Purchased patterns - where do you prefer to get them and how?
 

As best I can tell, the main places to find patterns released by independents (i.e. not big companies) are:
Etsy, Craftsy, the local quilt/sewing shop and maybe the pattern designer's website.

The local shops would carry the paper versions.
Craftsy - I think is all electronic?
Etsy is a blend of the two.
And probably most websites would be both options available.

Do you prefer electronic or paper copies? If you get an electronic copy - do you usually print them out when you get them, or keep them on a device? Obviously if it's paper piecing or templates based you'd print part of it, what about the rest?

What is your preferred source for purchased patterns?

I don't purchase patterns very often as I have a pile of them I've never used. However, when I do purchase, I like to get them online so I can download them to my computer. I'll print a copy for use but like the idea that I have it on the computer, too.

I use a variety of all of the above. Where I live, online is my most reliable source.

I prefer paper patterns. Always forget what I have downloaded . Often buy on ebay.

I have both. I like the idea of downloading patterns, especially free ones. When I was working full time and had to work on a Saturday, which I only had to do once a month, I would take advantage of the hours of free time and print out many of the patterns. There are so many "free pattern" websites that you can print out right away, no download required and I have 4 large binders (and very heavy also) that I put my printed patterns in. When I retired, I took the time to actually separate them out into categories. After awhile it seemed as if my patterns were starting to take over so I am trying to curb my addiction to them. I don't think I'll ever get around to making a quarter of the items with any of the patterns I have, but they're fun to look at.

I buy from wherever I find a pattern I like at the best price. I prefer paper patterns, but would buy an e-pattern if that is the only way I could get one I wanted.

I will buy an online pattern if it is less than the paper copy. Just a penny pincher.

What Jeanne49 said speaks partly for me. Getting 1/4 of them made would be a major accomplishment. If you google the names of the companies that put out the fabric lines, like Benartex, Blank Textiles, Moda, etc., look for free patterns under "projects". If you see something you really like, best to print it out now, because the most popular ones will eventually migrate from free to for sale at the individual designer's website. Cruising pinterest , then going to the blog or website the image came from will bring up a lot too. Craftsy has links to patterns by some of the people who have taken an online class from them, then designed their own pattern.

I'd rather print out patterns, whether free or bought online. Computers can lose all data you have so carefully saved. I started with a pkg. of 3 ring binders from Costco, then was buying the clear sleeves to separate the patterns, now have so many notebooks that I feel like hiding them from those who ask "Are you going to make all those?" All the free patterns remind me of the tours through wine country where samples are available.

I have both paper and online patterns, but prefer paper ones. Easier for me. :)