I’m getting ready to make a BIG bag for Grace, as a ‘thank you’ for all the help she’s been to me these past months as I’ve worked on my book, which is nearly finished (yipee!!) more about that later.
While I was in my sewing room this morning organizing the bag project and my workspace I thought this might be of interest to share. Because whenever I go to the trouble of enlarging patterns from a book, and it turns out to be something I’ll make again, or just need to put away until I have the time to make it, I have a storage system that has worked really well for me and maybe this will help you too. By taking a few minutes to print out and paste a photo of the book cover, and the project name on an envelope, I have saved myself time and frustration hunting for the pattern pieces again, not to mention trying to remember which book the directions are in. Most book patterns don’t have any identifying information and it just keeps everything all neat and tidy. I like that. Oh I really-really do. You can reuse those large envelopes that greeting cards come in or purchase envelopes in bulk from your office supply store if you want to make a nice pattern library.
OK, that’s it…I’m off to do some sewing now…will share the finished bag soon.
Very good idea! Thanks for the info. I really like your blog.
Blessings
Posted by: Diane | August 21, 2008 at 01:57 PM
What a great idea. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Chris | August 21, 2008 at 02:10 PM
Very good tip, thanks:-) I have mine rolled up in Staples plastic bags!
Posted by: Suzanne | August 21, 2008 at 05:56 PM
You are clever. Love your idea. I have that very same book. Love Christina Strutts books and her paterns
Posted by: Cheryl | August 21, 2008 at 07:32 PM
I can't wait to see the bag - and the book.
Posted by: paula luckhurst | August 22, 2008 at 05:28 AM
I am looking forward to seeing the book, and your bag. You do such lovely work! I have kept my patterns this way for years. You are right, it is sooooo handy!!
Posted by: Velma | August 22, 2008 at 07:59 AM
Thanks for the tip (I am so unorganized...maybe this will help me in the future).
Looking forward to the book!
Posted by: sabine | August 22, 2008 at 08:37 AM
Wow, what a teasing email both about the book and the bag. You leave us in anticipated state of excitement. Good thing for a Friday. I love the idea of reusing card envelopes.
Posted by: Selena | August 22, 2008 at 11:19 AM
Wow good idea, thank you for sharing it. I bet folks would actully use patterns again if they could find them LOL. I know I would, mine are in basket somewhere. And not filed neatly that's for sure :)
Posted by: andylynne | August 22, 2008 at 02:07 PM
You're gonna have a book out? That's great! I was hoping you would have one since your work is so delightful. I just joined the Crafter's book club so I've been getting a nice collection going...so many darling craft/sewing books.
Posted by: tammyCA | August 23, 2008 at 10:46 AM
I'm looking forward to seeing Grace's finished bag. I can't wait for your book!!!
Posted by: Christina | August 23, 2008 at 11:14 AM
Wonderful and creative idea ...you never cease to amaze me. And....I love, love, love the little 'babe in a bag'!
Posted by: Alice | August 23, 2008 at 06:02 PM
Another way to save your pattern or the pieces is to glue an envelope to the back inside cover of your book and put your pieces inside. This way you don't have to print the instructions, this way your saving paper too!
Posted by: Jean C. | August 23, 2008 at 07:59 PM
Oh How I Loooove Romantic Home Sewing! It is probably one of my top three sewing books!
Posted by: Abbey | August 23, 2008 at 09:10 PM
your book! YOUR BOOK?! Where have I been...
sitting on pins and needles here..ouch. tell us quick! :)
Posted by: Toni | August 26, 2008 at 07:03 PM