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How long should I keep a pattern before I toss it? (Moderated by Sharon1952)
Posted on: 10/23/08 6:28 PM ET
First let me preface this post with the fact I really dislike clutter. With four children I have learned to live with some, but clutter really bugs me. I like a place for everything and everything in it's place.
Today I am trying to restore organization in my sewing room and am sorting through things trying to figure out if I want to save them or toss them. Here in lies the problem. I have a small box of patterns that I've cut and am not sure that I'll make again. How do you decide it's time to toss them? I currently store my pattern envelopes in clear sleeves in a binder and then keep the envelope contents in manilla envelopes in a rubbermaid container. Today I removed patterns from my binder because I'm pretty doubleful I'll make it again. So now I'm trying to figure out if I should set them aside and toss them into recycling at a later day just to make sure I don't want them or if I should just give them the heave ho and get rid of the clutter.
So tell me, what is your personal rule of thumb?
-- Edited on 10/23/08 6:29 PM --
-- Edited on 10/23/08 6:30 PM --
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Today I am trying to restore organization in my sewing room and am sorting through things trying to figure out if I want to save them or toss them. Here in lies the problem. I have a small box of patterns that I've cut and am not sure that I'll make again. How do you decide it's time to toss them? I currently store my pattern envelopes in clear sleeves in a binder and then keep the envelope contents in manilla envelopes in a rubbermaid container. Today I removed patterns from my binder because I'm pretty doubleful I'll make it again. So now I'm trying to figure out if I should set them aside and toss them into recycling at a later day just to make sure I don't want them or if I should just give them the heave ho and get rid of the clutter.
So tell me, what is your personal rule of thumb?
-- Edited on 10/23/08 6:29 PM --
-- Edited on 10/23/08 6:30 PM --
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"The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain." ~Dolly Parton
Posted on: 10/23/08 6:39 PM ET
In reply to MelissaB in WA
>>I have a small box of patterns that I've cut and am not sure that I'll make again.
Melissa, do you still have the garments you made from these patterns? When I can't decide I dig out the garment and try it on. This usually helps me decide. Also consider how often you wore the garment and if you have a better pattern in a similar style.
Btw, I also hate clutter so I regularly toss my patterns. I go through my patterns at the start of every new season and decide what needs to go to make room for the new patterns. I'm pretty ruthless. Patterns companies recycle their styles so often it's not like I can't buy a similar styled pattern at a later date.
HTH
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Melissa, do you still have the garments you made from these patterns? When I can't decide I dig out the garment and try it on. This usually helps me decide. Also consider how often you wore the garment and if you have a better pattern in a similar style.
Btw, I also hate clutter so I regularly toss my patterns. I go through my patterns at the start of every new season and decide what needs to go to make room for the new patterns. I'm pretty ruthless. Patterns companies recycle their styles so often it's not like I can't buy a similar styled pattern at a later date.
HTH------
Belinda. Melbourne, Australia
http://sew-4-fun.blogspot.com/
http://sew-4-fun.blogspot.com/
Posted on: 10/23/08 7:04 PM ET
In reply to Sew4Fun
Excellent advice Belinda! That is really what I needed to hear. I'm trying to be ruthless here, but them I get panicked I will need it later. Many of the garments I don't even have anymore, I guess that should be my first clue. I guess my concern is that I might kick myself for getting rid of them in the future, but that is so true pattern companies are always recycling designs so I can always find something similar (especially true when they have $1 sales in the US regularly). I guess I just needed to hear it's okay to toss some. Thank you for your wise words!
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"The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain." ~Dolly Parton
Posted on: 10/23/08 8:02 PM ET
Melissa - I wish I still had the patterns I used in the 1960s and 1970s ... the styles are very similar to the current patterns but they were drafted differently. I have a few of my old patterns and have used them to make clothes for my daughters. In the 1970s there were plenty of patterns in the Jr. size range and I borrowed a number of them from a friend who saved patterns - just take a look at the selection of Jr. size patterns in today's big 4 books - there isn't much to chose from. About 5 years ago I wanted to make some aprons but there was little available in the pattern books (now there are plenty), I kept a few old apron patterns and managed to make them work. My point is that things change and we don't know now what will be available in the future.
I saved my favorite patterns I used when my kids were little thinking that someday I'll have grandchildren to sew for but with my luck I'll only get grandsons while I have a couple of dozen girls patterns. I have also saved every sleepwear and costume pattern ... who knows when I'll need to whip up a gift of a summer nightgown in size small.
My approach is to set limits - toss the patterns that you didn't love and establish a limit on how much space you will devote to old patterns. Like a banker's box......it won't take up that much space and someday you just might be very thankful that you still have that pattern.
On the other hand, my problem is all the $1 patterns .... I have bought the same pattern multiple times which probably means I really like the style. I will get these guys sorted out and passed along to someone who can use them...but I just can't throw away a pattern.
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I saved my favorite patterns I used when my kids were little thinking that someday I'll have grandchildren to sew for but with my luck I'll only get grandsons while I have a couple of dozen girls patterns. I have also saved every sleepwear and costume pattern ... who knows when I'll need to whip up a gift of a summer nightgown in size small.
My approach is to set limits - toss the patterns that you didn't love and establish a limit on how much space you will devote to old patterns. Like a banker's box......it won't take up that much space and someday you just might be very thankful that you still have that pattern.
On the other hand, my problem is all the $1 patterns .... I have bought the same pattern multiple times which probably means I really like the style. I will get these guys sorted out and passed along to someone who can use them...but I just can't throw away a pattern.
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2012 : starting stash 386, net additions 206, used 164, ending stash 428...I'm never going to get in front of this pile of fabric!
Posted on: 10/23/08 8:24 PM ET
I'd like to make a plea to give the patterns to a thrift store instead of recyling them - maybe someone else can use them! You never know, you might have a pattern that someone is dying for!! Of course, its more work that way.
Posted on: 10/23/08 8:56 PM ET
In reply to Snowblossom
This would be my best option. Write on the envelope 'Cut veiw A - Size 10' or whatever.
I can't get rid of anything. I'm a pack rat. Not as bad as those people you see on tv, but I definitaly have way to much stuff. But I still can't part with it.
I am able to get rid of some stuff though when it's heading to charity. It makes me feel like i'm not just tossing something I may need later.
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I can't get rid of anything. I'm a pack rat. Not as bad as those people you see on tv, but I definitaly have way to much stuff. But I still can't part with it.
I am able to get rid of some stuff though when it's heading to charity. It makes me feel like i'm not just tossing something I may need later.
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http://theramblingsoftcm.blogspot.com/
Numbers for 2013:
Yards in stash: 606.25
Yards in: 22.75
Yards out: 10.50
Numbers for 2012:
594.00 yards in stash
4 yards in
10.25 yards out
Numbers for 2011:
601.25 yards in stash (I'm sure this number is off by a few yards)
Yards in: 137.50 (Seriously? I'm over 100, and it's only JULY? Ugh!)
Yards out: 88.75
Numbers for 2013:
Yards in stash: 606.25
Yards in: 22.75
Yards out: 10.50
Numbers for 2012:
594.00 yards in stash
4 yards in
10.25 yards out
Numbers for 2011:
601.25 yards in stash (I'm sure this number is off by a few yards)
Yards in: 137.50 (Seriously? I'm over 100, and it's only JULY? Ugh!)
Yards out: 88.75
Posted on: 10/23/08 9:01 PM ET
In reply to Snowblossom
Quote:
I'd like to make a plea to give the patterns to a thrift store instead of recyling them - maybe someone else can use them! You never know, you might have a pattern that someone is dying for!!
I'd like to make a plea to give the patterns to a thrift store instead of recyling them - maybe someone else can use them! You never know, you might have a pattern that someone is dying for!!
I agree, I have bought patterns at thrift shops and in fact I"m currently working on a thrift-store pattern (with thrift-store buttons). I buy cut patterns as long as the design is something I want.
Posted on: 10/23/08 9:06 PM ET
In reply to Everyday Sewist
Oh, I just wanted to add that although it's great to donate, you shouldn't feel guilty about tossing them in the garbage either. I believe that sometimes it's more important to have peaceful surroundings than it is to find the perfect home for everything.
Posted on: 10/23/08 9:53 PM ET
In reply to Snowblossom
Quote: nightingale
I'd like to make a plea to give the patterns to a thrift store instead of recyling them - maybe someone else can use them! You never know, you might have a pattern that someone is dying for!! Of course, its more work that way.
I'd like to make a plea to give the patterns to a thrift store instead of recyling them - maybe someone else can use them! You never know, you might have a pattern that someone is dying for!! Of course, its more work that way.
I was about to suggest the same.
Much better to enable reuse than to just trash them. :)
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3KB
"The combination of physical strength and moral sincerity combined with tenderness of heart is exactly what is wanted in a husband." Amelia Peabody Emerson
"The combination of physical strength and moral sincerity combined with tenderness of heart is exactly what is wanted in a husband." Amelia Peabody Emerson
Posted on: 10/23/08 10:16 PM ET
For kids patterns I toss when my children have outgrown the size range. Well I do not toss in the garbage or recylcing bin, I give them to a local dress maker.
For women's Patterns I did a big purge a few years ago. I pulled anything that would not fit me at my current size. I pulled styles that were cery close. I pulled patterns for garments that I either will not make or would not wear.
For the adult sized patterns I gave some to the dressmaker and some to the school's home ec program.
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For women's Patterns I did a big purge a few years ago. I pulled anything that would not fit me at my current size. I pulled styles that were cery close. I pulled patterns for garments that I either will not make or would not wear.
For the adult sized patterns I gave some to the dressmaker and some to the school's home ec program.
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Living life to the fullest.
Who knew being a Granny was the best thing ever?
Who knew being a Granny was the best thing ever?
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