Okay, so if you sew using store bought patterns, you have dealt with the issue of what to do with those flimsy pieces of tissue paper afterwards. I hate the way that if you haven't destroyed the pattern already with pins, weights, trying to trace, or whatever, then you destroy it trying to put it back in the envelope. Heck, even if you don't even use the pattern, if you just unfold the tissue to get a look at how many pieces you will be cutting out, it can be near impossible to get it to fold all nicely again. I used to just figure if I really liked a pattern I'd wait until it went on sale and get another one.
That's what I thought before I borrowed a pattern from my sister last year. First of all, I was amazed that she had sewn from this pattern twice, and was still offering it to me to sew with. Thank you, thank you, thank you Itsy (yeah, she's the baby girl still, even with her own babies) for this trick.
Just take a piece of 8 1/2 x 11 cardstock and fold it in half.
Then fold and lay all of those pesky pattern pieces inside.
And slip in in the envelope...
Perfect.
I've always believed that the simplest solutions are the best. Downloadable patterns that you print at home aren't such a dilemma because if you lose or ruin one you can always just print it again, but I like to save them too if I can. As long as I'm on the topic I might as well show you my system for them too, I simply put the pieces in a file folder,
label it,
and stick it in my filing cabinet.
I love to peek at how other people organize things. It never really makes me more organized, but it feels good to see that we all have to try a little.
It looks so simple, and yet.. why didn't I think of that? Lol.. Tq for the tips!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great tip! I am actually watching tv right now and cutting out a ton of patterns. I usually fold up each piece, place them in number order and they seem to fit pretty well back into the envelope. As for my online printed patterns I have four 3-4" three ring binders for those. I have them separated by girls clothing, dresses, skirts and shirts, womens clothing and then other stuff such as hats, quilts and hair accessories. They are all punched with a three hold punch and put in the folder by what they are and then I have those little sticky tabs at each section separating them all. I usually put the ones I like the best in the front of each binder. That way I can find them easier.
ReplyDeleteHmmmm binders. What a great idea. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI usually put the pieces inside the little folder that the instructions makes before putting it back in the envelope. With others, I use 5 x 7 envelopes and write what it is on the outside. I like your filing folders, too.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea!
ReplyDeleteI need to get on some organization! I was thinking I might buy some nice fabric covered binders from Michael's or Target or something. I need to measure my shelves...
ReplyDelete