I have 146 sewing patterns. I know because I entered them in Microsoft Access. I was tired of buying patterns only to discover that I had the same pattern at home.
It was a very time consuming project but I got it done. The project consisted of:
- creating the database in Access,
- labeling 9×12 folders,
- copying the front and back of pattern envelop,
- creating the notebook and
- filing the copies of the envelopes.
I learn a lot about my tastes in clothing. Is that another V-neck top?
I also realized that I’ve only used a fraction of my patterns.  So, I’m not going on a pattern diet. I’ve seen the Fall Vogue Patterns and there a few that I want but I will make a point of using the patterns I own for the rest of this year.
I now have a notebook which contains copies of the pattern envelopes (front & back). (click on pictures to enlarge)

Cover of my sewing pattern notebook

Tabs represents types of sewing patterns

Closeup of Tabs
I’ve divided my patterns into the following categories:
- accessories,
- dress,
- home dec,
- jackets/coats,
- pants,
- skirts,
- tops/shirts,
- wardrobe.
Accessories includes sleepwear, lingerie, bags aprons, etc. Wardrobe includes any pattern with more than one items like skirt and pants.
Here’s the break down of my pattern categories.
- Accessories – 6
- Dress – 27,
- Home dec -11,
- Jackets/coats -10,
- Pants – 11,
- Skirts – 9,
- Tops/shirts – 38,
- Wardrobe – 34.



You would think that would be enough patterns for one person. Not!
I’ll eventually, get around to cataloging the sewing magazines like BWOF, BWOF plus (I don’t have that many) and one lone copy of Ottobre women and Kwik Sew’s Beautiful Lingerie.  That’s for another day. I’m sick of looking at my database.
Here’s where I store my patterns. I store the pattern (original, traced and pattern envelop) in a 9X12 envelop because I trace my patterns instead of using the original patterns. It works for me.



I really want to add pictures to the database but I haven’t figured that out yet.
It would be nice to be able to upload the database to my Blackberry.
So, if you’re reading this blog post. I have a few questions for you.
1. Do you know how many patterns you own?
2. How do you keep them organized?
3. If you have a smartphone, do you keep your pattern information on it?
Thanks and have a great week.
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