• Home
  • Blog
    • Frances Suzanne
    • Flip this Pattern
  • Flip this Pattern
    • Overview
    • Competitor Flips
    • Sew-Alongs
  • Tutorials
    • Sewing
    • Smocking
    • Free Patterns
  • Heirloom
  • Recipes
  • Contact



Jul
13

3 Comments

Organization 101: OCD Style


We are a bit obsessed with organizing our sewing materials around here. Maybe it’s a lack of a sewing room and making the most of an area given, or maybe it’s our OCD nature that EVERYTHING MUST HAVE A PLACE. Either way, we feel that if our organization is in place, our sewing production will have to drastically improve. While there are many areas in need of organization (dmc thread, bobbins and spool area, fabric, etc.), today we’d like to share the beginning of our organizational efforts. Hopefully, we’ll have other helpful tidbits and tips to pass on as we work through organizing ourselves.
Pattern Organization
After much experimentation, this is the pattern organization method we’ve decided works best for us. Remember, however, there are two of us. One uses the sewing machine; one does not. That frees up a lot of ‘extra time’ to keep a pair of hands busy on organization.

First, we made a binder with information from all patterns we own. Each pattern has a two-sided page in our binder. The front is an enlarged pattern photograph and the back has the fabric, notions, etc. needed to complete it. The binder is alphabetized by designer for a quick and easy search. We take this binder with us as we ‘fabric shop’ and is a hot topic of conversation when browsing in stores. Major benefits: we don’t over buy fabric and can determine what we want to make without sporadically buying random fabric yardage. While we have been known to change our original plan for a garment at times, most of the time it helps us stay on task.

Pattern Organization
But what do we do with all the patterns?!?! All patterns are different. Some are traceable; some just have to be cut. We take a given pattern and do one of the following:
Pattern Organization

1. Cut the original (most Children’s Corner patterns are set up to do this), and store in 6×9 labeled (by pattern and size) envelopes.

Pattern Organization

2. Print all sizes of a digital pattern (free downloads, bought PDFs, etc) and cut / tape pieces together. Then, store as mentioned above.

Pattern Organization
3. Trace and cut all available sizes within a pattern, and store as mentioned above. 
Pattern Organization
We bought this tracing paper, and found that it works well for us. Most pattern pieces fit easily within the given width.
Pattern Organization

After storing a pattern in labeled envelopes, a smaller version (6×9) of the pattern cover is copied to place in front of the labeled envelopes to act as a divider between other patterns. Many bought pattern envelopes are approximately 6×9, so we just use them as dividers without copying them. The smaller copies would be made for digital patterns, etc. (ones that need a divider before our self-made envelope of directions and sized pattern envelopes).

Pattern Organization
Then, once the various sizes are in their designated envelopes, we file them alphabetically by designer and pattern name in a three-drawer cart storage bin. That way, when it is time to sew a particular pattern, it will be ready to grab and go for the particular size needed to be cut.
Pattern Organization
Pattern Organization

While this is extremely handy, there are some very important items that don’t seem to have a place in our three-drawer storage area: TUTORIALS! There is seldom a pattern we don’t rely on a tutorial to guide us through the sewing process.  So, we use a filing box for our go-to tutorials. While we will probably outgrow this box quickly, it works for now and is useful in our organizational method.

Pattern Organization
What about fabric? Well…..we’re still working on that! Right now, it is stored in large, plastic bins.  However, it is not the most condusive method/way for us.  So, when we figure it out…you’ll be the first to know.

How about you? How do you store your previously used pattern pieces? We’d love to hear the method/s you’ve found helpful in your quest for sewing organization!

*Please note: This post contains “affiliate links”, yet we do solemnly promise that all proceeds will be used to fund our fabric {and sewing} obsession!



Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...




Tweet


3 Comments



Deb
9 yearss ago


Now that’s seriously OCD! Maybe anal would be a better word!!!
I am truly impressed with your storage system; it’s so neat, tidy and easily accessible.
My patterns are tossed (stuffed? crammed?) into a plastic box too but not as organized as yours.
You give me inspiration to tidy up my messy sewing space!

(Reply)

Frances Suzanne
9 yearss ago


You said it on the OCD synonym!! We found our organizing system early enough in our sewing to not be overwhelmed with the process… “Neat, tidy, and accessible”? Well, what we chose to highlight on this blog is. We could take some pics of other areas that would humanize us a bit more!

(Reply)

Our Time at GNO {Charlotte, NC} ‹ Frances Suzanne
7 yearss ago


[…] the process, our precious blue binder of patterns was lost in the sea of fabric….only to be claimed at the information table […]

(Reply)


Leave a Reply









  Cancel Reply

  • Recent Comments

    • Broadway Fabrics on FINALLY . . . A Knit to Love
    • Joanna on Sewing for Disney: France {Epcot Travels}
    • Joanna on Sewing for Disney: Italy {Epcot Travels}
    • Joanna on A Classic Lee {with a slight twist}
    • Hannah W on A Classic Lee {with a slight twist}
  • Subscribe Via Email

  • Find us on Facebook

  • Follow Us on Pinterest

    Learn how to sew 12 different hems using your sewing machine. This articles has easy tips, tricks and how-to's that you can use to improve your sewing.Inspiration for the Oliver + S Building Block Dress book.Vintage Pattern Butterick 3312 Girls' Dress 60s Size 6X by La-Prairie-Lady, via Flickr
    Vintage Helen Lee McCalls 8627 CUT Girls Mod A-Line by RomasMaisonVintage mod - color blockMcCall's 6744 Vintage 60s Super Cute Toddler Girl's Panel Pleat Dress - Button Detail - Sleeveless or Cap Sewing Pattern Size 1. $9.00, via Etsy.
    YUMMY! Why carry a plain, boring veggie tray when you can carry colorful, delicious Veggie Bars to your next get-together!Pocket / pleat detailingMcCalls 7929 Vintage 1960s Girls Dress pattern Size by bellaloona, $6.00
    Follow Me on Pinterest More Pins
  • Oldies, But Goodies

    <
    2020
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    ▼
    >
    Jan9 Posts
    Feb7 Posts
    Mar7 Posts
    Apr3 Posts
    May1 Post
    Jun1 Post
    Jul1 Post
    Aug0 Posts
    Sep5 Posts
    Oct0 Posts
    Nov1 Post
    Dec0 Posts
    Jan0 Posts
    Feb0 Posts
    Mar0 Posts
    Apr0 Posts
    May2 Posts
    Jun12 Posts
    Jul12 Posts
    Aug1 Post
    Sep6 Posts
    Oct3 Posts
    Nov1 Post
    Dec11 Posts
    Jan0 Posts
    Feb1 Post
    Mar0 Posts
    Apr4 Posts
    May7 Posts
    Jun5 Posts
    Jul0 Posts
    Aug0 Posts
    Sep0 Posts
    Oct0 Posts
    Nov0 Posts
    Dec0 Posts
    Jan3 Posts
    Feb4 Posts
    Mar5 Posts
    Apr3 Posts
    May2 Posts
    Jun4 Posts
    Jul0 Posts
    Aug1 Post
    Sep2 Posts
    Oct1 Post
    Nov0 Posts
    Dec0 Posts
    Jan1 Post
    Feb2 Posts
    Mar2 Posts
    Apr0 Posts
    May4 Posts
    Jun9 Posts
    Jul8 Posts
    Aug10 Posts
    Sep5 Posts
    Oct2 Posts
    Nov3 Posts
    Dec3 Posts
    Jan6 Posts
    Feb16 Posts
    Mar13 Posts
    Apr15 Posts
    May5 Posts
    Jun8 Posts
    Jul11 Posts
    Aug2 Posts
    Sep1 Post
    Oct2 Posts
    Nov5 Posts
    Dec5 Posts
    Jan18 Posts
    Feb12 Posts
    Mar13 Posts
    Apr16 Posts
    May12 Posts
    Jun17 Posts
    Jul18 Posts
    Aug16 Posts
    Sep21 Posts
    Oct15 Posts
    Nov10 Posts
    Dec6 Posts
    Jan9 Posts
    Feb6 Posts
    Mar6 Posts
    Apr6 Posts
    May11 Posts
    Jun17 Posts
    Jul19 Posts
    Aug14 Posts
    Sep18 Posts
    Oct10 Posts
    Nov16 Posts
    Dec17 Posts
    Jan0 Posts
    Feb0 Posts
    Mar0 Posts
    Apr0 Posts
    May0 Posts
    Jun9 Posts
    Jul8 Posts
    Aug5 Posts
    Sep5 Posts
    Oct11 Posts
    Nov5 Posts
    Dec10 Posts


  • About Us

    PeekABooAboutUs

    Hi everyone! We are two sisters who lovingly sew for our youngest sister’s children. We are so glad you are here and invite you to join our many sewing adventures! It would be an absolute honor to call you our friend!

  • Follow Us on IG

    No images found!
    Try some other hashtag or username
  • Recent Posts

    • You Better Watch Out, You Better Not Cry . . .

      You Better Watch Out, You Better Not Cry . . .

      November 6, 2020
    • A Classic Lee {with a slight twist}

      A Classic Lee {with a slight twist}

      September 23, 2020
    • Sewing for Disney: France {Epcot Travels}

      Sewing for Disney: France {Epcot Travels}

      September 17, 2020
    • Sewing for Disney: Germany {Epcot Travels}

      Sewing for Disney: Germany {Epcot Travels}

      September 14, 2020
  • Need Inspiration? Help?

    Learn how to sew 12 different hems using your sewing machine. This articles has easy tips, tricks and how-to's that you can use to improve your sewing.Inspiration for the Oliver + S Building Block Dress book.Vintage Pattern Butterick 3312 Girls' Dress 60s Size 6X by La-Prairie-Lady, via Flickr
    Vintage Helen Lee McCalls 8627 CUT Girls Mod A-Line by RomasMaisonVintage mod - color blockMcCall's 6744 Vintage 60s Super Cute Toddler Girl's Panel Pleat Dress - Button Detail - Sleeveless or Cap Sewing Pattern Size 1. $9.00, via Etsy.
    YUMMY! Why carry a plain, boring veggie tray when you can carry colorful, delicious Veggie Bars to your next get-together!Pocket / pleat detailingMcCalls 7929 Vintage 1960s Girls Dress pattern Size by bellaloona, $6.00
    1960's girl's dress My Grandma made this pattern for my sisters and I!!!1960s McCall's 7994 Cutest Mad Men Era Girl's Five Panel Dress 60s Vintage Sewing Pattern Size 4 UNCUT1960's Helen Lee High-Waisted Dress and Coat with Wide Collar for Girls and Toddlers - Vintage McCall's Sewing Pattern 7629 - Size 6
    Follow Me on Pinterest More Pins

Copyright © 2012 Nemesis Theme. Powered by Wordpress.
Wordpress theme by Peerapong
All images are copyrighted to their respective owners.