Love My Pattern Collection

Like many sewists, my pattern collection is over the top. I enjoy collecting, studying, and sewing from them. With each sale (Hobby Lobby, JoAnn's and Hancock's) there is another opportunity to pick something interesting. In the past fifteen years my pattern collection has grown exponentially. Partly due to my approach to buying patterns. Previously I brought a pattern because I was planning to making an outfit for an occasion or for someone else's occasion (commissioned sewing). But now I buy for other reasons:

Teaching fit/construction techniques - I'm forever in "fitting school", always looking for ways to improve the fit of my garments as well as fitting my occasional client. This is so important to have each section of the garment portionally balanced. It can be well put together; but if it is ill-fitted, the garment can be uncomfortable to wear. I'm on a continuous quest for the ultimate "polished look". So any pattern that has some tips of the RTW polishing is a plus.

Styles of garments - At one point, my goal was to buy a pattern of every possible style of for each garment type. I know that sounds crazy, but..., Recently, some pattern companies have made it easy to have several style options (dress) within one pattern. This is a welcome change and may or may not reduce the number that I buy. lol

And finally,

Client requests - I sew for a select group of people, who have special requests. Some requests may require that I buy two patterns that I combine to create one garment. My confidence level is not high enough to try drafting my own pattern. So if I can create their design by using two patterns with some minor tweeking of the style, I'm good.

Soooo.., That's it on why have hundreds of patterns. Why do you collect them?


Here are a few parting shots. I'm copying one of Summerset's blog features. Lindsay T posted an article on "Would you Ever Make a Wedding Gown? I made two: mine and a member of my church.