I use a small rectangle basket and keep all my purchased patterns in there standing up. I made a list of the patterns (names, company/designer, description) and add to it whenever I purchase another pattern. Likewise scratch off list if I get rid of a pattern. I keep the list in the front of the basket, and make sure the patterns are in the same order as the list. Of course, I do have to reorganize at times. I keep my clothing/home dec patterns in one basket and quilting in another (guess which one has the most patterns!).
Unfortunately, for patterns and ideas that are out of magazines or that I print from the computer, there is not much organization. Everything gets put in a drawer of a small plastic 3-drawer storage unit. The drawers are divided into a drawer each for 1) machine embroidery, 2) quilting and 3) misc. That's p'bly the best I'm going to do for now.
Coleen