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From: Anza54
Date: 04-09-2007, 12:46 PM (1 of 9)
Good Morning Everyone, Not really sure which correct forum to use for this question. I would like to get all my patterns organized. I have them in many places in my sewing area. Many years ago I was able to purchase inexpensive cardboard pattern boxes. They work great but I need many more. I haven't seen them around for awhile, well actually I haven't really looked that hard.  Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I can use instead of the special made ones. I was considering making some by resizing some cardboard boxes, but too time consuming. I don't really want to make a special trip to the Big City to look around for these boxes. I would like to be able to stack the boxes on top of each other. Thanks All, Anza54
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User: Anza54
Member since: 03-13-2007 Total posts: 63 |
From: paroper
Date: 04-09-2007, 07:53 PM (2 of 9)
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Well, not all of us will be able to take advantage of this, but those who have fabric shops closing in their areas...I was able to get a pattern file cabinet from an area Joanne store when it closed a few years ago. With all the Hancocks stores closing you may be able to pick up one there. I also had a friend who said that our local Habitat for Humanity store had some very thin file cabinets (must have been for card files?) for sale. I haven't checked on them but he said they were perfect for patterns. 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: Sancin
Date: 04-09-2007, 11:33 PM (3 of 9)
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I have used bankers file boxes (with hand holds) for many years and available from stationary/ office supply stores. You can get 2 rows of patterns facing the long side with bigger patterns at the back. I keep mine in a stack and sort and label boxes according to type eg. tops, pants, dresses, outerwear, childrens, crafts etc. Has worked very well. I had 5 boxes on the go for years but recently I was able to purge down to one of old faithfuls and design features I may use. The ones I am currently planning on or sewing on I keep in my sewing room in a plastic container the same as the banker boxes and match the ones I store fabric in.
*~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895 
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From: luv2sew
Date: 04-10-2007, 08:56 AM (4 of 9)
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Maybe you can find something to fit your needs here: https://www.nancysnotions.com/NNVia/viaListProducts.jsp?searchText=pattern^storage&modifier=SEARCH&reqTitle=TITLE_VIASEARCHRESULT Good luck. 
Luv2sew
An act of kindness is never wasted!! |
User: luv2sew
Member since: 05-21-2004 Total posts: 174 
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From: weezyrider
Date: 04-10-2007, 10:21 AM (5 of 9)
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Those plastic storage units with drawers that most office supply stores sell work well, also. The wider ones will hold 2 rows of patterns side by side and at least 20 in each row. Plus they are stackable if you take the wheels off. Weezy |
User: weezyrider
Member since: 08-19-2003 Total posts: 218 
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From: greatseams
Date: 04-12-2007, 07:17 AM (6 of 9)
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I was lucky enough to find filing cabinets....the 2-drawer ones for nearly nothing at our local thrift shop. I purchased spring-tension rods and placed them length-wise in each drawer, so I can have two long rows of patterns. I made dividers from cut up file folders, labeled them...and there you are! I works for me...but then, I sew in my garage...so it's not fancy...just neat. Kathy a few spare hours, a stash of fabric, and a well oiled machine...
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User: greatseams
Member since: 03-28-2007 Total posts: 22 |
From: HeatherL
Date: 04-12-2007, 10:35 AM (7 of 9)
| I use the Sterilite 3-drawer carts, bought at my local Wal-Mart. Patterns fit perfectly if stored sideways. |
User: HeatherL
Member since: 03-13-2004 Total posts: 102 |
From: Jayde877
Date: 04-16-2007, 02:48 AM (8 of 9)
| I don't use boxes for my patterns, I found an old 3 ring binder and with gallon size and regular size ziplock bags I store my patterns that way. I cut open the pattern envelope and tape the front of it to the front of a gallon bag and that back of the envelope to the backside. I then trace the pattern in whatever size I need and store the pieces for each piece of clothing in a seperate small ziplock. I write with a permanent marker on the small bags what item it is (shirt, pants, skirt etc) and the size I cut(traced) it in on the small bag. Then all the little bags go in the big one, I punch three holes in the gallon bag (with the zipper to the right, my preference) and put the gallon bag in the binder. The binder can get fat rather quickly, so the wider ones are better. Since I only have a few patterns at the moment it works well for me. I buy a new binder when I start working on a new pattern that I don't have room for. It helps to keep me organized and to know where all my pattern pieces are. Before I did this, I had pattern pieces all over the house. lol |
User: Jayde877
Member since: 07-27-2005 Total posts: 106 
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From: paroper
Date: 04-16-2007, 09:11 AM (9 of 9)
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Wow, you trace patterns before you use them? I only trace the patterns when I use them. I have a lot of patterns that have never been touched and enough new and used patterns to fill two pattern file cabinets. (I gave away a mess of patterns several years ago). I am negociating a new file cabinet right now. While I think that a reference book with pattern pictures and details, like where to find the pattern, are very handy, if you are someone who collects zippers, buttons, patterns, etc, you need to think in terms of long-term storage. I have the pull out stacking drawers on top of my file cabinet...2 deep, 5 high. That puts them stacking (currently) to the ceiling but they are all together. I reach the top drawers with a small set of steps or I take the drawer out (which I can reach.) When the steps are not in use for that, I use them for marking others people's hems. (I have never been able to get my husband to make a hat box for me...maybe with the next husband?) 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 |
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