Pattern Storage

If you sew, you understand the never ending circle of doom called storage!  I'm still working on a solution for fabric, but today I'll share my victory over patterns...
Over the years, I tried several methods for storing patterns and the results were always unsatisfactory.

1.  I tried stuffing the pattern back in the envelope....NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN!
2.  I tried stacking all the pieces and holding them together with a rubber band.  Bad idea. The patterns get torn.  The small pieces leak out and get lost.  I also can't deal with different pattern companies having different size envelopes. 
3. Then came the brilliant idea of putting the whole mess into zip top bags!  The problem is that the bags are slippery and slump down in the middle, unless the whole lot is packed tight like sardines, which makes it difficult to find anything.  The bags are also floppy and messy looking.  The expense climbed higher when I considered the sheer number of patterns I own.
4.  Next I tried colorful dividers in a plastic bin, without any bags.  This was a total disaster because the plastic boxes are kind of expensive, and I likely won't find them again in a few years when I need more.  The worst part was that the pattern pieces slipped under the dividers and mingled with other pieces in front of or behind their divider.  Plus, I couldn't take the whole thing out in one piece.
5.  Finally came hanging file folders.  This was an okay solution, but often, I'd remove a file and everything would fall out!  And it wasn't really very practical if I wanted to take the pattern somewhere to show a friend, or use as a reference while shopping.

Finally I figured out that the problem, for me, is the necessity of uniformity.  This led me to manila envelopes!  They're less expensive than zip top bags, and easy to procure.  I've been using them for several years now and still love this system!

They fit nicely into a traditional file cabinet, file storage boxes, and magazine racks.  I use the file cabinet for rarely used or unused patterns. (These slip neatly into the drawer without the need for file folders.) The magazine racks hold patterns I use over and over again. 

The envelopes look uniform, aren't slippery or floppy, and I can write extra information on the outside.

Drafted patterns, muslins, and appliques fit well into the same envelopes, accomplishing that necessary uniformity!

The mechanics are pretty easy. I cut apart the pattern envelope, taping the front to the front of the manila envelope, and the back on the back.  I write the pattern number, or description on the top right, both vertically and horizontally. This allows the envelopes to be stored upright in the magazine racks, or sideways in the file cabinet, while having the pertinent information visible either way.  I also like to write the size I used, the year, and a description of the item.  For example, I use one drafted skirt pattern for all my Steampunk skirts.  When I make a skirt, I note the year and fabric used for that skirt on the envelope.  I now have 8 entries on that particular envelope.  It's a nice tracker and helps me weed out patterns when necessary....(GASP!).

Muslins are included in the envelopes too.  I generally only use muslins for bodices, made from muslin or old sheets.  These fit well into the envelope along with the pattern pieces and instructions.

**NOTE: If you have an actual vintage pattern envelope, take a color copy of it or print a photo of it, for the front and back of the manila envelope. Store the original envelope inside with the pattern. 

I'm interested in learning what works for you in the pattern storage department!  Let me know in the comments below. :)