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From: keljo60
Date: 08-01-2006, 12:42 PM (1 of 17)
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I wanted to share a tip for those who iron their pattern pieces to put them back in the original envelope. While ironing the piece, fold it so the piece number is on top and it's small enough for the envelope (duh!). That way when you go to re-use the pattern it's easy to find the pieces you need without unfolding all the wrong pieces first!
Kelly
Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and good with ketchup! |
User: keljo60
Member since: 07-30-2006 Total posts: 154 
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From: MaryW
Date: 08-01-2006, 01:39 PM (2 of 17)
Excellent tip keljo. Hi and welcome to Sew Whats New. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: johnmouse
Date: 08-02-2006, 07:54 AM (3 of 17)
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I also store the small pattern pieces inside a previously numbered one so they don't get lost in the shuffle. Now, how do you refold a road map? John |
User: johnmouse
Member since: 06-23-2006 Total posts: 22 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 08-02-2006, 08:05 AM (4 of 17)
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Once I cut a pattern I keep the piece of each garment in a plastic bag or envelope inside the original package. That way I don't have to hunt for them. Some people have elaborate storage systems but I don't have time for all that. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: keljo60
Date: 08-02-2006, 09:31 PM (5 of 17)
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Sorry John, you're on your own on that one! Dorothy, I don't have the space for neat little things either! I had DH build a sewing/cutting table I designed years ago (this is my 2nd table) that works wonderfully in a small space. "L" shaped, left side 6'x3'x3/4" thick, front is 4'x2'x3/4" thick. When I was in Ohio he used something called "Cortec" board from a company called "Crane Cortec". It is 3/4" plywood that is coated with a type of vinyl fiberglass. It was absolutely fabulous for a sewing/cutting table! The legs of my center are just a rack type structure that holds Rubbermaid containers for storage. I can set up my regular sewing machine and my serger side by side if needed with enough room to work! Cutting side is large enough to hold a quilt for sewing also. If anyone would like a picture, PM me and I will be happy to email one to them. Kelly
Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and good with ketchup! |
User: keljo60
Member since: 07-30-2006 Total posts: 154
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From: MJADAA
Date: 08-03-2006, 01:07 PM (6 of 17)
 I use the bags too ,i slit the pattern envelope so that its open an all but one side then the pattern pieces slip into it and you can see all the envelope info through the plastic bag.
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User: MJADAA
Member since: 03-09-2006 Total posts: 22 |
From: stephi
Date: 08-03-2006, 02:12 PM (7 of 17)
I keep mine in a Gallon zip lock bags with the pattern envelope in the front where I can see it. Then I have them all stored in a tall plastic drawer set. 
Stephi
"No body knows what it is that I do until I dont do it" "if you do what you have always done you will get what you have always gotten" |
User: stephi
Member since: 03-17-2006 Total posts: 361 
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From: Nina Christen
Date: 08-03-2006, 04:07 PM (8 of 17)
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I also keep mine in gallon ziplock bags with the pattern picture in the front. Since I sew for daughters, grandsons, granddaughters, and great granddaughters, I have a large labeled plastic storage container for each one plus one for crafts and of course my own. I have a 5 shelf metal storage rack set up for storage in my craft room. Someone keeps putting more and more STUFF on it. One of these days it will have to be cleaned out and rearranged. Ha ha I guess you could call that job security!! Always a job for me to do. Gmanina
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User: Nina Christen
Member since: 05-02-2003 Total posts: 36 
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From: paroper
Date: 08-06-2006, 10:20 AM (9 of 17)
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I just unceremoniously smash my pattern until it "fits" in the envelope. I also add any pieces that I have traced to that envelope. I'm a bit type "a" but I am more impatient! By the way, if you iron your patterns be sure you don't steam them..they WILL shrink sometimes they shrink when they are ironed (a little) anyway if you notice sometimes there are small puckers on the unironed portion where the unironed portion is a tiny bit larger. I don't know that normal ironing would cause a significant difference in size. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: keljo60
Date: 08-06-2006, 02:43 PM (10 of 17)
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Good point about the creases from ironing. I make sure that I don't have those because it does effect the size of the pattern.
Kelly
Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and good with ketchup! |
User: keljo60
Member since: 07-30-2006 Total posts: 154
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From: bridesmom
Date: 08-06-2006, 07:33 PM (11 of 17)
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I'm another ziplock bag user! I gave up on trying to get all those pieces back into those little pockets, especially since I make lots of traced out pieces. One thing I have started doing is using an index card and box, and writing down the pattern number, date, and any changes I made or comments, then stapling a small scrap of fabric to the corner, and filing it in the little box. Then when I want to remake something I can figure out which pattern I used. This has really worked well now that I am sewing for the grands!
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: keljo60
Date: 08-06-2006, 09:43 PM (12 of 17)
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Laura, that's a good idea, I think I'll try that! Since I want to start sewing more now I want to be able to keep my alterations straight!
Kelly
Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and good with ketchup! |
User: keljo60
Member since: 07-30-2006 Total posts: 154
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From: NeedleWorker
Date: 08-22-2006, 10:27 PM (13 of 17)
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I too use zip lock bags. I use them on newer patterns. On older ones from 1930's - 1950's I use those acid free resealable bags. I have two file cabinets full of them. I have two drawers for Vogue and one drawer for untility patterns like curtains, purses, pillows, pets, and costumes. The rest are full of everything else. Another thing I do is when I'm shopping auctions for vintage patterns I noticed a lot patterns have the same dress but a different brand. Like Simplicity will have a dress that has the same sleeve, darts, interfacing, neckline, ect.. as a McCall's. I print the similar picture and stick it in the zip lock bag of the one I have. Why buy the same pattern with a different manufacturer on it? Anyhoo..... Sew free.....Sew happy!!! Yvette |
User: NeedleWorker
Member since: 04-05-2006 Total posts: 13 |
From: Mom of Six
Date: 08-23-2006, 06:08 AM (14 of 17)
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what size ziplocs do you use? I like the index card hint. I have a top I love but can't remember which pattern I used. I am going to try to figure it out as soon as I finish all the skirts I have to make this week. I usually just fold the pattern pieces all about the same size, put them in the middle of the instruction & slip them back in the envelope. I am happy if it doesn't rip. Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115 
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From: bridesmom
Date: 08-23-2006, 10:16 AM (15 of 17)
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I use the freezer size about 11x12" cause I can't find anything smaller. I did find some small bags that just barely fit the envelope but then I have to stuff again, and it defeats the purpose. So I just fold over the excess when I file it in the drawer.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: jjgrammie
Date: 08-26-2006, 10:32 PM (16 of 17)
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HI I also use the gallon ZipLock bags I usually end up making copies of the patterns..tracing each size When I am done I put all the pieces into the ziploc with the pattern picture showing (  (most of the time. But I also take an index card and staple a piece of the fabric I used and what size I made. I have some patterns that have all the sizes made and maybe 10 different fabrics I used.Believe me I am not a neat person I have several boxes and drawers of patterns but sometimes my granddaughter will come to me with one of her dresses and say...Grammie can I have another one just like this except I'll choose different fabric. most of the time I know just which pattern to go to but other times I have to look through a feww and search for the fabric I used. And I always know that everything is in that envelope  not really neatly but my iron is my friend  Phyllis |
User: jjgrammie
Member since: 10-13-2005 Total posts: 20 |
From: DivineMsN
Date: 09-05-2006, 09:34 AM (17 of 17)
| I use manilla folders that are stapled at the end. I write down the name of the pattern and I slip the patterns back in. |
User: DivineMsN
Member since: 09-01-2006 Total posts: 1 |
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