Hi from England. I also have organised my patterns in this way, absolutely marvelous. Like you I didn't know what I had, i have bought more than one of the same pattern!! We have a chain of really inexpensive stationery stores over here called 'The Works' and I have bought any stationery that I needed from them and it hasn't cost me a very much. I have used larger envelopes though, size A4 over here, not quite sure what you call them. These were easier to get hold of and cheaper than the size which you use. I had already started storing my PDF patterns in plastic envelopes and so have continued to do so, but copied the picture of the item together with sizing and metreage to keep in my binders. I am enjoying your sew along even though, at the moment, I am not making the jacket. Thank you for doing these videos.
Nice job Whitney! Hopefully you'll enjoy your new pattern set up. Thanks so much for sharing my contact information as a Palmer/Pletsch Sewing Consultant and distributor for their notions.
This is amazing, Whitney! I used to have a binder catalog for my stamp inventory. It makes it so easy to see what you have! I'm curious to see what you decide for your fabric.
Good morning Whitney! Another informative and fun video. Thank you! I like the idea of the binder full of the pattern packaging. I'm constantly pawing through my patterns and they are starting to get torn and dog eared. I had already sorted by company and number, I guess that comes from all of my office work days. I'm waiting for another sale so I can go get the Lisette jacket pattern and sew a long later. I figured out part of my problem with sewing all the bulk of my last make was due to me having the differential on my machine set to the wrong setting. So, I think I'll be able to sew heavier and bulkier now that I figured that out, lol. We've got sunshine and 50 degrees here today, so I'm going to get outside. I hope you have an amazing day!
@@TomKatStitcherydon't be too envious! We did the same thing here. Temperatures plunged to freezing. We have sleet and high winds now. But...all the snow has melted and all the birds are migrating! I've seen all the usual and even a mink this morning! He was trying not to get blown across the ice in the marsh from the 60 plus mph winds! Kind of like watching the Disney show Ice Age. Have a great weekend!
Loving that storage idea for patterns Whitney 👌... definitely going to use this system. I remember seeing Mimi G's vlog on that system too and thinking it was good but forgot about it, so this was a great reminder 👍. Wow....you have a lot of patterns 😵. I think I have about seventy patterns in my stash so I have a way to go to get to your level 😉😁. You should never run out of things to show us with that amazing stash 😍. Great vlog again Whitney 💝😘
thanks for your pattern storage ideas! I hadn't heard of doing it that way before. I'm a little afraid I'd lose pattern pieces (or somehow lose the connection between the pattern envelope and the tissue pattern) though (I tend to be a little disorganized...). I might look at photocopying the pattern envelope though and put that in a binder.
Maybe think about when you are doing a capsule wardrobe also doing a sew-a-long on 1 or 2 of the patterns. Maybe the more complicated or involved ones, or one with a fabric that might be a little tricky (pattern matching, slippery, sheer, etc.). Just some ideas. I love the light and breezy videos seeing what you have made but I also like some with a little more teeth (like the ones about techniques, your sew-a-longs, etc.) Thank you for all your diverse content!!
when you sew, are you more inspired by pattern or by color/capsule? if pattern first, sort your fabric by type. If you start with the color or capsule and find the pattern later, sort by color
I watched your video on instagram but I don’t know that app yet. The dress looks so beautiful on you. You asked if I have back sliden with my health. Well yes I have. I have to have surgery on Wed. the 20th. I was going to have it at IU North in Carmel but my doc wanted a different doc to do the surgery. I will still be having an endoscopy on April 8 at IU North. I guess I’m quite the patient. The medication they give me to sedate me makes me hilarious according to my husband and the nurses and the doc. Well anyway. I can’t imagine changing my pattern storage. I cut the envelope so that the front is on the front of a manilla envelope and the back is on the back and the tissue part goes inside the envelope and the are filed in a lateral filing cabinet by type.
Hi Whitney, I love your storage for the patterns, I saw the Mimi G Vlog and think it's a great idea. I also really like your Suzy dress I am going to invest in that pattern too. Thank you for posting xx
What/Where did you get the sliding mesh baskets your storing fabric in. they appear to stack? Love this because you can see what you have and how big are they. Love your videos and your knowledge is endless thanks so much for sharing
I saw Mimi G too and organised my patterns the same way, also organised my fabric stash the same as she did I.e. rolled up and laid so that the ends of the fabric show.....makes it very easy to locate fabric. I have much more of my fabric stored in plastic crates in a box room...have numbered crates ...and have Manila shipping tags with a sample of the fabric , length and width and if it has been washed already and the crate number it’s stored in.... hope it makes sense.🤔 it works well for me.
Wow! You are super organized and I’m jealous! I love the fabric idea, especially the rolling it part. I might have to summon some energy this weekend to make that happen!
Aren't binders and plastic pages great.. I have used this system for crafts.crochet..recipes etc for many many years now... glad you have everything organized... I also put patterns in plastic bags...put cut out patterns with all needs in large plastic bags..great show look
Hi Whitney thank you for sharing your pattern storage methods. Would actually be interested in the process of choosing approach for fabrics too if you decide to do this - once you’ve had a break from organising of course‼️ 😉😂
No I meant fabric re-organisation - if you go down that path would love to hear about it. The Marie condo of your fabrics. I’ve pulled out quite a large selection of seasonal fabrics from my stash and put it in a shelf in my sewing room where I can see it. Instead of weight I’m putting colours together. You know like you were saying about sewing in capsules. It’s not a bad approach. I think it would make a great video. I love your “talky” videos.
It is so cathartic isn't it. I have just added all my patterns to my trello I have a list for patterns and a list for my fabric stash. Means I have it on my phone as well as my computer and if I'm buying fabric I can just pull up the pattern and see what I need I've actually stopped myself buying duplicates since. X
What is sewing in capsules? I'm strongly leaning to this organization. Seams more efficient and I love flipping through my patterns. Thanks for sharing
I sew a lot in “collections” where the items in that group all coordinate. It’s like a capsule wardrobe, but on a miniature scale (5-7 pieces per mini capsule). I did a series of three different mini capsules in the fall that all went together to make up a larger one if you’re interested!
Thank you for the helpful video! I currently store my copyshop printed patterns on a rolls under the sofa, but it takes a lot of space. I was wondering what other method of storage to try and your system is very clever. I will definitely try to fold the big sheets like you did. There are no comics bags in my area, but I got ziplock bags from Ikea and hope they will do the job :)
Have you ever heard of ClearBags.com. They have every size you can imagine some with ziplock type top and some that reseal. I ordered from them recently to do what you are doing and ended up ordering other sizes for different things. You can choose a weight of plastic you want and went with a heavier plastic and wow what a difference it makes. In fact I’m thinking some of the Independent Pattern Companies may even use these bags (the ones that use the good bags with the zip top )when they ship patterns because they feel exactly the same.
I'm looking for a knit midi dress, empire waist fit and flare type. Do you have any suggestions? I thought you showed one called wonderlust, but I could be all wrong.
I LOVE the Pattern Emporium Wanderlust. It doesn't have a waist seam which work fabulous if you have a long or short torso. Also, Love Notions Tidal Dress is similar and the Itch to Stitch Sovana (though this last one does have a waist seam).
Most of the patterns I have printed off are on A0 sized paper (36x48). I have a couple that I've had to have them printed on a longer sheet (like a 36x110), but most are the A0 size.
I worked for over 22 plus years in a state gov dept doing office work. Here in Australia gov depts are often not known for their efficiency, but I have not organised my patterns using the Mimi G method - as I am not quick at sewing and some other tasks . The Mimi G pattern organisation method would use too much time when looking for a pattern. I have 7 boxes of sewing patterns so I need a pattern storage method that makes finding sewing pattern easy, simple and efficient pattern. I have stored a large amount of my sewing patterns by putting them into category types and not by pattern company, vintage etc. I use file dividers in my pattern boxes have more than one category in them and the category label on the divider. My patterns are stored vertically - not horizontally in my pattern boxes, so the file dividers can be seen easily. My fabric stash is not organised well. But I am not organizing my fabric for the time being.
I don’t tape any of my PDFs (or hardly any!). I have the copy shop files printed out at pdfplotting.com . It’s very affordable and I hate taping! I do have all my pdf print outs in plastic comic book covers since their paper is heavier, though!
New Subscriber here! That is a LOT of patterns! I have just over 400. I use a similar organization system. I have all my patterns sorted by company and numerical order, but I use patternreview.com for a catalog of my stash instead of the binders.
I have similar for patterns but use an app called airplay for my database to find what I need and set my own search terms, I have photos on my IG of how I set it up if you want to check it out, Taffyaprn on IG. Also I started to roll all my fabric so I easily see what I have and it has made a big difference since I stared that last year.... but I still sort by type and then group each type by color... but they all blend into each other, which is nice as you can see which ones work well together easily... plus the rolls make it nice and use the full depth of my ikea shelves and pull out and go back easily if needed.
My patterns are in zip lock bags, I then cut our fronts in binders. I have an old large actual pattern cabinet's are stuffed. Now I have new patterns. You keep your covers for pattern in clear folders. I'll need to organized as I changed sizes they are new patterns. I organize my fabric by type in tubes. It is sad to say I have 8 large tubes. Am now going to shop at home FIRST then shop. I found 4 fabrics upstairs in a bedroom with two closets. You have been good for seeing your stash is kept at a reasonable make up. Also keeping track of how much sewing I can actual sew up. New way of not hoarding! You're going to replace old habits into new ways to do sewing. I just realized I've been sewing 55 years. I'm now 63 and started @ 8 years.
I can only imagine what my pattern and fabric stashes will look like when I get to that point! I just can’t help myself, but am trying to sew through some of it 😬
Thank you. That was informative. I like how you store your patterns. I've always been up and down with decisions of how to do my storage. This helped
Me as well. I feel like I’ve tried all the systems so we’ll see if this one sticks! So far I’m finding it quite easy to navigate.
love that your puppy joins you in the chair...so cute!
😂 she’s a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and they HAVE to be near their person whenever possible. She’s the definition of a shadow!
Hi from England. I also have organised my patterns in this way, absolutely marvelous. Like you I didn't know what I had, i have bought more than one of the same pattern!! We have a chain of really inexpensive stationery stores over here called 'The Works' and I have bought any stationery that I needed from them and it hasn't cost me a very much. I have used larger envelopes though, size A4 over here, not quite sure what you call them. These were easier to get hold of and cheaper than the size which you use. I had already started storing my PDF patterns in plastic envelopes and so have continued to do so, but copied the picture of the item together with sizing and metreage to keep in my binders. I am enjoying your sew along even though, at the moment, I am not making the jacket. Thank you for doing these videos.
It’s my absolute pleasure!
Nice job Whitney! Hopefully you'll enjoy your new pattern set up. Thanks so much for sharing my contact information as a Palmer/Pletsch Sewing Consultant and distributor for their notions.
It’s amazing. Thank you for the inspiration!
This is amazing, Whitney! I used to have a binder catalog for my stamp inventory. It makes it so easy to see what you have! I'm curious to see what you decide for your fabric.
Thanks for your video! I have put my much smaller pattern “collection” in binders. Just love this idea as I am very visual. Yeah!!👏👏👏😎
The blue dress is beautiful. It goes so well with your skin , hair and eyes. You look amazing in that color.
Aww, thanks, Elizabeth! It’s one of my favorite colors!
Good morning Whitney! Another informative and fun video. Thank you! I like the idea of the binder full of the pattern packaging. I'm constantly pawing through my patterns and they are starting to get torn and dog eared. I had already sorted by company and number, I guess that comes from all of my office work days. I'm waiting for another sale so I can go get the Lisette jacket pattern and sew a long later. I figured out part of my problem with sewing all the bulk of my last make was due to me having the differential on my machine set to the wrong setting. So, I think I'll be able to sew heavier and bulkier now that I figured that out, lol. We've got sunshine and 50 degrees here today, so I'm going to get outside. I hope you have an amazing day!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the video, Laurie! I’m also super jealous of your weather! We plunged back into the 30s with snow flurries/cold rain 🙄!
@@TomKatStitcherydon't be too envious! We did the same thing here. Temperatures plunged to freezing. We have sleet and high winds now. But...all the snow has melted and all the birds are migrating! I've seen all the usual and even a mink this morning! He was trying not to get blown across the ice in the marsh from the 60 plus mph winds! Kind of like watching the Disney show Ice Age. Have a great weekend!
Laurie Green-Schillawski 😂 I love that word picture! Poor mink! We are see some positive signs that spring is on the way as well!
Loving that storage idea for patterns Whitney 👌... definitely going to use this system. I remember seeing Mimi G's vlog on that system too and thinking it was good but forgot about it, so this was a great reminder 👍. Wow....you have a lot of patterns 😵. I think I have about seventy patterns in my stash so I have a way to go to get to your level 😉😁. You should never run out of things to show us with that amazing stash 😍. Great vlog again Whitney 💝😘
😂 you’re right! I should never run out of projects! It was a bit eye opening to go through everything. I have ALOT of patterns 😬.
Very organised, your Suzy dress looks fab, I've seen a few versions and it seems to suit so many body shapes. 😊
It really is a great pattern. It’s so easy to dress up or down as well!
Love your blue frock, but I would insert a bust dart for a better fit, as it pulls across the bust.
Super Video! Thank you for sharing your pattern organization! I want/need to do this also:)
I wrap my material around cardboard and store them in bins sideways so when I open them I can see what I have. That way they don't get dirty or dusty
That’s a great idea!
thanks for your pattern storage ideas! I hadn't heard of doing it that way before. I'm a little afraid I'd lose pattern pieces (or somehow lose the connection between the pattern envelope and the tissue pattern) though (I tend to be a little disorganized...). I might look at photocopying the pattern envelope though and put that in a binder.
That would totally work as well!
Maybe think about when you are doing a capsule wardrobe also doing a sew-a-long on 1 or 2 of the patterns. Maybe the more complicated or involved ones, or one with a fabric that might be a little tricky (pattern matching, slippery, sheer, etc.). Just some ideas. I love the light and breezy videos seeing what you have made but I also like some with a little more teeth (like the ones about techniques, your sew-a-longs, etc.) Thank you for all your diverse content!!
That’s exactly what I was kind of
thinking so that’s reassuring! Thanks for the comment!
Great job! I think I might try out your pattern storage method.
when you sew, are you more inspired by pattern or by color/capsule? if pattern first, sort your fabric by type. If you start with the color or capsule and find the pattern later, sort by color
I watched your video on instagram but I don’t know that app yet. The dress looks so beautiful on you. You asked if I have back sliden with my health. Well yes I have. I have to have surgery on Wed. the 20th. I was going to have it at IU North in Carmel but my doc wanted a different doc to do the surgery. I will still be having an endoscopy on April 8 at IU North. I guess I’m quite the patient. The medication they give me to sedate me makes me hilarious according to my husband and the nurses and the doc. Well anyway. I can’t imagine changing my pattern storage. I cut the envelope so that the front is on the front of a manilla envelope and the back is on the back and the tissue part goes inside the envelope and the are filed in a lateral filing cabinet by type.
I am so sorry your health is backsliding! I’m sure that’s incredibly frustrating. I am glad, however, that you found my channel!
Love the dress and color.
Hi Whitney, I love your storage for the patterns, I saw the Mimi G Vlog and think it's a great idea. I also really like your Suzy dress I am going to invest in that pattern too. Thank you for posting xx
What/Where did you get the sliding mesh baskets your storing fabric in. they appear to stack? Love this because you can see what you have and how big are they. Love your videos and your knowledge is endless thanks so much for sharing
That is the Elfa system from The Container Store. I really love mine!
Oh my so many patterns!
I saw Mimi G too and organised my patterns the same way, also organised my fabric stash the same as she did I.e. rolled up and laid so that the ends of the fabric show.....makes it very easy to locate fabric. I have much more of my fabric stored in plastic crates in a box room...have numbered crates ...and have Manila shipping tags with a sample of the fabric , length and width and if it has been washed already and the crate number it’s stored in.... hope it makes sense.🤔 it works well for me.
Wow! You are super organized and I’m jealous! I love the fabric idea, especially the rolling it part. I might have to summon some energy this weekend to make that happen!
Aren't binders and plastic pages great.. I have used this system for crafts.crochet..recipes etc for many many years now... glad you have everything organized... I also put patterns in plastic bags...put cut out patterns with all needs in large plastic bags..great show look
Hi Whitney thank you for sharing your pattern storage methods. Would actually be interested in the process of choosing approach for fabrics too if you decide to do this - once you’ve had a break from organising of course‼️ 😉😂
Do you mean how I pair patterns with fabric?
No I meant fabric re-organisation - if you go down that path would love to hear about it. The Marie condo of your fabrics. I’ve pulled out quite a large selection of seasonal fabrics from my stash and put it in a shelf in my sewing room where I can see it. Instead of weight I’m putting colours together. You know like you were saying about sewing in capsules. It’s not a bad approach. I think it would make a great video. I love your “talky” videos.
This Girl Sews ok! I’ll probably end up doing that and can totally do a “talky” video about it 😂!
It is so cathartic isn't it. I have just added all my patterns to my trello I have a list for patterns and a list for my fabric stash. Means I have it on my phone as well as my computer and if I'm buying fabric I can just pull up the pattern and see what I need I've actually stopped myself buying duplicates since. X
It is cathartic! I find that no matter what system you use, just the process of organizing them can be very inspiring!
@@TomKatStitchery totally I've made more this week than since the start of the year x
i like it, thank you so much.
I've been meaning to do this, maybe you've inspired me to get it done!
😂 it’s one of the projects that you really have to be in the mood to do!
What is sewing in capsules? I'm strongly leaning to this organization. Seams more efficient and I love flipping through my patterns. Thanks for sharing
I sew a lot in “collections” where the items in that group all coordinate. It’s like a capsule wardrobe, but on a miniature scale (5-7 pieces per mini capsule). I did a series of three different mini capsules in the fall that all went together to make up a larger one if you’re interested!
Thank you for the helpful video! I currently store my copyshop printed patterns on a rolls under the sofa, but it takes a lot of space. I was wondering what other method of storage to try and your system is very clever. I will definitely try to fold the big sheets like you did. There are no comics bags in my area, but I got ziplock bags from Ikea and hope they will do the job :)
I got my comic book bags from Amazon, but IKEA bags should work as well!
Have you ever heard of ClearBags.com. They have every size you can imagine some with ziplock type top and some that reseal. I ordered from them recently to do what you are doing and ended up ordering other sizes for different things. You can choose a weight of plastic you want and went with a heavier plastic and wow what a difference it makes. In fact I’m thinking some of the Independent Pattern Companies may even use these bags (the ones that use the good bags with the zip top )when they ship patterns because they feel exactly the same.
What a great tip! Thank you!
I'm looking for a knit midi dress, empire waist fit and flare type. Do you have any suggestions? I thought you showed one called wonderlust, but I could be all wrong.
I LOVE the Pattern Emporium Wanderlust. It doesn't have a waist seam which work fabulous if you have a long or short torso. Also, Love Notions Tidal Dress is similar and the Itch to Stitch Sovana (though this last one does have a waist seam).
My goodness! You should open a rental pattern company!
😂 I know. I really took advantage of those pattern sales!
Fabric-type and color
Yep. I think that might be the answer!
Just curious, but what size PDF paper do you usually do?
Most of the patterns I have printed off are on A0 sized paper (36x48). I have a couple that I've had to have them printed on a longer sheet (like a 36x110), but most are the A0 size.
Cute Dog!!
Whitney, how will you find a specific pattern when you have a particular one in mind. I would find that very frustrating.
It’s not hard to flip through the binders to find the pattern since I have them sorted by type.
I worked for over 22 plus years in a state gov dept doing office work. Here in Australia gov depts are often not known for their efficiency, but I have not organised my patterns using the Mimi G method - as I am not quick at sewing and some other tasks . The Mimi G pattern organisation method would use too much time when looking for a pattern. I have 7 boxes of sewing patterns so I need a pattern storage method that makes finding sewing pattern easy, simple and efficient pattern. I have stored a large amount of my sewing patterns by putting them into category types and not by pattern company, vintage etc. I use file dividers in my pattern boxes have more than one category in them and the category label on the divider. My patterns are stored vertically - not horizontally in my pattern boxes, so the file dividers can be seen easily.
My fabric stash is not organised well. But I am not organizing my fabric for the time being.
That was super interesting. Do you have all the taped pages of the pdf patterns in those Manila envelopes? Wondering how you get them to fit.
I don’t tape any of my PDFs (or hardly any!). I have the copy shop files printed out at pdfplotting.com . It’s very affordable and I hate taping! I do have all my pdf print outs in plastic comic book covers since their paper is heavier, though!
New Subscriber here! That is a LOT of patterns! I have just over 400. I use a similar organization system. I have all my patterns sorted by company and numerical order, but I use patternreview.com for a catalog of my stash instead of the binders.
I have similar for patterns but use an app called airplay for my database to find what I need and set my own search terms, I have photos on my IG of how I set it up if you want to check it out, Taffyaprn on IG. Also I started to roll all my fabric so I easily see what I have and it has made a big difference since I stared that last year.... but I still sort by type and then group each type by color... but they all blend into each other, which is nice as you can see which ones work well together easily... plus the rolls make it nice and use the full depth of my ikea shelves and pull out and go back easily if needed.
I love that idea for the fabric! I’m going
to totally steal that idea!
My patterns are in zip lock bags, I then cut our fronts in binders. I have an old large actual pattern cabinet's are stuffed. Now I have new patterns. You keep your covers for pattern in clear folders. I'll need to organized as I changed sizes they are new patterns. I organize my fabric by type in tubes. It is sad to say I have 8 large tubes. Am now going to shop at home FIRST then shop. I found 4 fabrics upstairs in a bedroom with two closets. You have been good for seeing your stash is kept at a reasonable make up. Also keeping track of how much sewing I can actual sew up. New way of not hoarding! You're going to replace old habits into new ways to do sewing. I just realized I've been sewing 55 years. I'm now 63 and started @ 8 years.
I can only imagine what my pattern and fabric stashes will look like when I get to that point! I just can’t help myself, but am trying to sew through some of it 😬