How do you keep or store all those patterns?

[Lynn K.]

I have accumulated a sizeable # of quilting patterns and applique patterns that are loose i.e. not in a book or magazine. They finally are asking to be put where they can be used when I'm planning a quilt - or thrown away (OH NO!!)

Piled in a drawer? In clear pockets? Where do you keep yours?

Lynn

[Margo C.]

Lynn, here are a few of my patterns. I keep my printed patterns and any templates together in binder sleeves so that they don't get lost or mangled, in labeled notebooks.
I can find them if I need to for reference (on the forum?) or make a duplicate quilt. It could happen! :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Hannelore N.]

Hey, Margo, I have a white binder that says 'Bouquets for a New Day'!

[Margo C.]

Hey, Margo, I have a white binder that says 'Bouquets for a New Day'!

GOOD GIRL!! :wink:

[Lynn K.]

Me Too! ha

Thanks for the input!

[Lynn K.]

Add me to this list of people using a white binder....
Plus many other binders of patterns and tips on my embroidery software. I have patterns that I probaly will never get to use in my lifetime. But it sure is fun collecting and having so many choices.....

[Lynn K.]

I use binders and sleeves as well. Every few years I do some purging, rather than buying more binders. I often also scan and save on computer as well. My computer file of future quilts is much larger than my binder collection.

[Lynn K.]

Great question! Most of mine are also in binders, but it's been a long while since I've organized it. So, I waste lots of time looking for what I need. Anymore, I avoid collecting paper patterns.

I have many, many, more patterns in an online library, which is well organized and gets backed up weekly. If I had the time, I would love to scan all of my paper patterns into online files. It saves space and makes organizing them so much easier. I've got my online quilting files sorted by quilt patterns, block patterns, templates, tips & techniques, appliques, redwork, and sewing patterns( e.g. purses, pillow covers, bibs, placemats, etc.).

I informed my husband about my extensive online quilt stuff library, so that he can share it with a quilting friend or my guild in the event something should happen to me.

[Lynn K.]

Brings to mind, Nancy, that over the weekend I saw an entry on Freecycle.com in my neighborhood for a VERY LARGE collection of all kinds of crafts items, from quilting, to scrapbooking, to crocket, knitting, you name it. Baskets and baskets and baskets of stuff.

I emailed her and told her I hoped she found new homes for all of it but I was 'full up.' She said she had gotten them from many, many estate sales over the years and she had been selling them on eBay and her eBay business went south with the current economy.

I told her I was impressed with her knowledge of what to call all the items as it seemed pretty good for a 'non' crafter.

Told her the ad looked like what my kids might run when I meet my Maker.....except they wouldn't know what to call any of it! ha

But one thing we all KNOW-----------there are no U-hauls behind the hearse! ha (I have to keep reminding myself of that when I look around at my treasure 'room' and realize not all will value it like I do)

Yes, I've also given my hubby and kids a "quilter's will" and who to give it all to!!

Lynn

[Lynn K.]

I dream that someday, I will have a granddaughter or niece who shares my interest in quilting. Or, possibly a grandson or nephew.

[Lynn K.]

Yes, I've also given my hubby and kids a "quilter's will" and who to give it all to!!

Lynn

Is it something like this? - sent in to Sewing World, UK from a reader who got it from a South African magazine.

Last will and testament of my threads and paraphernalia.

'Being of sound mind, a statement which does not bear close examination, I do hereby record my last will and testament. Knowing that my spouse, children and keepers have not the least appreciation for, nor knowledge of my extensive craft collection which I have deposited in sundry places for safekeeping, and knowing that my spouse, children and keepers have already notified the local garbologist that should I precede them to the Great Craft Fair in the sky to pick up and dispose the aforementioned collection'willie nillie', this thought causes me great distress.

Therefore I do will this collection and all other collections related to it to my dear friends and fellow fabric-holics and craft preservationists. It is my wish that on hearing of my demise and obtaining clear proof that I did not manage - although God knows I tried to take it with me, that they come to my home post haste, before the garbage truck, and search out my collection. The collection should be rescued and stacked in my sewing room along with my sewing machine, frames, old buttons, lace, patterns, thread fabrics, quilts, dolls, ribbons,trimings, beads, bears and numerous works in progress (otherwise known as UFOs). After this be done refreshments should be purchased for my friends, not yet departed and every last one of them shall in that sewing room hold a wake and say lovely and kind things about me until they run out of poetic vocabulary. They shall then divide amongst them by lot, my lovely and wonderful collection. I shal then quit this place, leaving the car, house and all stocks and bonds and other worldly trivialities to those who simply do not understand.

that just about covers everything I think :lol:

Rosemary

[Lynn K.]

Ha Ha.

No it just gives names of who to call to give it to! ha

[brenda h.]

Rosemary, that is fantastic! I think I will ask our attorney to insert it into the next update of our wills :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Pam D.]

Rosemary,

That is brilliant!!! I had been thinking along the lines of what should one day happen to all my fabrics etc. I will copy this into a document for further thought. Thanks, Pam

[Catherine S.]

Rosemary, I love the will, but in my case I guess I will have to sit the girls down before I get too close to going to the "Great Craft Fair" and let them fight it out while I watch and keep things even. I have 4 daughters, all sew, and 8 grandaughters, so far. My only son bought his wife a sewing machine, but I think he probably uses it more than she does. I also have 7 grandsons. On second thought, I don't think I want to be around when they fight over it. I just don't think the garbage man will get a chance at any of my goodies. At least not if they keep my DH away from it. :wink: