Like I always say, everyone's brain works differently. For me I could never separate the pattern cover from actual pattern. Too much could go wrong in my sidetracked brain. I have my patterns in little plastic boxes about 8x8 ( or however wide the pattern is...it fits perfectly) I keep favorite patterns in one bin...patterns I might need in another...and patterns I probably will never use but might need for reference in another. This works so well for me and is brainless for my Adult ADD. I, too, find it very relaxing to thumb through and it is so quick when I am looking for something.