Pattern Inventory Adventures: Part One

Part of the ongoing reorganization going on around here involved going through my pattern stash to assess which ones might be candidates for wardrobe additions. This brought to my attention the need to sort through the entire collection, as well as document it digitally, and attempt a better storage system that protects the patterns and envelopes. It’s kind of a big job, but it is a good thing to do for several reasons:

• Get an idea of how many patterns you own, and what sort of selection.
• Rediscover things you always wanted to actually make.
• Properly sort patterns so you can find them later (i.e. by decade or style).
• Take photos of some or all patterns for easy browsing (avoid having to dig through boxes).
• Find hidden treasures!

First off, my method was fairly ‘quick and dirty’, using what was available readily. Eventually I’d like to get archival sleeves etc, but for the time being it’s some higher quality zip top bags that are clear on both sides. They are a ‘large freezer’ size that fit a variety of pattern envelope shapes and sizes. I like that they are oversize also because it allows room for adding altered pieces, or storing notions etc. if I am using the pattern.

I also like the idea of keeping all of the pattern components together. I know some vintage pattern collectors keep the envelopes separately, but that frightens me with them being easily misplaced/lost from their matching patterns and instructions. Taking them out of the envelopes seems like a wise idea though, as repeatedly taking the pattern out, plus wear from bulky paper inside causes damage. My method keeps all components as flat as possible, and each can be removed separately.

I’ve acquired a number of vintage patterns in the last year, but haven’t had time to fully investigate them evidently. Firstly, I was annoyed to find some of them had been cello taped shut/repaired badly. Tape doesn’t age well on paper and is usually impossible to remove without destroying it.

Secondly, on a more positive note I found a few surprises hidden inside patterns from the 1960s.

Thus far I’ve managed to photograph and pack all of my 1930s-1960s patterns. I’ve decided to file them by decade, and perhaps further by garment or style. I’ve also started a document of the pattern photos with basic details like year, make and approximate yardage needed. The eventual plan is to print them out to make a sort of catalogue in a small binder that I can reference without rifling through the actual patterns. Updates to follow! In the meantime, here are some highlights from the first round of inventory…

Up Next: the 1970s….

~Heather