Pattern storage

[MrsN]

I recently inherited a bunch of magazines and paper patterns from some older Scrollers who are downsizing and I need to rethink how I organize paper patterns. The only paper patterns I had was a file of things my dad designed and what ever I printed (plus the books and magazines)

 

I was thinking of making subject folders and printing a few of my favorites that would also fit. It seems like a lot of work up front but probably the only way I will find anything in the pile.

 

I have read that some people scan everything in and only have digital stuff, do any of you actually do that? What about oversized patterns, scanning those seems like a lot of work? Do you keep an index of what is in the files? I typically scan things from the books and magazines as I make copies(if it will fit on my scanner bed) but sitting down and scanning things that I will likely not cut sounds like a waste of time.

 

How do you store/file magazines and books? Do you have a list of which magazines you have and what is inside so things are easier to find? Do you keep certain topics together (like all of the holiday issues together) do you take them apart and file the projects separately?

 

Also, where is your storage? In the shop, in the office, someplace else?

 

So what do you do? Any advise before I start organizing?

Thanks for the input

MrsN

[cpowellpumphrey]

Mine are all digital; well what is not already printed off and spread around the shop. As I acquire more printed I scan them in. Later, every few weeks, I make a backup copy of my patterns on a cd. That way I won't lose much in a crash. I have patterns divided into general topics like; animal, western, sports, whatever. I haven't any oversize patterns nor books or magazines so I can't be of help there; sorry.

[robbert100]

all of mine patterns are digital i scand all my books and magazines make a copy on a dvd (burn like data file)

i draw a a4 grid whit red pensel on oversize patters it scans better that way

i sel my books and magazines after i scand tham (i sel al my books after i reed them, books are made fore reeding not fore collecting dust on a shell)

[Bishop]

Here are some links, if I copied them right that will give you a list of projects in CW&C

 

http://www.pops-shop.com/WWCIndex.xls

http://www.pops-shop.com/ProjectIndex.xlsx

 

I hope this helps with some of your storage ideas

Homer & Carol

www.theartfactory.com

[cpowellpumphrey]

These are great lists and sound really interesting. How are they accessed? Order back copies or is there a link? I don't know what to do next.

[Bishop]

Just click on the link in the post and it will take you to the web site. Click save and save it to your computer. Its a list of what is in the different mags.

Homer & Carol

www.theartfactory.com

[joetraff]

I scan my patterns into the computer, if they are bigger then 8 1/2 x 11 then i take them to fedex and make copies. I store all my mags, books and copies in a filing cabinet

[Uncle Ricky]

I keep my CW&C magazines in notebooks with plastic inserts in them and I take out the patterns from the Mag's, then put the magazines in the inserts and then put patterns in the inserts behind the magazines. I have notebooks dated back to 1998 up to today. and have them on a book shelf above my computer. I hope this helps.

[amazingkevin]

I JUST KEEP THEM IN DOWNLOADS I THINK