I hope this helps answer some of the questions you have about how to store you vintage patterns safely. You might also enjoy this playlist: ruclips.net/p/PLaG2bBTXx7U74Wmx6LkyCC1NVgw6a1PqU
I keep my patterns in a couple of four drawer filing cabinets (I can usually fit two rows per drawer, with the larger format ones slotted down in between the two rows). I keep them in alphabetical order by brand, and numerical order within that. As most of my patterns are modern era I don't bother with protective plastic sleeves, but I did stop cutting my patterns a few years ago and trace them off now returning the originals to their factory fold lines. The instructions get pinned to a corkboard in front of my sewing machine so they're not mint any more. I keep a spreadsheet on my google drive listing all my patterns, with brand, number, size range and description (from the pattern envelope). I also have scans of the envelope front and back on my google drive so when I'm out and find *that perfect fabric* I can work out how much to buy. And I have folders with printouts of envelope front and back sorted by style (eg dresses vs tops vs pants vs dance wear etc) so if I want to make (eg) a skirt I can see what styles / patterns I have available. And no, I haven't been diagnosed ocd.
I have 3 categories of patterns: True Vintage, Repro and Modern. These are sorted by Company and Number in ascending order. Only my True Vintage patterns get the comic book bag/backer treatment.
back in homEc I popped mine in a Comic Book bag & Board (I always had a few extras around) - they are ment to store Paper products that can be resold for 500% markup if Mint so I figure safe enough for my butteriks & simplicities. didn't have alot of patterns so just popped them in bag safe & sound and put in one of those cardboard magazine holders
Yup Comic book boards and bags are perfect, but I find them to be a bit extra for my storage style, but if you don't have nearly as many as I do then I say go for it!
there's a dresser that I desperately want from Ikea that is the perfect size to store modern patterns but every time I have enough money to buy it, it goes out of stock. I've been getting all of my patterns into one place and I've discovered that I have... a lot. like, a lot a lot
Definitely helpful, thanks! My collection started out fitting just fine in a 2-drawer filing cabinet, but I've just recently had to add a very large 4-drawer filing cabinet for the overflow lol.
I have just realized that most of what I find is torched, or on its last legs as far as damage. Sometimes the pattern cover is terrible and the pattern inside is factory folded. Maybe it is the severe dry desert weather in California. Anyhow you have inspired me to try to do better by my patterns. :) Of course I'd love to hear your thoughts on organizing!
Love it! I was just wondering what to do with my patterns. I have been slowly inheriting patterns from a family friend as she cleans things. Lots of 70s-90s patterns but a fair share have been 40s and 50s her mom had bought. Now I can organize my collection and hopefully save the patterns that are just falling apart.
If you don't want to use cardboard, you could get a thicker Mylar sleeve, like 3 or 4 mil. It should be stiff enough to give support. You can also use Tyvek envelopes with an acid-free board behind it, but of course you can't see it. You could always paste a color copy on the front. Yes, I am a librarian, why do you ask? ;-)
I use the cardboard backs for my vintage pattern magazines because they are in not so great shape and because of their large size, less sturdy than pattern envelopes. I'm lazy with the sleeves for my pattern envelopes so I just buy one size fits all. Do you have a photo example of what happens envelopes that are stored with non acid free backers?
I hope this helps answer some of the questions you have about how to store you vintage patterns safely. You might also enjoy this playlist: ruclips.net/p/PLaG2bBTXx7U74Wmx6LkyCC1NVgw6a1PqU
I keep my patterns in a couple of four drawer filing cabinets (I can usually fit two rows per drawer, with the larger format ones slotted down in between the two rows). I keep them in alphabetical order by brand, and numerical order within that. As most of my patterns are modern era I don't bother with protective plastic sleeves, but I did stop cutting my patterns a few years ago and trace them off now returning the originals to their factory fold lines. The instructions get pinned to a corkboard in front of my sewing machine so they're not mint any more.
I keep a spreadsheet on my google drive listing all my patterns, with brand, number, size range and description (from the pattern envelope). I also have scans of the envelope front and back on my google drive so when I'm out and find *that perfect fabric* I can work out how much to buy. And I have folders with printouts of envelope front and back sorted by style (eg dresses vs tops vs pants vs dance wear etc) so if I want to make (eg) a skirt I can see what styles / patterns I have available. And no, I haven't been diagnosed ocd.
Wow-very organized!
Thank you for the information, I shall avoid plastic 3. I don't have many pattern as I design my own but I really should store the ones I have better.
I have 3 categories of patterns: True Vintage, Repro and Modern. These are sorted by Company and Number in ascending order. Only my True Vintage patterns get the comic book bag/backer treatment.
Love it!!
Thank you so much with this information
back in homEc I popped mine in a Comic Book bag & Board (I always had a few extras around) - they are ment to store Paper products that can be resold for 500% markup if Mint so I figure safe enough for my butteriks & simplicities. didn't have alot of patterns so just popped them in bag safe & sound and put in one of those cardboard magazine holders
Yup Comic book boards and bags are perfect, but I find them to be a bit extra for my storage style, but if you don't have nearly as many as I do then I say go for it!
I don't have any vintage patterns get but I'm excited to start you got me excited and informed so I take care of them right xx doing the lords work
I am so happy to help inform and prepare you for a future vintage collection!
there's a dresser that I desperately want from Ikea that is the perfect size to store modern patterns but every time I have enough money to buy it, it goes out of stock. I've been getting all of my patterns into one place and I've discovered that I have... a lot. like, a lot a lot
I know that “too many patterns” feeling ALL too well!!
Please share a link
@@elainebradleyceramist it's the Brimnes dresser
Definitely helpful, thanks! My collection started out fitting just fine in a 2-drawer filing cabinet, but I've just recently had to add a very large 4-drawer filing cabinet for the overflow lol.
So happy to be of help! I am currently looking for another pattern cabinet myself. So I know the “overflow” issue.
Right now I just have a bin. It’s not so great but these are all great ideas! ♥️
It’s ok we all start somewhere. This system has taken me 10 years to get here and it is far from perfect
I have just realized that most of what I find is torched, or on its last legs as far as damage. Sometimes the pattern cover is terrible and the pattern inside is factory folded. Maybe it is the severe dry desert weather in California. Anyhow you have inspired me to try to do better by my patterns. :) Of course I'd love to hear your thoughts on organizing!
It is definitely the dry weather!! The reason in Florida I find foxing so often is too much moisture.
Love it! I was just wondering what to do with my patterns. I have been slowly inheriting patterns from a family friend as she cleans things. Lots of 70s-90s patterns but a fair share have been 40s and 50s her mom had bought. Now I can organize my collection and hopefully save the patterns that are just falling apart.
Hooray! I am so happy to hear that!
I have the plastic sleeves too. Did you ever find the other sticky option?
If you don't want to use cardboard, you could get a thicker Mylar sleeve, like 3 or 4 mil. It should be stiff enough to give support. You can also use Tyvek envelopes with an acid-free board behind it, but of course you can't see it. You could always paste a color copy on the front. Yes, I am a librarian, why do you ask? ;-)
Oh such interesting ideas, thank you!
Mine are in a file drawer and l am gradually getting placed in acid free comic book bags.
I use the cardboard backs for my vintage pattern magazines because they are in not so great shape and because of their large size, less sturdy than pattern envelopes. I'm lazy with the sleeves for my pattern envelopes so I just buy one size fits all. Do you have a photo example of what happens envelopes that are stored with non acid free backers?
If it is newer cardboard it isn’t as bad, but shouldn’t be in it forever. It is the older cardboard and palate that tend to have a higher acid value.
Do you have a spreadsheet?
Stored by style, such as Renaissance, men’s, in plastic drawers regardless of company.
Oh interesting! I would never have thought to store them like that. Thank you for sharing!
I am that bougie person who puts them all in cardboard backed comic book baggies 🤣
Samesies!
Love you! I have no issue with that, just don’t have the brain space to do it.
Ma Sister!
@@StephanieCanada my OCD won't let me do otherwise, lol!
Omg! You have ads!!! Amazing and congrats!!!
Thanks lady!!
I organize by size.
Is it safe to store the pattern pieces in paper envelopes? That's currently where all mine are
The envelope is normally fine. It is the instructions that can cause discoloration usually.
My Doll patterns l keep in a plastic storage container.
Darn! I thought I was using the right plastic sleeves. Nope. Arghhhhhh!