But I have a secret weapon. I use the Sewing Kit App on my iPhone for storing all my pattern information so when I see something I like, I can flick through my patterns, see how much fabric I need and what notions are required and I am on my way!! A few people saw me use it and asked me to do a review. So here we go!
I bought it last year when I first got my iPhone and it cost around $13 for the full version (I can't actually confirm the price as I've already downloaded it).
There are four main folders with numerous sub-categories:
Patterns - company, number, size, photos, suggested fabrics, notions and yardage.
Fabrics - colour, material, ironed status, washed status, and more. Photos can be loaded.
People - store measurements for people you sew for (eg. children, husband).
Projects - project name, who its for, status, pattern used, notes and photos.
I mainly use the pattern section. I load all the particulars from the back of the pattern envelope and when you save this information the app downloads the pattern pictures from the big 4 pattern companies. So you have the front and back envelope views as well as the line drawings.
I haven't loaded all my patterns as that would take a very long time. I generally load patterns that I want to sew in the near future but need fabric for. I also take my patterns with me when I babysit for friends and load them onto the app while I'm watching mindless TV.
Here are a few screen shots from my app. Note to self: STOP cutting patterns out in a size 20, even though the pattern suggests that size, as you spend forever taking them in later!!
All in all, it is a very handy app that saves me from taking the pattern envelopes shopping with me and assists in those moments when you see something you really like but wasn't actually planning on buying so don't have your pattern envelopes. And I always ended up ruining the envelopes or losing them completely...
Last but not least, I leave you with a glimpse of my most recent project which is currently hanging for a while waiting for the skirt to stabilise. Can't wait to wear this one!
L x
