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Patterns...what do you do with????
Mary Heckman   Intermediate PA USA Member since 5/4/09 Posts: 360	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 4/20/11 1:24 PM Just curious....what do you do with patterns you have tried and hate? Do you throw them away? Do you trace your patterns and why? I find that with patterns at JA only being 99 cents on sale quite often, should you invest the time to trace? Should you hold on to patterns you hate and will never make? Do you donate these patterns to Goodwill or just throw them out?
Pinkytoo   Advanced VA USA Member since 6/23/06 Posts: 2726	Login to reply to this post In reply to Mary Heckman Like this post Date: 4/20/11 1:31 PM Hated patterns make really good tissue paper to wrap up your glassware when you move... I have also given some away. The only patterns I trace are Burda WOF (or whatever it's called now). I make alterations to the tissue patterns so I'm not going to trace them and then alter them, I'm too impatient to get to the actual SEWING part! ------ Sewing is my therapy!
Kat B. Advanced VA USA Member since 11/16/03 Posts: 44	Login to reply to this post In reply to Mary Heckman Like this post Date: 4/20/11 2:04 PM It's funny that you started this topic as I have been thinking about the same thing. I donate my hated patterns to Goodwill, I also go through and clean out my stash every few years and donate patterns that are outdated or that the kids have outgrown and I know I wouldn't use for a niece or nephew. I do not trace any patterns from JA. I will, however, trace some expensive independent patterns that are multi-sized if I know that I would use the pattern again in the future in a different size. (Like children's patterns that I will be using for both daughters.) Another question that I want to just throw out there is what does everyone do with used patterns? Do you file them, donate them, toss them? Only keep TNT basics? I realized the other day that I have a box of used, altered patterns that I like or enjoyed sewing, but would probably never sew again because there are too many new things to try, but I feel emotional attachment to some of these patterns. We bonded. So, any ideas on what I could do with these patterns?
Mary Heckman   Intermediate PA USA Member since 5/4/09 Posts: 360	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 4/20/11 3:24 PM Like you I wondered what everyone does with the patterns they use and like. I have seen loads of you ladies have filing cabinets and file by pattern number. However, I think I would file away and forget all about the patterns, since my mind is like a pea, very small and very forgetful. I have just recently started sewing again, and I already have three binds full of new patterns I plan to make someday. I find with all the sales at JA, I look and buy every sale and each change of season, without even using my already bought patterns. When do you say enough is enough and use the already purchased patterns. I think collecting patterns can be much like collecting material. You think you need it, you feel you will sew it some day and you even purchase the material and then you take a look (as I did last night) * have 10 patterns already laid out with material to make different items. If I don't stop buying, I think I will have so many projects planned and not enough sewing time. How do you stop
ValerieJ   Advanced Beginner PA USA Member since 6/14/06 Posts: 537	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 4/20/11 3:44 PM I put them in the recycling bin and they go out with the trash. I live in Center City Philadelphia, and the local Salvation Army doesn't carry anything that's sewing related. It's not worth my time or trouble to try Craigslist, Freecycle or any of those kinds of things.
sky Advanced Beginner CA USA Member since 12/4/03 Posts: 500	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 4/20/11 4:44 PM Umm, I keep them because what if I change my mind later in life and want to try it again? Or try a different view? Or make it for a future child, friend or other unknown as of now person? Yeah, I have a hard time getting rid of things if I see a glimmer of potential in them.
MNBarb   Intermediate MN USA Member since 4/3/10 Posts: 1521	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 4/20/11 7:01 PM Double post. -- Edited on 4/20/11 7:02 PM -- ------ Barb "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Thomas Edison "I not only use all the brains I have, but all I can borrow." Woodrow Wilson
MNBarb   Intermediate MN USA Member since 4/3/10 Posts: 1521	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 4/20/11 7:02 PM If this helps you make your decision... I visited my sister recently. She is super-organized and had all of her patterns sorted in binders by company, garment, etc. She hasn't sewn since the late '80's and none of the patterns would be usable today (big shouler pads, pleated pants, very-loose fitting, prairie girl jumpers, etc). Yes, there are those sewists who are making retro patterns but they are from the '40's and '50's. Do you really plan to hang on to things that might come back into style 50-60 years from now? If you don't like it now it probably isn't going to be your favorite style next week. Our local thrift stores, Savers and Goodwill, take anything. Some of the small town thrift stores also might be more likely to take specialty items like patterns. Those 99 cent patterns can really encourage overbuying. The worst is when you buy on a whim, then go home and see that the pattern was a flop in the PR reviews. Now what? Who wants to try a pattern that didn't work for any other sewists? There will always be a few items that were purchased with your hard-earned money and end up in the recycling or trash. Thanks for the reminder. I need to comb through my little box of patterns and do some weeding. Is anyone interested in a V-neck Burda top that is cut down to the navel? Oh, that's right, I burned that in the woodstove last week! ------ Barb "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Thomas Edison "I not only use all the brains I have, but all I can borrow." Woodrow Wilson
Ejegmama Intermediate NC USA Member since 3/6/10 Posts: 31	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 4/20/11 7:39 PM If I hate it or even don't plan on using it again I put it in the goodwill bin unless its one I can resell. I only trace expensive patterns that I want to use for more then one size and patterns from books and magazines where the lines cross each other. Sometimes if I get a cheap one that I really like but am not sure what size to make I will trace it as well but that is rare. I do think tracings are easier to work with the pattern tissue though. ------ Stephaine http://ejegmama.blogspot.com/
TJSEWS   Intermediate NJ USA Member since 1/7/06 Posts: 195	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 4/20/11 8:54 PM My local sewing group has a table at every meeting for members to put their unwanted sewing items, including patterns. (One person's trash is another person's treasure.) I place my unwanted unused patterns on the table and they are always picked up by another member. If you belong to a sewing group, maybe this is something that members might be interested in doing.

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