelope from the mail. That way everything is easily stored, neat, and I can retrieve the pattern later if I want to. I include any notes I took while using and fitting the pattern. I trace off any "old faithful" on Dewsew non woven white interfacing material and indicate any markings. These patterns last forever with reasonable care. If I am drawing a pattern by using a pattern I already have or even a garment as a basis, anything goes! I scotch-tape pieces of newspaper together and use that, or I lay brown paper bags flat, open them up, and use that for small pieces. I suppose you could buy light-colored rolls of gift wrap on sale and use that also. When I am totally satisfied with a pattern, I trace it off onto dewsew if I am going to be using it often. Happy sewing! |
User: SBEAR
Member since: 09-15-2004 Total posts: 31 |
From: Holly Berry
Date: 09-23-2004, 07:38 AM (3 of 10)
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I trace my patterns on tracing paper. I got it from Nancy's Notions. I've heard of using light weight interfacing, tissue gift wrap paper. When I'm done I put everything in a gallon size zip lock bag I get from the dollar store. I put the pattern envelope in front to show through. A one dollar box will last for ever. I will say I cut patterns I get cheap like a dollar at Joann's. I have found some at Goodwill. I also shop at Goodwill, yard sales for clothes I can take apart for the fabric. Stuff like velvet, satin, silk. 
Holly Berry
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User: Holly Berry
Member since: 09-10-2003 Total posts: 77 
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From: craftylady_9
Date: 09-23-2004, 08:52 AM (4 of 10)
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I cut my patterns apart on the outside, whatever the biggest size the pattern goes to, and then I have all sizes available so if I need them I have them. I pin them to the fabric, but if it something that I'm going to use time and time again, I make more patterns out of that one out of newspaper or heavy christmas paper and sometimes on a few I've found myself putting some heavy duty scotch tape over the "pin holes" that I have made. Then, I keep all my patterns in plastic totes. I have a tote for my patterns and one for my daughter's patterns. This keeps them neat and tidy. I do like the idea of keeping them in those zip lock bags as well. Sometimes I've done that myself, especially those that have alot of small pieces that the craft patterns can have. But, I keep them also in a tote or box, as well. Hope you all have a happy stitching day!!!! 
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User: craftylady_9
Member since: 09-22-2004 Total posts: 6 |
From: Pudge99
Date: 09-23-2004, 09:56 AM (5 of 10)
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If it is a one size only or a one time only pattern, I cut it out. If it is a multisized that I use a few times a year or if the pieces are very large, I cut out the largest size and then fold it down to the smaller ones if I need to. If it is one that I use over and over and over, I trace it onto poster board or old cardboard boxes. Then I punch a hole in it and hang in on a nail in the wall. Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: Mischka
Date: 09-23-2004, 01:38 PM (6 of 10)
The local newspaper just posted an ad that it had free rolls of plain newsprint paper, so I'm to pick one up tonight. Hoping it will work well for tracing and making pattern duplicates. Glad you posed this question, Avajo, cause I wasn't sure either! 
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User: Mischka
Member since: 09-01-2004 Total posts: 63 |
From: SusanL
Date: 09-23-2004, 10:37 PM (7 of 10)
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For storing patterns, I have started storing the pattern in a folder that I have sewn together on each side. I oen up the pattern envelope and glue it to the outside of the folder. I also include any instructions, and even a swatch of material that I really liked. They hang neatly in a filng cabinet, and I love having them orgnaized. (I read this in a book, but not sure which one it was in) |
User: SusanL
Member since: 09-18-2004 Total posts: 8 |
From: JJJGilbert
Date: 09-24-2004, 12:09 PM (8 of 10)
I cut them out.. But I think I will start to trace them. Yesterday, I cut part of the my favorite pattern  . Since it is my favorite pattern I am a little ticked off at myself  !
Jessica
****************************** Kenmore 385.19365990 |
User: JJJGilbert
Member since: 08-28-2004 Total posts: 18 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 09-24-2004, 01:38 PM (9 of 10)
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I cut them out. By the time the pattern wears out the garment is out of style anyway. Or, and I have done this, I replace it. I buy on sale and have a drawer full of unused patterns. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: beachgirl
Date: 09-24-2004, 04:59 PM (10 of 10)
| I iron on the non woven interfacing on the back of most all my patterns. They wear forever. Even the ones I make myself. I also don't cut a multiple size pattern, I trace it off on the paper the Drs. use on their tables. One roll last forever. I also use a file cabinet for my patterns, put them in a gallon plastic bag. I can fold a pattern back like it came if I trace from it. Guess I'm just lucky. Just follow the folded lines. I too save all changes I do & shortcuts or whatever. I always look for patterns at garage sales or resale shops. Have found many new ones plus some older home dec ones I liked. |
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615 
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