I don't have that problem, but I keep patterns in cardboard magazine holders on a bookshelf. I'm not crazy about 3-ring notebooks as I find they get unwieldy on me, especially when there are differing amounts in them. I have also used plastic and metal magazine holders, but prefer the cardboard -- especially when I can find them in nice colors. You do have to be careful of quality with the cardboard ones; some are much better than others. My favorites I can't get any more, but they were solid, unfolded easily, and were a lovely blue color. The magazine holders protect the patterns from light, so in your situation I think I would just place patterns in new plastic storage bags.