JOY you are Miss Organization personified. I love what you did. I’m thinking of moving but when I get there I think I’m going to use your plan it’s wonderful. You made me so proud when you showed you are using the Itty Bitty Boxy Bag I made you. I’m happy you are using it. JOY you really are quite an inspiration
Hi Joy, Hadn't sewed in awhile so I haven't seen any of your videos in quite sometime. SOOOO Nice to see you are still here. I have always enjoyed your video's. I started sewing with your video's!!! Thanks Joy for still sharing with us...Stay safe.
What a great system! I like the idea of the notebook to peruse what pattern to choose. One could also keep the pictures in digital form and make a digital notebook either for a computer or for an iPad! I'd probably take a snap of both the front and back and make a notebook in the Goodnotes app on the iPad. Lots of ways to succeed😁 Love the boxes too!
I understand this video is about a year old but I can relate to your madness. I don't take photos of my patterns but instead will either go to Pinterest or the pattern company and use my snipping tool to copy then paste the photo inside file folders on my laptop by pattern company, then by tops, pants, skirts etc. My patterns are filed in a file cabinet that holds 2 patterns side by side and are organized by their number. It works for me. Thank you for this video.
I love it! Love love love the whole 4-pocket page protectors with the photos! Man that was a lot of work, but so worth it. Those page protectors (photo protectors?) reminded me of the days when I'd cut coupons and put them in those kind of protectors in a binder. I think they're technically for trading cards - but then that could be ones that have more, smaller pockets, can't remember. Doesn't matter, this is a fabulous system and if it wouldn't mean I'd have to redo everything, I'd do it myself. And great deal on printing the photos! Makes me want to look for a sale just to have regular photos printed. ❤️
Great system, Joy - you must be thrilled you got it all sorted. I don’t have a huge collection myself as I’ve only relatively recently started sewing garments again - encouraged by you and Viv! Kind regards from Penny in Liverpool 🇬🇧😊💕
I'm impressed with your pattern storage, Joy! I love it! I don't think I have that many patterns. I store mine in tomato boxes. 2 for ladies patterns, 2 for kids patterns - divided by size ( toddlers and 6-10) and one a little bit bigger for craft patterns. Some of the patterns I've had a long time, and made several times! Thanks for the organizing inspiration!
Like your system ☺️ I have a binder with the pattern envelopes, then patterns in larger envelopes, numbered in boxes. I don't have to many so it works for now. Thanks for sharing your organization ❤️🌸😋
Wow! That was some task you undertook. However it will be so worth it. I bet you will enjoy going through the binder and picking out things to sew. I only have about 12 patterns but I might start making photos now. Joy Is so sweet. I sent her a few pictures of my top and she answered so quickly and told me what needed to be done. Thank you. Again enjoy sitting back in a recliner with a cup of coffee with your binder
This is excellent! Girlfriend, I hear you on the searching high and low to find just the thing that does the job you need it to do and has the right dimensions. Scoured Amazon many a time. Your new system looks so functional. Setup takes a while, but the end result is so worth it. Nice job and thank you for sharing with us.
I did a similar system. What I did was take a picture of the pattern front and also the back with all the information and stored them in my google pictures. I then put in the pattern company and tags such as dress, blouse. pants. they are all in an album. They don’ t have to be in order when i saved them to album. When I go into the album I can search by company or by category such blouses and all blouses come up even if the blouse is in a wardrobe pattern. If I am at the store I can retrieve all my patterns. I did store them in Hersey Chippets (free from Costco). boxes which have dividers perfectly for two patterns side by side. Theses are filed by company Simplicity , McCalls etc. When I look in my album on my computer, iPad or iPhone I can ask for a category and all pants would come up. I am finding this so useful especially fabric shopping and not buying duplicates. This was one of my COVID projects while staying at home. I really like your boxes. My boxes are on a shelf with curtains drawn across the shelving so no one sees them. I could spray paint the chippets boxes but for now it’s fine. Like you I did not want them out of their pattern envelope. I want minimal, functional system.
I organize my indie patterns with an index of pattern pics, but my big 4 patterns are organized in dollar store bins by brand. I don’t have nearly the number of patterns you do! Great use of the picture protectors:) Thanks for sharing!
I have 300 sewing patterns and I too decided to file them numerical as well. I store mine in an older, wide filing cabinet in my sewing room. There are four boxes in each drawer that fit the patterns, so in can pull out a box and not have the other patterns shirf or fall over. It s fun looking through vintage and more modern patterns and seeing the similarities in the styles over the years.
I’m with you...I don’t want to take the patterns out of the envelope. I love your system. I have a board on my Pinterest with my patterns...I simply looked up the pattern number and pinned it.
Great job, Joy. I love the pattern system. It is so nice to have a counter book. Now you will know what patterns you have. I would love to have those boxes for my patterns.
Yep, a counter book gives you everything you'd have in the store. Though, I do wish that they hadn't stopped putting the fabric requirements for each view in the books in the stores. You have to get the pattern from the drawer.
I only have about 60s patterns. Often used are in a sewing machine cabinet drawer. Others filed by dresses, suits, casual, pants, etc w half ✂ file folders in between and placed sideways in 2 plastic cases.
Oh my goodness! I created two boards on Pintrest: Patterns I Have and Patterns I Want. I looked up all the patterns I have on Pintrest and saved them to my "Patterns I Have" board. When I see a pattern online that I want, I put it on the other board. Then when I'm at the pattern counter, I can search on my Pintrest board to see if I own it already or not. That's the only drawback to the system you have is unless you have a spreadsheet on your phone of all your patterns, you might buy duplicates again. For the books, I kind of did what you did with all my Villa Rosa Designs quilt patterns (I have 100's of them). I got a scrapbook with 4x6 inserts with 6 patterns per page. First I separated by required fabric type (yardage, FQs, 10" squares, etc.) and then I attempted some sort of alphabetical sequence but then what do I do when they make new patterns? I'm not going to re-sequence them! Fortunately, they came out with an app and that solved my problem! lol I love being organized and you are my hero!
I am super excited that I can take that book and have ALL my patterns on my lap at once. I don't think I'll be buying patterns anymore unless they are Indy's. The reason I kept buying patterns was I never could remember what I had or WHERE it was! With two houses, I could not have organized it well.
I love your system I have lots of patterns I might have to count them lol. Love the book you made with the pictures. Thank you for sharing this system. Elaine😍
I scan the pattern, print it on plain paper then glue the paper to the big envelope & place the pattern inside the big envelope put it in a box & place them in the cabinet. I like your system!
That was fun and very inspiring 👏. I have mine in a large filing cabinet, with drawers for each manufacturer “McCalls, Butterick, Simplicty etc then in each drawer in numerical order. I have a Counter book I love to look at. It has tabs for 1. Charity, 2. Home, 3. Crafts 4. Accessories etc. It has printed B&W photos of each pattern. I was wondering what made you decide to just put them all in numerical order instead of separating by Manufacturers then in numerical order? Thank you for sharing 👍🏻👍🏻 Stay safe healthy and happy 😃
Hi UCF Mum. It doesn't matter to me WHAT company a pattern is. I only care about the style. So only the numbers mattered when I was organizing them. I can work with pretty much any pattern.
I have an old pattern cabinet from Hancocks Fabric and I store my patterns by name. First drawer is McCall's, then Butterick, then Simplicity and the next has burda, new look and others like that. The bottom drawer holds my zippers.
hang on to your coins/change, Joy-- many people are hoarding coins right now so it may be helpful to hang on to some loose change.... .excellent video- I really enjoyed watching your process!
Thanks for sharing your pattern organization. I love the idea of having a photo album of all my patterns. I currently file my patterns according to knits or woven in those wide clear plastic drawers (3 drawers high/ bought at Walmart). I can store my patterns sideways and 2 fit side by side and approximately 15 deep. So I can fit about 30 patterns per drawer: 3 drawers equals 90 patterns. My Vogue patterns have to be bent slightly to fit. Also, I started keeping a checklist on my phone of which patterns I would like to buy then checking them off when I purchase them, so avoid buying duplicates again. Thanks again for your tips.
I use the same system. I only have about 70 or 80 patterns so I use my printer to make a copy of the pattern on a full sheet of paper. I print a picture of the front of the envelope on one side and the yardage chart on the other.
Wow. You must be exhausted doing this! Great idea. My patterns are starting to add up so I think I will start my organization process soon. Thanks for sharing your method.
I love this system!! What if you decide you want to get rid of a pattern and then you have an empty spot in your pattern book? Maybe you don't have to worry about that for awhile.
My goodness! Do you know what one of the best things about this organization project is? Having a dedicated sewing room, I can’t tell you how many times I have started a sewing project and have to clean it all up because of this, that or the other thing 😒 it makes sewing so much easier, I’m happy for you and hope it works well for you.
I saw someone on u tube who takes the picture of the drawing lines ONLY , same system though . Still working so hard dear Joy and it’s good to have a good friend like Terry Well done ladies !
Great ideas. I’m with you, I have to keep my pattern envelope with the pattern. Your counter book is a great idea, I think I’ll do one too. Thanks for sharing
The woodpecker strategy.. picture, snap, move again snap.. you are golden... mo kidding. Where does this energy come from? Package that and you will be one rich gal...
So, you'll add new page protectors to your books when you get new patterns? My patterns are in zip lock plastic bags. I cut the envelopes, placing the front and back in the bags with the pattern pieces between them.
Your system sounds great except what happens when you purchase 5-10 more patters and you have to shift all your patterns in the plastic envelopes to fit in new ones?
i love this. I already started a google doc with my patterns. I think I will continue but organize them as you did. Thank you. You are adorable by the way.
Terri is soooo precious to help you with all that!!! I'll pay you for your stuffed doll patterns you're giving to goodwill:) Great system to organize. What happens with the purchase of a new pattern? I keep all of my Children's Corner brand patterns in one big printer paper box. Petite Poche' in a box with other specialty heirloom patterns. The rest are organized by shirts, pants,jackets,dresses,skirts, & so on. Just stored in paste board boxes. When I was younger my husband made some single row boxes out of wood to store them, but I just cant hoist those anymore:/ Not the best system, but it works ok.
I love your idea! I was thinking of copying my pattern envelope on my printer but I like your way better. I separated mine by tops, pants etc then by company. I also created a database will all my patterns. I’ve got about half done
Joy, last Saturday while outside watering flowers I fell from a little stepladder and broke my tibia in 2 places. I had surgery this past Tuesday and I’m at my sister’s home
I dont have individual commercial patterns like you I dont think anyone sells them in Malta anymore. I remember when I was young singer use to stock them but that's a very long time ago. What we buy here is magazines like burda and similar others in Italian .But I love the way you did yours
I simply have my Butterick in order by number then simplicity in order by number and so on. You did more than half of that by yourself and I knew you would keep going
I use software called PaperPort which is a computerized file cabinet. For example, I make a file for McCalls, ,then under that make a file for Blouses and then scan the pattern envelope in color, front and back and name it by the pattern number and arrange them numerically, I can see about 40 patterns all at once and then click on the one I want to enlarge it to full screen. I decided not to print them all out due to the cost of ink but it's so easy to access them on the computer that I don't need too. I keep the physical patterns filed the same way in the orignal enevlopes in a large file cabinet. I would really rather have a look book but this is almost as good!
You have a great system. I have file cabinets. I keep mine in their own packaging. I do companies and numerical order. I can get two rows of them in a drawer. My other patterns that are PDFs fit in the file cabinets also. I enjoy looking thru my patterns.
Joy, just wondering which finish you chose: Matte, Lustre, or Glossy. I absolutely love this way of organizing pattern! I also liked your earlier method of using the envelopes for notes, bits of fabric and pictures. So, I've decided to do both. Have to order the supplies and then work on the pictures. I'm starting with my Silhouette Patterns first and I don't know if it is going to work well or not, but I I saved a copy of the pattern picture on their website. Still working on a process to adjust the picture size
I’m trying to decide how best to organize my patterns. This project was right up my alley. What have you done with fit nice, Peggy Sagers, islander sewing etc....also I’m thinking of putting my threads on wall like yours but wonder how dusty it gets
I haven't had any issues with dusty thread. If I thought a spool was dusty, I would just unroll a layer and cut it off. If I put them in drawers, I forgot what I have.
Your system is somewhat like mine except my copies are full size which makes inserting new patterns easy. I like your system, too, but it might be useful to leave one empty slot on each page for new additions. Plus, I would order another box to split into 5 boxes to leave some room in each for those new patterns to be inserted easily. Those 4 boxes look pretty full already and $1.99 patterns are hard to resist. Over the years I have collected boxes of the appropriate size for my space and covered them with contact paper. My first was the bottom of a window fan box cut down to size (my favorite and still using it after about 30 years). Congratulations on getting your patterns so organized. It was a difficult task, but will make finding the pattern you want a breeze. God bless.
I have lots of new plastic pages. I will just add more pages if necessary. My patterns in the "counter book" are not in any order by number. I pretty much know if a pattern is knit or woven, and most can be made either way. The back of the patterns are never in the books at the stores, so that wasn't important to me. I also already have the fabric, so don't need the yardages.
@@Joy4650B I like your 4-section pages style “counter book” (love that term) and would be great for my Surefit Designs, Fit Nice and PDF patterns. I have been trying to figure out how to handle them. My single page style has worked pretty well for me, plus it's already in place. :)
I went through the first phase of this project a couple of months the ago with a stash/hoard I picked up second hand. Also 500-600. I pulled out children's, mens, and home dec. and set them side leaving about 500. I don't have floor space so I did it on the couch and did a quick sort by brand into paper grocery bags on the floor (to stack vertically), then dumped each brand out and ordered it by number. Then I lined them into about 6 plastic totes I had on hand. One thing I found in my duplicates is that they were different sizes (but the original owner may have been a professional). I am currently putting off the photo phase. I ideally want the front and back both and I want to make sure all the edges are completely readable (though they aren't flat) so now I'm at a mini standstill. A few days ago I woke up positive I wanted to go through them all and yank out all the jackets/coats but I'm trying to squash those impulses for now. :). I like that you chose the exact right sized boxes. I used what I already use so they take up much more space (but then stackable since they are lightweight). Its a big job. Thanks so much for sharing
Good question Anne, lol. I will put them in my attic off the sewing room on shelving. I need them to be easy to access, and nothing stacked on top. I will have to rearrange some other things already out there. I could also keep them on my window seats. Haven't checked that space yet. Right now, we are waiting for wood floor to arrive and be installed. I don't want to finish setting everything up until that job is done.
How do you deal with the duplicates? Are they all in the boxes, together? If you have the boxes labeled as to what pattern numbers are in the box, you may have to re-label going forward when you add more patterns to it than fit. Love the system! Who would have thought that five hundred patterns would fit into four boxes! Awesome! Yippee to Terry for coming up with the system. I couldn't help but wonder if somewhere sometime you'd have two patterns with the same number, whether from the same company or not. That'd be a funny coincidence, though not likely unless you have a lot of vintage patterns. Cool system.
You have such amazing organization skills, everyone needs to know this.💫 Keep rising to be who you want to be! 💫 #keeprising #risingtobe #aswerise #riser
Brilliant job. You did exactly what I would have suggested doing. I would be interested in the kids patterns and would be willing to pay for shipping if you haven’t donated them yet.
I did something similar with my fabric. Swatch of fabric stapled to my sheet which lists width/length, price per metre (we’re metric), supplier, fabric composition, date purchased. Also date used, pattern number, size, alterations. This takes up half an A4 sheet. Two per page back to back in a plastic sleeve = 4 swatches in one sleeve. All filed in a similar file to your pattern folder. Took me days and days to measure and organise in the beginning but now, when I purchase fabric, it’s a few minutes to catalogue it. Your pattern system is great. I might well copy it. By the way, why don’t you just state on your boxes “1000 series”, “2000 series” etc? Then you don’t have to keep changing the labels each time you add patterns?
Omgosh girlie!... you make me laugh so much. God love ya...that is a lot of work!taking a picture of each will be a really good thing! Truth be known we ALL have these... somewhere... ha. Keep your sense of humor! I am not sure about this... lol.i appreciate your dedication...
I guess I’m an odd bird cuz I don’t see the point of all that. I mean it’s great if that’s your thing but my system works for me. It is: using pattern boxes or photo boxes and divide by subject, knit/woven, men’s women’s,kids, costume etc. then when I have an urge to sew I go pull the for example the knit top box/s and thumb thru til I find one I want to make. All my Indie patterns are in one larger box, not divided in any way. Truth be told though, 9 times out of 10 I’ll go buy a new one when they go on sale! Your system is great , you did a great job and worked hard on it- just not my thing!
I know Angie. I knew it would be "just my thing" when I started it. I had mine organized like yours before, but I didn't like having to bring the entire set of boxes out. I did it many times though. I used to have them in a large dresser drawer, but then I would have to sit in front of the drawer. Also used file cabinets, but again, had to stand or sit in front of the file cabinet. Now, I just pick up my book.
Yes. That is why there are so many different organizing systems out there. Different things work for different people. I personally love your method, Joy, and the thought of flipping through all those pages sends a thrill right through me! But I have decided for a couple of reasons to organize the picture fronts and backs of the patterns on some sort of app. That way, no matter where I am, say a doctor’s waiting room for instance, I can flip through my patterns if I want to, and I save myself the printing cost. Still, this is a superb system, and otherwise I will be doing it exactly like yours!❤️
You might consider adding a specific color sticker like a circle and put one color for women’s or knits whichever is less and put it on the photo as well so if you hav a fabric you want to look for specific patterns for it will be easier to page through quickly
No list. I have over 500, and now that I can see and find them all, I won't be purchasing many patterns in the future. Every style made is surely in those boxes already.
It is from a book I bought years ago. This quilt was on the cover and was called Butterscotch Sundae. It was a pretty soft peach color. I call mine Strawberry Sundae.
Question for you : did you save any that don’t fit and probably won’t again? I have some oldies from when I was a teen but they are so so small. I don’t know how to take.a size 6 to a women’s 16! They are vintage by now so I can’t go buy another.!
Joy I have watched this video so many times, and I still don’t understand what you’re going to do with those patterns in the yellow envelopes. Are you leaving them in that white filing crate?
Yes, Ann. The ones in the yellow envelopes are too big for the gray boxes. They have all been adjusted with my necessary alterations, and I have to keep them separate. Patterns will go from the gray box, to a file cabinet by pattern company or the white box.
JOY you are Miss Organization personified. I love what you did. I’m thinking of moving but when I get there I think I’m going to use your plan it’s wonderful. You made me so proud when you showed you are using the Itty Bitty Boxy Bag I made you. I’m happy you are using it. JOY you really are quite an inspiration
That box is ADORABLE! You made it so perfect, and I love looking at it. It is amazing how much change you find when you move.
Joy Bernhardt you are so funny. I’ve made so many of those for gifts. It’s a handy bag too! It’s easy Peasy to make.
Glad you found a way you like... and thanks for sharing 💕
Hi Joy, Hadn't sewed in awhile so I haven't seen any of your videos in quite sometime. SOOOO Nice to see you are still here. I have always enjoyed your video's. I started sewing with your video's!!! Thanks Joy for still sharing with us...Stay safe.
Welcome back! I can't believe you started sewing because of me. That is so nice to know.
What a great system! I like the idea of the notebook to peruse what pattern to choose.
One could also keep the pictures in digital form and make a digital notebook either for a computer or for an iPad! I'd probably take a snap of both the front and back and make a notebook in the Goodnotes app on the iPad. Lots of ways to succeed😁
Love the boxes too!
I understand this video is about a year old but I can relate to your madness. I don't take photos of my patterns but instead will either go to Pinterest or the pattern company and use my snipping tool to copy then paste the photo inside file folders on my laptop by pattern company, then by tops, pants, skirts etc. My patterns are filed in a file cabinet that holds 2 patterns side by side and are organized by their number. It works for me. Thank you for this video.
I love it! Love love love the whole 4-pocket page protectors with the photos! Man that was a lot of work, but so worth it. Those page protectors (photo protectors?) reminded me of the days when I'd cut coupons and put them in those kind of protectors in a binder. I think they're technically for trading cards - but then that could be ones that have more, smaller pockets, can't remember. Doesn't matter, this is a fabulous system and if it wouldn't mean I'd have to redo everything, I'd do it myself. And great deal on printing the photos! Makes me want to look for a sale just to have regular photos printed. ❤️
Love it! It made the OCD in me soooo happy! Hahaha
Great system, Joy - you must be thrilled you got it all sorted. I don’t have a huge collection myself as I’ve only relatively recently started sewing garments again - encouraged by you and Viv! Kind regards from Penny in Liverpool 🇬🇧😊💕
I'm impressed with your pattern storage, Joy! I love it! I don't think I have that many patterns. I store mine in tomato boxes. 2 for ladies patterns, 2 for kids patterns - divided by size ( toddlers and 6-10) and one a little bit bigger for craft patterns. Some of the patterns I've had a long time, and made several times! Thanks for the organizing inspiration!
Love this idea!
Like your system ☺️ I have a binder with the pattern envelopes, then patterns in larger envelopes, numbered in boxes. I don't have to many so it works for now. Thanks for sharing your organization ❤️🌸😋
Love the system you chose.
OMG your pattern system is amazing you are so inspiring
Omgosh! What a great idea! I did not understand but now I DO! You go girl!
Wow! That was some task you undertook. However it will be so worth it. I bet you will enjoy going through the binder and picking out things to sew. I only have about 12 patterns but I might start making photos now. Joy Is so sweet. I sent her a few pictures of my top and she answered so quickly and told me what needed to be done. Thank you. Again enjoy sitting back in a recliner with a cup of coffee with your binder
Great job!
This is excellent! Girlfriend, I hear you on the searching high and low to find just the thing that does the job you need it to do and has the right dimensions. Scoured Amazon many a time. Your new system looks so functional. Setup takes a while, but the end result is so worth it. Nice job and thank you for sharing with us.
I did a similar system. What I did was take a picture of the pattern front and also the back with all the information and stored them in my google pictures. I then put in the pattern company and tags such as dress, blouse. pants. they are all in an album. They don’ t have to be in order when i saved them to album. When I go into the album I can search by company or by category such blouses and all blouses come up even if the blouse is in a wardrobe pattern. If I am at the store I can retrieve all my patterns. I did store them in Hersey Chippets (free from Costco). boxes which have dividers perfectly for two patterns side by side. Theses are filed by company Simplicity , McCalls etc. When I look in my album on my computer, iPad or iPhone I can ask for a category and all pants would come up. I am finding this so useful especially fabric shopping and not buying duplicates. This was one of my COVID projects while staying at home. I really like your boxes. My boxes are on a shelf with curtains drawn across the shelving so no one sees them. I could spray paint the chippets boxes but for now it’s fine. Like you I did not want them out of their pattern envelope. I want minimal, functional system.
I organize my indie patterns with an index of pattern pics, but my big 4 patterns are organized in dollar store bins by brand. I don’t have nearly the number of patterns you do! Great use of the picture protectors:) Thanks for sharing!
love your system
If your printer has a scanner, that could handier than a camera! Nice job. Thanks for sharing.
Wonder if the printer would shrink it to 3 1/2 x 5?
Joy Bernhardt You can just send it straight to your computer to use PhotoShop on and either print it yourself or send to a photo lab.
I especially love this binder! I have been wondering around in my mind about pattern organization. This video came at exactly the right time. Thanks!!
I have 300 sewing patterns and I too decided to file them numerical as well. I store mine in an older, wide filing cabinet in my sewing room. There are four boxes in each drawer that fit the patterns, so in can pull out a box and not have the other patterns shirf or fall over. It s fun looking through vintage and more modern patterns and seeing the similarities in the styles over the years.
wowzieee I think I am going to use an old filing cabinet when I have time to move it.
Oh my! What an undertaking. That looks great.
Pretty neat!
Great job... a lot of work❤
I’m with you...I don’t want to take the patterns out of the envelope. I love your system. I have a board on my Pinterest with my patterns...I simply looked up the pattern number and pinned it.
Great idea! What are you going to do with any new patterns is there room to insert/ add by number?
Yes, Connie, I can add many more. I've already added four new ones. Easy to change the from and to numbers as well.
Great job, Joy. I love the pattern system. It is so nice to have a counter book. Now you will know what patterns you have. I would love to have those boxes for my patterns.
Yep, a counter book gives you everything you'd have in the store. Though, I do wish that they hadn't stopped putting the fabric requirements for each view in the books in the stores. You have to get the pattern from the drawer.
I sure wish you & Terri could come to my house & help me get as organized as you are!!!!
I only have about 60s patterns. Often used are in a sewing machine cabinet drawer. Others filed by dresses, suits, casual, pants, etc w half ✂ file folders in between and placed sideways in 2 plastic cases.
Oh my goodness! I created two boards on Pintrest: Patterns I Have and Patterns I Want. I looked up all the patterns I have on Pintrest and saved them to my "Patterns I Have" board. When I see a pattern online that I want, I put it on the other board. Then when I'm at the pattern counter, I can search on my Pintrest board to see if I own it already or not. That's the only drawback to the system you have is unless you have a spreadsheet on your phone of all your patterns, you might buy duplicates again. For the books, I kind of did what you did with all my Villa Rosa Designs quilt patterns (I have 100's of them). I got a scrapbook with 4x6 inserts with 6 patterns per page. First I separated by required fabric type (yardage, FQs, 10" squares, etc.) and then I attempted some sort of alphabetical sequence but then what do I do when they make new patterns? I'm not going to re-sequence them! Fortunately, they came out with an app and that solved my problem! lol I love being organized and you are my hero!
I am super excited that I can take that book and have ALL my patterns on my lap at once. I don't think I'll be buying patterns anymore unless they are Indy's. The reason I kept buying patterns was I never could remember what I had or WHERE it was! With two houses, I could not have organized it well.
Which app is that, Becky?
Great idea! Love your filing system!
Oh my goodness, Joy, this system is great! It is like having your very own counter book! Love it.❤️💫
Brilliant!!
I love your system I have lots of patterns I might have to count them lol. Love the book you made with the pictures. Thank you for sharing this system. Elaine😍
I scan the pattern, print it on plain paper then glue the paper to the big envelope & place the pattern inside the big envelope put it in a box & place them in the cabinet. I like your system!
That was fun and very inspiring 👏. I have mine in a large filing cabinet, with drawers for each manufacturer “McCalls, Butterick, Simplicty etc then in each drawer in numerical order. I have a Counter book I love to look at. It has tabs for 1. Charity, 2. Home, 3. Crafts 4. Accessories etc. It has printed B&W photos of each pattern. I was wondering what made you decide to just put them all in numerical order instead of separating by Manufacturers then in numerical order? Thank you for sharing 👍🏻👍🏻 Stay safe healthy and happy 😃
Hi UCF Mum. It doesn't matter to me WHAT company a pattern is. I only care about the style. So only the numbers mattered when I was organizing them. I can work with pretty much any pattern.
Joy Bernhardt Thank you for answering me so quickly 👍🏻
I have an old pattern cabinet from Hancocks Fabric and I store my patterns by name. First drawer is McCall's, then Butterick, then Simplicity and the next has burda, new look and others like that. The bottom drawer holds my zippers.
Paradise Creations that is so cool! Perfect solution.
WOW; awesome you!
excellent system! I have very few patterns, but this inspires me to get them organized-- thanks, Joy!!!!
hang on to your coins/change, Joy-- many people are hoarding coins right now so it may be helpful to hang on to some loose change.... .excellent video- I really enjoyed watching your process!
Great job!!! I wish i can go your house and play!!!!! I'll take all the patterns you don't want instead of giving it away to goodwill!
Thanks for sharing your pattern organization. I love the idea of having a photo album of all my patterns. I currently file my patterns according to knits or woven in those wide clear plastic drawers (3 drawers high/ bought at Walmart). I can store my patterns sideways and 2 fit side by side and approximately 15 deep. So I can fit about 30 patterns per drawer: 3 drawers equals 90 patterns. My Vogue patterns have to be bent slightly to fit. Also, I started keeping a checklist on my phone of which patterns I would like to buy then checking them off when I purchase them, so avoid buying duplicates again. Thanks again for your tips.
Joy, so interesting. Love it. You are so talented! Thanks for sharing.
YAY! Wonderful idea that can be applied to other crafts. I'm really happy for you Joy. Virtual hugs for you. 🤗
Love your new system.
Joy this is awesome...thanks for sharing your method!
Impressive organizational, Joy! What an accomplishment. Lucky for you that you had a great helper.
Oh Joy you guys did a wonderful job. What a great feeling that must be for you finally. Congratulations! 👍🧡🤗🙏
I use the same system. I only have about 70 or 80 patterns so I use my printer to make a copy of the pattern on a full sheet of paper. I print a picture of the front of the envelope on one side and the yardage chart on the other.
Brilliant idea. Organizing is such an accomplished feeling! Thx for sharing.
I love your system. I don't want to take the pattern out either. I'm scared I'll lose something I need!
Wow. You must be exhausted doing this! Great idea. My patterns are starting to add up so I think I will start my organization process soon. Thanks for sharing your method.
I love this system!! What if you decide you want to get rid of a pattern and then you have an empty spot in your pattern book? Maybe you don't have to worry about that for awhile.
The pics aren’t in any order. Just move one forward from the back of the section.
My goodness! Do you know what one of the best things about this organization project is? Having a dedicated sewing room, I can’t tell you how many times I have started a sewing project and have to clean it all up because of this, that or the other thing 😒 it makes sewing so much easier, I’m happy for you and hope it works well for you.
Joy, that looks scary, all those patterns...but then what a super way of organizing them!!! Congratulations !
I saw someone on u tube who takes the picture of the drawing lines ONLY , same system though . Still working so hard dear Joy and it’s good to have a good friend like Terry
Well done ladies !
Great ideas. I’m with you, I have to keep my pattern envelope with the pattern. Your counter book is a great idea, I think I’ll do one too. Thanks for sharing
The woodpecker strategy.. picture, snap, move again snap.. you are golden... mo kidding. Where does this energy come from? Package that and you will be one rich gal...
So, you'll add new page protectors to your books when you get new patterns? My patterns are in zip lock plastic bags. I cut the envelopes, placing the front and back in the bags with the pattern pieces between them.
Me too, but I now use comic book bags.
Your system sounds great except what happens when you purchase 5-10 more patters and you have to shift all your patterns in the plastic envelopes to fit in new ones?
i love this. I already started a google doc with my patterns. I think I will continue but organize them as you did. Thank you. You are adorable by the way.
Terri is soooo precious to help you with all that!!! I'll pay you for your stuffed doll patterns you're giving to goodwill:)
Great system to organize.
What happens with the purchase of a new pattern?
I keep all of my Children's Corner brand patterns in one big printer paper box. Petite Poche' in a box with other specialty heirloom patterns. The rest are organized by shirts, pants,jackets,dresses,skirts, & so on. Just stored in paste board boxes. When I was younger my husband made some single row boxes out of wood to store them, but I just cant hoist those anymore:/ Not the best system, but it works ok.
I love your idea! I was thinking of copying my pattern envelope on my printer but I like your way better. I separated mine by tops, pants etc then by company. I also created a database will all my patterns. I’ve got about half done
Joy, last Saturday while outside watering flowers I fell from a little stepladder and broke my tibia in 2 places. I had surgery this past Tuesday and I’m at my sister’s home
Gail is taking good care of me, but I’m in some pain this morning. I enjoy your humor.
OUCH! That sounds very painful. I hope you recover quickly. I will say a prayer for you.
Oh, Faye, I'm so sorry. Take care of yourself. Praying for a quick healing period.
I dont have individual commercial patterns like you I dont think anyone sells them in Malta anymore. I remember when I was young singer use to stock them but that's a very long time ago. What we buy here is magazines like burda and similar others in Italian .But I love the way you did yours
I simply have my Butterick in order by number then simplicity in order by number and so on. You did more than half of that by yourself and I knew you would keep going
I use software called PaperPort which is a computerized file cabinet. For example, I make a file for McCalls, ,then under that make a file for Blouses and then scan the pattern envelope in color, front and back and name it by the pattern number and arrange them numerically, I can see about 40 patterns all at once and then click on the one I want to enlarge it to full screen. I decided not to print them all out due to the cost of ink but it's so easy to access them on the computer that I don't need too. I keep the physical patterns filed the same way in the orignal enevlopes in a large file cabinet. I would really rather have a look book but this is almost as good!
Great system Joy!
You have a great system. I have file cabinets. I keep mine in their own packaging. I do companies and numerical order. I can get two rows of them in a drawer. My other patterns that are PDFs fit in the file cabinets also. I enjoy looking thru my patterns.
Joy, just wondering which finish you chose: Matte, Lustre, or Glossy.
I absolutely love this way of organizing pattern! I also liked your earlier method of using the envelopes for notes, bits of fabric and pictures. So, I've decided to do both. Have to order the supplies and then work on the pictures. I'm starting with my Silhouette Patterns first and I don't know if it is going to work well or not, but I I saved a copy of the pattern picture on their website. Still working on a process to adjust the picture size
I’m trying to decide how best to organize my patterns. This project was right up my alley. What have you done with fit nice, Peggy Sagers, islander sewing etc....also I’m thinking of putting my threads on wall like yours but wonder how dusty it gets
I haven't had any issues with dusty thread. If I thought a spool was dusty, I would just unroll a layer and cut it off. If I put them in drawers, I forgot what I have.
Your system is somewhat like mine except my copies are full size which makes inserting new patterns easy. I like your system, too, but it might be useful to leave one empty slot on each page for new additions. Plus, I would order another box to split into 5 boxes to leave some room in each for those new patterns to be inserted easily. Those 4 boxes look pretty full already and $1.99 patterns are hard to resist. Over the years I have collected boxes of the appropriate size for my space and covered them with contact paper. My first was the bottom of a window fan box cut down to size (my favorite and still using it after about 30 years). Congratulations on getting your patterns so organized. It was a difficult task, but will make finding the pattern you want a breeze. God bless.
I have lots of new plastic pages. I will just add more pages if necessary. My patterns in the "counter book" are not in any order by number. I pretty much know if a pattern is knit or woven, and most can be made either way. The back of the patterns are never in the books at the stores, so that wasn't important to me. I also already have the fabric, so don't need the yardages.
@@Joy4650B I like your 4-section pages style “counter book” (love that term) and would be great for my Surefit Designs, Fit Nice and PDF patterns. I have been trying to figure out how to handle them. My single page style has worked pretty well for me, plus it's already in place. :)
I went through the first phase of this project a couple of months the ago with a stash/hoard I picked up second hand. Also 500-600. I pulled out children's, mens, and home dec. and set them side leaving about 500. I don't have floor space so I did it on the couch and did a quick sort by brand into paper grocery bags on the floor (to stack vertically), then dumped each brand out and ordered it by number. Then I lined them into about 6 plastic totes I had on hand. One thing I found in my duplicates is that they were different sizes (but the original owner may have been a professional). I am currently putting off the photo phase. I ideally want the front and back both and I want to make sure all the edges are completely readable (though they aren't flat) so now I'm at a mini standstill. A few days ago I woke up positive I wanted to go through them all and yank out all the jackets/coats but I'm trying to squash those impulses for now. :). I like that you chose the exact right sized boxes. I used what I already use so they take up much more space (but then stackable since they are lightweight). Its a big job. Thanks so much for sharing
I like your system,. Well thought out. My only question is where will you be keeping the boxes of patterns.
Good question Anne, lol. I will put them in my attic off the sewing room on shelving. I need them to be easy to access, and nothing stacked on top. I will have to rearrange some other things already out there. I could also keep them on my window seats. Haven't checked that space yet. Right now, we are waiting for wood floor to arrive and be installed. I don't want to finish setting everything up until that job is done.
How do you deal with the duplicates? Are they all in the boxes, together? If you have the boxes labeled as to what pattern numbers are in the box, you may have to re-label going forward when you add more patterns to it than fit. Love the system! Who would have thought that five hundred patterns would fit into four boxes! Awesome! Yippee to Terry for coming up with the system. I couldn't help but wonder if somewhere sometime you'd have two patterns with the same number, whether from the same company or not. That'd be a funny coincidence, though not likely unless you have a lot of vintage patterns. Cool system.
I did have several issues of two different patterns with the same number. I just filed them together.
Hello, I sew for a missionary children's charity in Africa. I would love getting the children's patterns.
I love your system. Has it continued to work out for you? How do you organize your quilt patterns?
Quilt patterns are different, for sure. I don't make that many quilts, so I just keep them in my file cabinet. I just have to remember their name. LOL
I Love this system. May do it too! 🦋❣️🌻
Joy. This is a fantastic idea. When you had your photos printed, were they printed on photo paper or regular paper. I’m going to copy your idea.
I had mine printed on glossy paper because it was the cheapest. LOL
I’m like you I like to be organized, but I only have about 25 patterns and most are for little girls dress 👗 for my granddaughter.
me too! And doll clothes patterns
Great ideas for organizing patterns even if there's not quite 500 :)
You have such amazing organization skills, everyone needs to know this.💫 Keep rising to be who you want to be! 💫 #keeprising #risingtobe #aswerise #riser
Nice Job!!!
Brilliant job. You did exactly what I would have suggested doing. I would be interested in the kids patterns and would be willing to pay for shipping if you haven’t donated them yet.
Kids patterns all went to Goodwill. Sorry.
Joy Bernhardt no problem, thanks
I did something similar with my fabric. Swatch of fabric stapled to my sheet which lists width/length, price per metre (we’re metric), supplier, fabric composition, date purchased. Also date used, pattern number, size, alterations. This takes up half an A4 sheet. Two per page back to back in a plastic sleeve = 4 swatches in one sleeve. All filed in a similar file to your pattern folder. Took me days and days to measure and organise in the beginning but now, when I purchase fabric, it’s a few minutes to catalogue it. Your pattern system is great. I might well copy it. By the way, why don’t you just state on your boxes “1000 series”, “2000 series” etc? Then you don’t have to keep changing the labels each time you add patterns?
I would do "series", but some of the categories have very few patterns. I think the 3's, 4's and 5's are all in one box.
Omgosh girlie!... you make me laugh so much. God love ya...that is a lot of work!taking a picture of each will be a really good thing! Truth be known we ALL have these... somewhere... ha. Keep your sense of humor! I am not sure about this... lol.i appreciate your dedication...
I guess I’m an odd bird cuz I don’t see the point of all that. I mean it’s great if that’s your thing but my system works for me. It is: using pattern boxes or photo boxes and divide by subject, knit/woven, men’s women’s,kids, costume etc. then when I have an urge to sew I go pull the for example the knit top box/s and thumb thru til I find one I want to make. All my Indie patterns are in one larger box, not divided in any way. Truth be told though, 9 times out of 10 I’ll go buy a new one when they go on sale! Your system is great , you did a great job and worked hard on it- just not my thing!
I know Angie. I knew it would be "just my thing" when I started it. I had mine organized like yours before, but I didn't like having to bring the entire set of boxes out. I did it many times though. I used to have them in a large dresser drawer, but then I would have to sit in front of the drawer. Also used file cabinets, but again, had to stand or sit in front of the file cabinet. Now, I just pick up my book.
Yes. That is why there are so many different organizing systems out there. Different things work for different people. I personally love your method, Joy, and the thought of flipping through all those pages sends a thrill right through me! But I have decided for a couple of reasons to organize the picture fronts and backs of the patterns on some sort of app. That way, no matter where I am, say a doctor’s waiting room for instance, I can flip through my patterns if I want to, and I save myself the printing cost. Still, this is a superb system, and otherwise I will be doing it exactly like yours!❤️
I organized my patterns by numbers too, but I didn't take pictures of them. I have them boxes too. I don't like to separate them either.
You might consider adding a specific color sticker like a circle and put one color for women’s or knits whichever is less and put it on the photo as well so if you hav a fabric you want to look for specific patterns for it will be easier to page through quickly
Re: shrink pattern pics to 3 1/2 x 5". Joy, one of my computer geek sons said you need to use software for the scanner to manipulate .
Brilliant 👏 👏 👏
Great idea! One question....do you have a book or list of some kind, so you don’t purchase duplicates. That happens to me also.
No list. I have over 500, and now that I can see and find them all, I won't be purchasing many patterns in the future. Every style made is surely in those boxes already.
I cannot find my safety pocket pattern. I feel quite distressed. I guess I could figure that out, how to do.
I found SO MANY patterns I didn't even know I had. Still can't remember where I bought some of them.
What is the pattern for that beautiful pink quilt in the background? I love it!
It is from a book I bought years ago. This quilt was on the cover and was called Butterscotch Sundae. It was a pretty soft peach color. I call mine Strawberry Sundae.
spider bites are scary - been there - glad she is better! Target here in central Fl. has shut down their picture area
Question for you : did you save any that don’t fit and probably won’t again? I have some oldies from when I was a teen but they are so so small. I don’t know how to take.a size 6 to a women’s 16! They are vintage by now so I can’t go buy another.!
I got rid of all the too small ones years ago.
all walmarts have a change for bills machine in cust service area
Joy I have watched this video so many times, and I still don’t understand what you’re going to do with those patterns in the yellow envelopes. Are you leaving them in that white filing crate?
Yes, Ann. The ones in the yellow envelopes are too big for the gray boxes. They have all been adjusted with my necessary alterations, and I have to keep them separate. Patterns will go from the gray box, to a file cabinet by pattern company or the white box.
@@Joy4650B Thanks, Joy!
Wow!!I'm impressed...having Target made it less work for you...currently in Florida
What kind of cutting table do you have?
My cutting is a Horn from Ken's Sewing Center online.
www.kenssewingcenter.com/horn-2111-cutting-table.html