AliKat

I really overdo it. I have a 2 bedroom home and definitely don't want to store more paper and such. Space saving techniques are what I want.

I scan the picture of whatever quilt project I want to save. then I scan each page of directions. I have a file with just the pictures of the finished projects and another of it all.

For example: Winter Leaves had a picture of the finished quilt in the one file ... then Winter Leaves, with a pg1, pg2, etc are in the whole directions file.

That way I can do a slide show to see what I might want to make, then go to the full directions file for the rest.

Yes, I do back it up so if my computer crashes, I still have my info.

Of course, right now my one arm is in a sling and I am back on steroids so ... I am behind again. Oh well, something to do later on.

ali

w7sue

Several years ago, I went through all my magazines that were older than 3 years old and started pulling patterns. I put them in plastic sleeves and filed them alphabetically - seven 3" binders later -- I also made a list of them on my excel program on my computer (do that with my quilt books too) and that does make it easier sometimes to find the pattern I am looking for. However, I will never used all those patterns and now the magazines have been destroyed. Now, I am binding my magazines together (FedEx shop does them) by year. If there are some patterns that say to download for more information, I do that and include it in the group. I like being able to pull a years' worth of my Fons and Porter magazine down and look through it. I think it helps the magazines last longer, my tastes do change over the years and I can lay them flat on a copier when I want to copy a pattern. I copy my pattern and keep it with my sewing project to protect the original copy. I can write notes on it as I go along and decide later what to transfer to the original in the binder.

linynp

Scan disc by Fujitsu now I scan organize in my computer and don't have all the magazines. I put all those in an external HD to keep my HD clutter free

Fabricbug

just a thought, make sure you know what issue mag the pattern came from in case there's an error in the cutting or sewing information, been there done that!

Barbpr

I rarely buy magazines now but when I do, I put a sticky note on the pages. My tastes and abilities have changed over the years, so I am glad I kept my old magazines.

Quiltlady330

I never thought of keeping the pattern sheet. Thanks for the idea.

Quiltlady330

Not sure that it's legal to photocopy the pages. ?

Quiltlady330

Great idea. Thanks!

Caswews

Good ideas for sure .. I just print off what I want and put it into a notebook and then once a year go through the notebook to see if I truly want that pattern or item. Magazines-the same way... IF I like the item out it goes and into the notebook. Scanning is a good idea never thought of that one ! Thanks for sharing

dreamboat

Use a filing cabinet. I have mine alphabetically filed with the designer on some of them. I also have books in files too.