With my current interest in sewing clothes for American Girl dolls, I've seen my collection of patterns grow by leaps and bounds. In order to reign in the chaos of over 120 plus PDF patterns I have resorted to using 2 inch binders filled with clear plastic sheets . Each binder holds 18 - 20 patterns. With so many patterns it was necessary for me to sort them by categories: Tops, bottoms, dresses etc. Each plastic sleeve is home to the printed out PDF Pattern instructions and the the cut out pattern pieces which I printed on card stock and laminated. I trace the pattern piece onto the fabric with a fabric pen. Secure the traced outline with 2 - 3 pins and cut away.
I am finding that most of the patterns,I have found online, are not drawn to scale... Where did you find all of your free patterns that are correct?
ReplyDeleteWhen printing out free patterns just make sure you print it out at 100% and not 'size to fit'. I live abroad so use A4 paper and remembering this one little bit makes sure your patterns are printed to scale. Good luck and happy sewing
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteOnly a handful of my PDF patterns were free. The majority of them were purchased at the websites that I have listed under "Awesome American Girl sites". Liberty Jane has several free patterns that are to scale but I am guessing you already know about that web site. Your question gave me the motivation to make a list of website that have free "to scale patterns". Once I gather the links I will be happy to send you them.
I love seeing someone who has gone even more overboard collecting doll patterns than I have. My husband doesn't understand, though my daughter is thrilled. I can still fit in one binder -- for now. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI know how you feel. It seems I find one and then I just keep finding more and more, it is so much fun.
DeleteOh my gosh when I saw your binder I thought someone was peeping into my window!!! I got bit by the bug last fall and I have been consumed ever sense! And now that I've found your blogspot I'll be an avid follower.
ReplyDeleteWelcome....glad you found my blog. It's always comforting to know that others are as passionate about sewing, dolls, patterns etc. I just picked up 2 more binders to hold my growing collection. Just added an "Our Generation" doll to my collection. One of my Granddaughters got one and now I am having to tweek the patterns to fit the fuller waistline and broader shoulders for her doll. I now make notes on the back of the AG pattern pieces about the adjustments to the side/back seam allowance. Have fun sewing.
DeleteI love collecting doll clothes patterns both on and offline. Hubby is kept busy putting them all into a data base so I avoid repeat purchases :) A pattern site that sells patterns for the 18" dolls (slim and AG) as well as many others that isnt on your sidebar list is http://morrisseydolls.com/ . There are some gorgeous patterns there! Thoroughly enjoy your Blog. cheers, caz
ReplyDeleteThank you Caroline for the suggestion. I have added MorrisseyDolls to the sidebar.
DeleteThey do indeed offer some wonderful patterns. Saw several patterns that I just may have to order. Glad you enjoyed my blog.
Thanks again,
Suzi
Follow up comment on Morrissey Dolls. Discovered that they have a "F" rating with the BBB / Wisconsin. Several current ones in 2012. Delivery issues of product ordered. I decided to remove the link to that company from my sidebar.
DeleteI've never been on your blog--but was just reading the info on this pin from Pinterest--great idea for the PDFs-- and then the comments. I've bought several PDF patterns (I have the same AG and other doll pattern "bug" as the rest of you and the computer file to keep track of them too) from Morrissey Dolls in the past 4 months and had absolutely no problem with them. Very cute patterns! I bought patterns for the 10" Mary Engelbreit Ann Estelle dolls though, not AG in this case. Maybe they had problems in the past but are fine now? Just wanted to pass that on. Have no idea how to sign up, etc. so doing "anonymous" comment for that reason--sorry! Not used to blogs at all. Thanks, Barb M. (mybluecottagegarden)
DeleteI ordered a pattern from them just last week and I never received the pattern. I wrote twice and finally went through PayPal to finally get my pattern. Won't buy from them ever again!
Deleteomg This is SUCH a better system than I'm using....... *runs off to pull out binders* :)
ReplyDeleteTY for sharing!!!
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ReplyDeleteThis is great! I have most of my patterns in one 6" binder, which has become cumbersome. I need to sort and divide, like you have done.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for listing us as one of your favorite Etsy shops. I feel very honored!
Take care!
Susan
ItsSewSusan.Etsy.com
If it helps, I know that Morrissey is a reputable company. The owner has had some health issues which accounts for the delivery problems, and is actually going to start selling her patterns as PDFs. I know I experienced delays too but I did always get my patterns. I would really encourage you to keep checking back with their site and give them a chance because Loretta does carry some nice patterns. :)
ReplyDelete::waving at Susan P:: I had to resort to 2-drawer file cabinets finally. The binder thing got a little out of hand since I tend to go overboard on patterns, lol--one entire drawer is devoted to Liberty Jane and partner patterns. I use hanging files for the various smaller companies and have the individual patterns filed inside those in manila labeled folders. With the LJ drawer, I have categories like Sosewsuzi's binder categories.
Since I have a home copier that is the older type you feed the paper into, I make my working copies out of Pattern Ease--I feed it into the copier and carefully watch so it doesn't catch in the rollers coming out. It lasts for a lot of uses and is less bulky than paper to pin down but more durable than tissue paper patterns. It works to do this with the Canon PC400 or Canon PC140. I got my PC140 used from eBay fairly inexpensively. This is an awesome blog, just bookmarked it and am going to subscribe too! :)
I adore this method, and I use the same for my own patterns that I make (including file folders for the actively-being-sewn or drafted ones). GREAT idea for labeling the spines. Thank you so much for adding my link (Dollhouse Designs) to your sidebar as well! Dolly patterns are addictive. I have a collection of old vintage ones as well as those by my fellow seamstresses :)
ReplyDeleteI have all my doll and children's clothing patterns in binder. All of my Sew Beautiful and Australian Smocking magazines. We started American Girl dolls with my now 30 year old and now for our youngest and her girls.
ReplyDeleteI too have gone a bit overboard but it is quite addictive. Fabric too, I have no room to keep anymore I must sew some of it first.
ReplyDeleteI have got lots of separate binders as seen above. Three for dresses alone. Is there a cure?
I use the same method. The only difference is I keep different companies in different binders.
ReplyDeleteI do that somewhat also. Once I insert a pattern by type into a binder - ex: dress, top etc. I put it in alphabetical order by Company. There are so many awesome patterns out there I am going to need more binders.
DeleteI also have binders using protector sheets for patterns and my recipes ( I am very messy in the kitchen). I also bought a flash drive and download the PDF patterns on it so I can take them anywhere or if my laptop would crash I don't lose the patterns.
ReplyDeleteI have many purchased pdf patterns as well as patterns in books(Joan Hinds) Simplicity, McCalls. Also designer ones I've found on line. There are lots of free ones as well I print mine out and put them in binders as well. I print out 2 copies of the pdf pattern pieces...one stays with the original pattern...the other I laminate and place in a plastic page protector after cutting it out. I haven't made any shoes yet. but have purchased different ones. They can be expensive. I wish there was a place in Canada where you could purchase them at a reasonable price.
ReplyDeletePretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I'll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon. Big thanks for the useful info. Meisjeskleding
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