But, I need more.
Tell me again at what point does this become a problem? Should someone be giving me an intervention? In another attempt to avoid actually creating and using a pattern, I thought this weekend would be a good time to clean out the pattern drawer which is really more like a larger Rubbermaid travel trunk.
Here’s the breakdown
- 46 Dress patterns
- 26 skirt patterns
- 19 Jacket patterns*
- 9 Pant/short patterns
- 8 Bag/tote patterns*
- 8 Knit/stretch patterns
- 7 Lifestyle/Wardrobe patterns*
- 7 Blouse patterns*
- 7 Costume patterns*
- 6 Home decor*
- 4 Apron *
- 2 Children*
- 2 Hat*
- 2 Fitting*
- 1 Uni-tard*
* at the most one pattern has been used. In most cases I haven’t used any. (Uni-tard)
I have no idea why I could possibly want a uni-tard let alone make one.
This list does not take in to account my vintage stash.
Look at that! I clearly need more blouse and pant patterns, I’m not even in the double digits.
Fess up. What’s your drawer look like.
Doesn’t look so bad now.
I’m sure I was going to make the ‘C’ version
The magical effects of thinking 
😀 😀 Few months ago I register all (I hope) patterns I have in my stash on PatternReview.com. It is helping me as I can chack what I have and it is stopping me of buying more patterns. I think for me it is more collection – when I look at some patterns I see that they are almost the same. From some patterns I am using only small part. There are lot of patterns I have never used – but I like look at them and dream that one day I will make garment based on it. I am trying to stop bying patterns… which is very difficult.
That is dedication. But, I think it would help in keeping purchasing patterns down. Maybe.
Maybe… I am still able to convince myslef that I need this pattern…;-)
Yes, I recently gave away a lot of my old patterns. It felt good. I kept some. I like the swap we had at the sewing night. Those are always excellent where you can get new and get rid of what you don’t want. I am thinking if I were a pattern collector I would definitely have a catalog system on a database. This is what i am always saying, ‘there’s an app in there somewhere’. LOL.
Guaranteed any pattern you get rid of will be the exact one you want a few months down the line! As to hoarding erm…I mean collecting- a few jumbo size plastic boxes on wheels house mine. They are vaguely sorted according to type and I rummage through every so often to remind myself what is there. My family are still wondering if I was joking when I said that I would like the ashes mingled with mine when the time comes.
I think we all can relate to this always looking for something ‘new’ thing – especially when it comes to patterns! My stash of paper patterns is rather small, but you should see my “BurdaStyle Sewing Patterns” folder on my computer *blush*. But I have nothing even close to the awesomeness of that hooded unitard! You MUST keep it and make it!!! I swear, that would get you on “Freshly Pressed” instantly!!! Love your blog, BTW 🙂
Now, if I would get on Freshly Pressed by making AND wearing the Gold Lame hooded uni-tard well then it’s a keeper. But, a cape would be in order too.
Oh my, is that a HOODED unitard?!!! Maybe you should whip one up in gold lame for around the house.
Oh Gawd. Gold lame, that’s it. Maybe I will keep it now.
Yeah – ’cause purple velour would make you look like a tellatubby.
And gold will make me look like 3-C-PO.
HA!
Passionate collector!, take a pic on your phone of your patterns that way you avoid duplication when you are out shopping. Though I don’t suspect you’ll buy two unitards!:D
I know someone whose pattern collection takes up a large office cabinet. Don’t worry — yet.
Yes, I’m feeling less bad the more comments come in. Hmmmm 🙂
Every pattern represents a wish…or a plan!
Yes, they do. They’re little packages of inspiration. Plus, on sale a 1.99 what’s the big deal? 😉
I used to “pleasure read” them…(like I do cookbooks!)–besides you can learn a lot just from the pattern!
I stopped counting my patterns after 300. Now that I am retired I will finally get to start making all of these wonderful clothes and accessories.
You’ve surpassed me. What I would do with time on my hands, congrats on getting time to sew!
Oh my friend … you are a passionate collector and a young one at that. I think my “collection” is bursting a bit. I am a bit nervous about counting them.
I do think the uni-tard should be next on the “to do” sewing list with a fashion show at the the next DSC.
@disparatedisiplines: can you expand on your “electronic inventory”? Do you use excel? Evernote? Springboard? Pattern Pal? I am most curious.
Before I did this, I thought I was low on dress patterns which is clearly not the case. Plus, I found lots of duplicates. It do you good to take a look. And, no. No fashion show of the uni-tard.
I have mine in a plastic DVD storage box. It’s very long & holds my 100+ patterns, but I’ll need to branch out soon! It’s the perfect width for smaller patterns because I can line them up on their sides. Everything is sorted in categories similar to the ones you have listed, with folded bits of paper sticking up that list the categories. I also have my inventory listed electronically, but that’s another story. I can be a bit obsessive sometimes…
Wow, listed electronically. That would be helpful in not buying duplicates. I now have my in better order, but have not found 1 container to keep them all in. I’ll have to ck out the DVD storage. Might be perfect. 🙂
Jane wanted to know how you do your electronic cataloging of patterns. Can you give us a peek into your organization?
Sure. I use Bento, an application for Macs, although I’ve got mine on a iPad. Not sure what the computer version is like. It’s also a little older version so a tutorial might not end up working well. But I really love it. I can customize & add as many fields as my heart desires as well as cross reference my patterns with my projects (which are cross referenced with my fabrics & notions). I’m a bit insane. But it’s really wonderful for knowing exactly what I have, what I’ve spent, how often I’ve used something & I can keep track of all my project ideas before I forget about them.