Pattern Mayhem

[Hawk]

Not totally scrollsaw related, but in a in a way, maybe.  I am going to attempt to organize and catalog all my patterns. I have close 30 years of pattern hording to get a handle on!  I have some in a file drawer and a lot of them in tubes stacked between the joists in my basement shop. So in an attempt to stop doing the " I know I have that pattern....where is it?" thing I'm going to try something different. All my intarsia patterns will be "stored" flat on a table I have in my shop that I don't really use. That way if I'm looking for a pattern I wont play the pattern tube roulette game. Most all the smaller stuff is in a file drawer, a bit more organized, but needs to be inventoried and put into a data base I can search.

Another thought was, if I could find one, a blueprint storage cabinet. Do they even make things like that anymore?

So I'm wondering how y'all store patterns? I know the tube thing is real popular, but are there any different ways other then flat on a surface?

Chris

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

I am in the same boat. I have so many patterns from so many sources. I have just a large plastic file cabinet with 6 drawers. This past winter I had to replace the divider panels between drawers with Plywood because they kept caving in from the weight and would not open. That helped alot. But I also have a ton of patterns in boxes that are some of my larger patterns. No ryme or reason. If I need a pattern I would have to hand sort. Good luck with the file system. Being I do not scroll any more I am not worried about those things. I have other organizing problems with all my pen making equipments and supplies. 

[Wichman]

There are a couple of resources here at the Village that might help you. One I could find again the other, well, I can't find it now. Perhaps someone can remember where it is.

Both of the files are spreadsheets, and the research I did on databases showed that spreadsheets are easier for "small" lists (small meaning that the file doesn't slow your system down too much, so Your Milage May Vary).

Here's the link to one of them, the other is for Ornaments for Charity.

 

 

 

[don in brooklin on]

I have compiled the index for the Ornaments for charity.  

 

 

index ornament for charity.xlsx

[ChelCass]

I also have a ton of patterns.  The ones I get from the Internet (Steve good, Facebook etc) I put in a folder on my computer and they stay there for a year and then they get transferred to a CD.  Patterns I copy from the SS magazines I put either in a 3 ring binder or in my filing cabinet and all in ABC order.  Hope this helps. 

[barb.j.enders]

Organization isn't my best skill.  I have projects on a USB drive, in file folders on a bookshelf, in a binder on a different bookshelf, on hubby's computer etc, etc, etc.  

I do have a folder on my computer that is marked as "cut files" so if I want to cut again, it is a little easier to find.

[jerry walters]

21 minutes ago, barb.j.enders said:

Organization isn't my best skill.  I have projects on a USB drive, in file folders on a bookshelf, in a binder on a different bookshelf, on hubby's computer etc, etc, etc.  

I do have a folder on my computer that is marked as "cut files" so if I want to cut again, it is a little easier to find.

My system is kinduv like yours, "halter skelter".  Those I get of the internet have their place in my computer.  My wife used to get so mad at me because if there was an empty spot on a flat surface I would put something on it.  There was a method to my madness.  

Jerry

[rash_powder]

I have seen blue print cabinets!  The WAPA (Western Area Power Association) office in Fargo has several.  They are legit 1960 furniture!  All nice oak and heavy duty.  I don't think they use them anymore, but being a government outfit it would be tough to get them.  

In our shops, we hang prints from sticks.  It works well for the 4'x3' paper that engineering prints them on.  

[Scrappile]

Do a search for "blueprint file cabinet". You can still buy them.  SPENDY!  But looking at what is available may give you some ideas for something you could build.

[Denny Knappen]

I don't use it for patterns, but we have a blue print cabinet at ArtCrafters.  We use it to store framing projects before we get to the project.

[Wichman]

One way to store and organize the center foldouts is to use a spare closet (ha!) and hang them vertically using clothes hangers and binder clips. The picture shows my largest pattern, for a treadle powered scroll saw, that is 36" x 48" all four clips hold onto the paper patterns. The same concept can be used for magazine foldouts ( 21" x 31" ) and those should fit in most closets. You should be able to get a years worth on each clothes hanger. Just lay the pattern sheet flat ( I use my bed ) and putting the clips on is fairly easy, add a tag or a label, and hang.   I used an eighth inch dowel that I'm going to replace with a 1/4" dowel

 

[timelett]

I'm not any where near the saving as you guys but you gave me a idea for a office file cabnit I have, it still has a lot of folders also,thanks.

[Hawk]

14 hours ago, Wichman said:

One way to store and organize the center foldouts is to use a spare closet (ha!) and hang them vertically using clothes hangers and binder clips. The picture shows my largest pattern, for a treadle powered scroll saw, that is 36" x 48" all four clips hold onto the paper patterns. The same concept can be used for magazine foldouts ( 21" x 31" ) and those should fit in most closets. You should be able to get a years worth on each clothes hanger. Just lay the pattern sheet flat ( I use my bed ) and putting the clips on is fairly easy, add a tag or a label, and hang.   I used an eighth inch dowel that I'm going to replace with a 1/4" dowel

 

That is a very cool idea, thanks, I'm going to definitely use this!!!