Patterns
I have a lot of patterns both purchased from the store and pdf files online. Keeping them organized can be a problem. I have two methods but the storage of them keeps evolving.- Purchased patterns are kept in a plastic bin.
- They are in no order as there are not a huge number of them. I can sit with the bin on my lap and go through them quickly when looking for a pattern.
- I try to trace the pattern pieces onto tracing pellon. It helps keep the patterns looking great for resale when the time comes. The few that are cut, will be traced and the pattern pieces retired back into the envelope.
- Pdf patterns are printed out and I was putting them into envelopes. I have so many that they are taking up a lot of space. A decision has been made on them.
- I am slowly downloading all the patterns onto the computer. I have them stored in a folder under categories (dress, skirts, etc.). Once they are all downloaded and organized, they will go onto My Cloud and a tetra drive.
- I print the patterns as I use them. Any ones I deem popular are kept, the rest will be tossed. I can print new ones when needed. I keep the instructions on a thumb drive at the moment but once on My Cloud, I can access them from anywhere. Or I can take the tetra pack to any computer and access the instructions from that.
- Updated: The kept pdf files are stored in file folders and in the same tub as the purchased patterns. I have discarded a lot of patterns that I knew I wouldn't sew again and kept only those that I know I will sew again.
Fabric
Storing fabric is each to their own. How much or how little one has is personal. I think my stash is large but it is small compared to some. I am happy with mine as are others with theirs. Here are some ideas for storing your fabric.- Cottons can be folded onto comic boards and stored on shelves. Other fabrics can be folded and put flat on shelves.
- Fabric can be folded and stored in plastic tubs. You can use cardboard bankers boxes also.
- Keep fabric out of sunlight. I have my doll's stash in the closet and only bring it out when I need to go through it.
- My fabric is sorted according to type of fibre or use. I have limited it to 4 tubs and a basket. It will become less as time goes on as I'm trying to sew it up first when testing patterns. Updated: I no longer test patterns and sew for either my dolls or for a 7 year old who had 5 dolls.
Yarn
As I knit, I have a stash of yarn for the dolls. It takes up 4 cloth bins in a cube. I have the yarn sorted by weight, which is a common way of storing yarn. If you have a lot, it could be sorted by weight and color or weight and fibre content.
The yarn stash grows and shrinks according to what I am knitting. I buy if I don't have what I need and knit up what is left over when I have another project to knit.
Patterns are stored both on the computer and on the iPad. All these patterns will be sorted and stored on MyCloud for easy access. I often will knit a pattern more than once as they do finish an outfit.
Knitting needles and crochet hooks are stored in small containers. I have a nice collection of needles but do need more as I did limit myself to one of a size. Often I need 2 of the same size.
Conclusion
My system is continually evolving. I am always thinking of what I can do better as I don't always feel I'm organized to the best of my ability.
One of my goals is to sew down both the fabric and yarn stash and buy what I need for one to two projects. At that point, I will stop testing and do what I want for enjoyment. In the meantime, I will continue to test using what I have on hand. It gives me pleasure to use up what I have purchased and see lovely items evolve.
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