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would recycling them be wasteful? (Moderated by EleanorSews)
Posted on: 1/23/11 6:50 PM ET
Last winter, when I was first learning how to sew, I bought a couple of patterns that, after using them (once for one, and twice for the other) I've realized are not patterns that I want t o keep around or use again. Ever.
I've passed other unwanted patterns onto rl sewing friends, patterns that were designed for fabrics that I don't like using, or in styles that I now know I don't like to wear. But those patterns were brand new and the pattern tissue itself untouched.
These patterns have been cut, folded and refolded several times, and live in envelopes that are held together with paperclips. The sizing was off, the directions murderously hard to follow and the final products were wadders.
Would it be totally wasteful to just pop them into the recycling? Or should I keep them around in case I want them "someday"? (which is unlikely, as they have been replaced by "good" patterns for the same stuff... a cap sleeve sheath and pencil skirt, respectively).
I've passed other unwanted patterns onto rl sewing friends, patterns that were designed for fabrics that I don't like using, or in styles that I now know I don't like to wear. But those patterns were brand new and the pattern tissue itself untouched.
These patterns have been cut, folded and refolded several times, and live in envelopes that are held together with paperclips. The sizing was off, the directions murderously hard to follow and the final products were wadders.
Would it be totally wasteful to just pop them into the recycling? Or should I keep them around in case I want them "someday"? (which is unlikely, as they have been replaced by "good" patterns for the same stuff... a cap sleeve sheath and pencil skirt, respectively).
Posted on: 1/23/11 7:33 PM ET
Sell them here on PR or Yahoo Group - Sew It's For Sale.
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Janome MC6700 Bernina Q16Plus Bernina 240 Juki MO735 Singer 201-2 Singer 221-1
Posted on: 1/23/11 7:59 PM ET
They make really cute tissue in gifts. I don't have much of an attachment to a printed pattern...it's just that. But, I think most of us have a hard time "deflating the dream" of a pattern.
I'm not talking about the truly desirable vintage patterns...but face it, most of the modern day patterns aren't that rare when sold for peanuts at the sales.
One thing I've done over the years is collected patterns from my high school/college days. Mainly for the envelope...not so much for the tissue patterns.
You could start a scrapbook of just the envelopes...rarely do I need the pattern over and over...if so, I'll trace off a copy on better paper and it will contain my alterations. But for "one off" patterns...no, I don't think it's horrible to recycle. We have too many hoarders on this earth imagining too much value in belongins.
I think it's great you are opening your mind to new, future projects and not getting bogged down in what does not bring you pleasure.
I'm not talking about the truly desirable vintage patterns...but face it, most of the modern day patterns aren't that rare when sold for peanuts at the sales.
One thing I've done over the years is collected patterns from my high school/college days. Mainly for the envelope...not so much for the tissue patterns.
You could start a scrapbook of just the envelopes...rarely do I need the pattern over and over...if so, I'll trace off a copy on better paper and it will contain my alterations. But for "one off" patterns...no, I don't think it's horrible to recycle. We have too many hoarders on this earth imagining too much value in belongins.
I think it's great you are opening your mind to new, future projects and not getting bogged down in what does not bring you pleasure.
Posted on: 1/23/11 8:07 PM ET
You can also donate them to Pattern Rescue.
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Elaina
SewDucky.com
334.5 yards in stash...and still counting >.<
SewDucky.com
334.5 yards in stash...and still counting >.<
Posted on: 1/23/11 8:54 PM ET
In reply to doompancakes
OK, close your eyes if you can't toss patterns.
To doompancakes: Toss 'em in the recycle bin. It's not worth the postage to "send" them anywhere unless someone else is willing to pay for the postage - but you still have to make the effort of getting them ready to ship out and finding the box, etc. It's not worth donating them. Just get them out of your hair and out of your way and move on. It's a giant relief.
To doompancakes: Toss 'em in the recycle bin. It's not worth the postage to "send" them anywhere unless someone else is willing to pay for the postage - but you still have to make the effort of getting them ready to ship out and finding the box, etc. It's not worth donating them. Just get them out of your hair and out of your way and move on. It's a giant relief.
Posted on: 1/23/11 9:32 PM ET
I wonder if housewives in the 40s to 60 s said this?
Posted on: 1/23/11 9:46 PM ET
What about donating them to the Salvation Army or maybe there's a school with a sewing program.
Posted on: 1/23/11 9:58 PM ET
In reply to guillorypr
Quote: guillorypr
I wonder if housewives in the 40s to 60 s said this?
I wonder if housewives in the 40s to 60 s said this?
Who cares? Thank goodness this is 2011

I assume you were responding to my comment. I said to look away if you couldn't toss patterns.
Edited because apparently I don't know what year it is. :)
-- Edited on 1/23/11 9:59 PM --
Posted on: 1/23/11 10:08 PM ET
salvation army uses the patterns for wraping there glass wear in. and goodwill only saves small amounts of patterns. i say the savor store. i find lots of them there. Have a rummage sale and sell them for a 10cents apiece the way they are. Goodluck
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Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to god. And
The peace of god, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
The peace of god, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Posted on: 1/24/11 8:06 PM ET
Well, I said it as I assumed that most women who sewed back then were housewives. Then I also said it because I love buying vintage patterns and I am grateful there were some women who apparently also didn't believe in throwing them out. I would at least give them away or put them on the Freecycle.
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