This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to all who played along!
My patterns were overflowing the 3 drawer file cabinet in which they were stored, so I got a new one, which led me to contemplate my organizational methods (or lack thereof!).
The top set of drawers is the original - note the duct tape to keep out wee hands. Within size constraints (why does Vogue and Jalie have to use giant envelopes??), my patterns are organized so that I can choose them based on the fabric I am using, since that is generally how I plan my sewing. The patterns are divided first into broad categories (Mens, Misses, Childrens, Unisex, Sleepwear and Maternity), then within the Misses and Mens category into subcategories. Menswear is divided into activewear, pants and shirts and misses is dived into knits and wovens, and within those subcategories into tops, pants, skirts, dresses, jackets and wardrobes. Children's is divided up just by size. Other than that they are just sort of thrown in within each subcategory, so if I'm looking for a specific pattern, I just have to rifle through the entire category. And this doesn't include the large envelope patterns or the magazines, which are in their own areas. This is beginning to get cumbersome as I continue to acquire patterns, which I will! Despite my recent forays into patternless sewing, I love patterns. Aside from the fact that I'm just not as creative as a fashion designer, I'm just to lazy to draft something from scratch every time, and I like variety.
Of course, as I rearranged all my patterns, I found a few that I knew I wasn't going to need, for one reason or another. Many are from the days before I knew how to do an FBA and was still basing my size on my full bust, which actually put me in a larger size category and a few I have many of the same style and know I won't sew them all. So, up for grabs are two sets of patterns, one in each size grouping.
In the 8-16 size group is
Simplicity 2590, a peasant style dress (easily converted to a top just be leaving off the skirt!) and
Butterick 5191 which is a wardrobe with a sleeveless wrap top, kimono sleeve shrug, full legged pants and straight skirt.
In the 12/14 to 20 size group is
McCall's 5936, a cute lined jacket with peplum,
McCall's 5522 an empire waist, princess seamed top with tons of sleeve and ruffle variations and
Butterick 4686, a full skirt with yoke that includes a pleated and unpleated version.
So to enter the giveaway tell me, how do you organize your patterns? Do you have a method that works for you? Be sure to let me know which pattern size range you'd like (both is OK, too!) and contact information if your comment doesn't link to a profile or blog. I'll close the giveaway on Monday the 22nd at 6AM Central Time and announce the winner later that day! Sewing buddies from all over the globe are welcome to enter - I'll ship to you.
