Comments on Lindsay T Sews: Update: Irons and Pattern Cataloging

I really like your pattern cataloging method and a...

2011-04-26T19:24:25.437-04:00

I really like your pattern cataloging method and as I have a Picassa account, I will be copying your idea.

I too like to cut ahead. Right now I have two pair of baby trousers cut (Anna Maria Horner pattern), a floral brocade cut to match a already sewn skirt, and a wool blend skirt and lining cut. I do like to cut ahead as that is my least favorite part of the process. That way I can just pick up the pieces and sew. It seems to take less time that way.

Hi, I like to use a hard cover spiral bound journa...

2011-04-23T11:12:09.191-04:00

Hi, I like to use a hard cover spiral bound journal, that is approx. the size of pattern envelope for cataloging my patterns. When my pattern comes in the mail, I scan and print the cover of the envelope, cut it down to size and then gluestick it in the journal. I can take it with me and when I'm bored, I can just leaf through it on the couch: ideas always seems to spark and it has me up and sewing again. I keep two other journals, the one holds info from sewing blogs and learning webpages, such as sewing tips and techniques, ref. to patterns I've printed off burda style, anything about contruction and how to's. The other is magazine and website pics of garments that I feel are eye candy, anything fashion and accessory related that catches my eye etc... like inspiration and reference journals. My fourth journal is my completed projects, pics from start to finish, any changes made, etc; that way if I go to do it again, I remember what I did and it's nice to look back on your accomplishments. Happy sewing and I sure enjoy your blog. :)

I like how you cataloged your patterns I have been...

2011-04-18T09:25:02.866-04:00

I like how you cataloged your patterns I have been wanting to do that for a while now. I think that is how I am going to go thanks for the information The best part of sewing for me is the cutting and altertation of patterns so I have a lot of ufo's. In the future I am going to completely finish one garment before starting another

When I'm not crazy busy, I like to prepare eve...

2011-04-14T12:39:12.351-04:00

When I'm not crazy busy, I like to prepare everything during the week. (tracing, cutting, alterations, etc) So when the weekend comes, I'm ready to actually sew.

I just recently purchased a sewing app on Itunes for the iphone, ipad and ipod touch called Sewing Kit. I love it. I have my patterns with me at all times. You just add the pattern vendor and number it goes the website and imports the picture. If your pattern is out-of-print you can import it from your pictures or take a picture. Also you can track patterns you are looking to buy in the future. I think that is the second best feature I like. You can see a snapshot on my blog http://www.reneeswnmt.blogspot.com/.

I've just done the pattern catalogue too - but...

2011-04-14T05:07:05.840-04:00

I've just done the pattern catalogue too - but mine isn't nearly as impressive! I did write yardage on each of my patterns and the pics are now on my phone....
Great advice to cut on the weekends and sew a bit whenever you've got a few minutes!

Like you I don't have the energy to cut out du...

2011-04-13T20:23:24.012-04:00

Like you I don't have the energy to cut out during the week. I tried this too often and ended up more frustrated about accomplishing nothing. I've started to spend a weekend here or there just cutting as much as possible. Now those projects are waiting for me in a baggies in a basket. If I'm unmotivated by a current project and have the energy and time to sew; something else is waiting to be sewn.

Nice cataloging! Like Carolyn I am wondering if t...

2011-04-13T19:54:09.158-04:00

Nice cataloging! Like Carolyn I am wondering if that is all your patterns or just one screenshot - have you put on tags or titles so you can search for say, skirts? Production line sewing doesn't really work for me either, I need to focus on one thing at a time, but it really helps if you are able to just shut the door on your sewing room and just return and pick up when you feel like it. Even just 30 mins or an hour here and there can achieve a lot.

Glad you found an iron to meet your needs...but is...

2011-04-13T19:19:33.743-04:00

Glad you found an iron to meet your needs...but is that ALL of your patterns? Yes, I'm quietly wailing...gawd you don't have much of anything do you. I'm a hoarder compared to you...geeze!

For streamlined sewing I wind a bunch of bobbins b...

2011-04-13T17:23:55.485-04:00

For streamlined sewing I wind a bunch of bobbins before I begin, because I hate stopping to wind bobbins. And even though you don't stash fabric, make sure you have extra thread! It's no fun to run out and have nothig that matches.I do all the facings at once, all the interfacing, all the small pieces and then iron them. I sew all the straight seams as Nancy advises and then go iron them. It makes sewing much faster.

Would love to know your opinion of the iron once y...

2011-04-13T17:09:59.101-04:00

Would love to know your opinion of the iron once you get it into real use.
I, too, find that once something is cut - it gets sewn. The trick is to strike a balance between number of garments/items cut and realistic sewing time. It's no fun to have a pile of stuff that has yet to be sewn at the end of a season.

Holy Wow! You are amazing with your pattern catal...

2011-04-13T14:52:11.100-04:00

Holy Wow! You are amazing with your pattern cataloging. I'm using a low tech method of pattern original envelopes in a binder with numbers. The actual patterns are in plain numbered envelopes in numbered storage boxes. The binders are in my sewing room. I started this in the '80s and am still using this system. Perhaps one day I'll upgrade; thanks for sharing.

Christiana
sewamusing.blogspot.com

I usually spend a day cutting out things I want to...

2011-04-13T13:49:58.841-04:00

I usually spend a day cutting out things I want to sew. But then I end up with items that aren't finished before the end of the season or that I've change my mind about. And I try to sew items from the same colour family at the same time. I love your cataloguing system. I just try to separate tops/bottoms/suit/gowns/knits & wovens. No, this doesn't always work. I do keep a little bright orange notebook (3.5x5) with the list of patterns I want from each company on separate pages near the front (so I don't have to wait my turn for the catalogue in the store) and a running "lust" list of fabric/items I want (there are very few "needs" on the list). If I need to buy matching notions, I clip a small swatch of fabric to the front of it. The key is not to be so excited by my purchases that I forget to cross the items of the list. I've ended up with duplicate patterns! So, I've cut back on fabric/pattern purchases until I get better organized. I have swatches of fabric pasted in artist sketchbooks along with notes such as yardage and content and try to update them as much as possible. Doesn't always work. And I note the amount of fabric sewn during the month in a 3.25x4 notebook. Yes, I love notebooks. Makes me seem very efficient even I am a scatterbrained nimbob! LOL

Angela

You got me hopping on the iron buying. I bought a ...

2011-04-13T13:32:33.386-04:00

You got me hopping on the iron buying. I bought a Reliable. I went with the reviews and found a new one on ebay from an appliance warehouse. Almost went with the Rowenta at Bed,Bath and Beyond. Love to hear how you like it. Right now I am using the same iron for both family and sewing. Might separate!

I am getting my mojo back too. Can't wait to see the long skirt. Very fun to wear!

sew everything you can without crossing seams and ...

2011-04-13T13:23:19.799-04:00

sew everything you can without crossing seams and then take them to the ironing board.
Sew all small details,like patch pockets and flaps first
I never sew the lining first because invariably I've altered the garment to some degree in fitting and it's not fun to rip lining fabric.
Since I make a lot of Burda I trace and fit a few at a time to have them ready to cut out. Of course this is a true waste of time if I change my mind about making the pattern!