When I take a pattern from the envelope and open it up, I can never return it neatly into the same envelope. So now I cut off the front and back of the envelope and tape them to a big flapped mailer with the string and round to wind it around. It is large enough to slide any pattern inside and keep it upright in a file cabinet or plastic tote. Then I write out Rolodex cards so I can find what I want. Like..Cape, knee length, and then put this card in the C folder.
Now all I have to do is finish a few lap quilts and maybe get around to making some of the many patterns for garments that I have collected over the years. Or get rid of lots of patterns.