Pattern Stash

I own more sewing patterns than I have time to sew. Most of my physical patterns are stored in a cabinet in my sewing area. I trace most of my pattern pieces off of the original print, and keep the traced pieces organized in labeled envelopes. Here’s a look inside my pattern stash: 

Books

My friends and family know that I love sewing so I often get sewing related books as presents. My collection includes sewing technique books, bag making, garment making, quilting, and some magazines. Even though I haven’t made something from each of the books I own, I enjoy looking through them for inspiration. 

I also buy sewing books as souvenirs when I travel. Sometimes these books are in a language I don’t read, but as long as there are illustrated instructions included, I’ll get the book. I like trying to figure out the instructions based on the photos and diagrams, and if I get really stuck I turn to the Google Translate app. 

Printed Patterns

My collection of packaged patterns is smaller than my digital pattern stash.  

At least half of my printed pattern collection is from Vogue patterns. During the sales, I tend to buy a few of the latest releases and I rarely end up making them. I’ve found that the pattern style becomes less interesting when I think about making it in a solid colored or different fabric than what is pictured in the image-  the Vogue sample photography often showcases printed fabrics. I still enjoy browsing the Vogue pattern catalog online, but I am trying not to get sucked into buying too much during the sales. 

The other printed patterns in my pattern stash are coat and pants patterns.  I now trace most of my digital patterns off of my computer monitor, but I think the larger pattern pieces might get distorted during tracing. Also, coat patterns often include many pattern pieces for the lining and body, and I think it is a time saver to get the printed pattern instead of tracing the digital one. 

Digital Patterns

I own a lot of Seamwork patterns and bonuses- maybe 40 patterns. I have a Seamwork membership with unlimited downloads, and sometimes I download a pattern just to read through a sewing technique. I do enjoy sewing the Seamwork patterns because the instructions are clear, and the styles are classic but simple enough to expand upon with pattern hacks and embellishments. 

The other digital patterns that I own are shirts from Grainline Studio, an underwire bra pattern, a few backpack patterns, and a couple of quilt patterns. I download the digital files and keep them organized on my computer. That’s it for now, but I’m sure I’ll continue to add to my collection as I discover new patterns.