If you’re anything like me, you have boxes full of patterns – so many, in fact, that it’s hard to remember what you have. This can create difficulties when you’re planning for handmade gifts, as it’s hard to keep everything straight!
I looked for years for some sort of database program that I could adapt to what I wanted, to organize my patterns, but I finally found something even better – exactly what I wanted! Liz Jamieson, a costumer and seamstress had the same problem I did. However, she also had a roommate, Morgan Buck, who, on hearing of Liz’s difficulties, programmed the needed software. Thankfully, they’ve chosen to make it available to all of us rather than keep it to themselves!
The Pattern File software truly is everything I ever wanted in pattern organizing software. Each pattern is given its own database entry, viewed most prominently by its image. This is one of the best features – you can browse your patterns just like looking through a pattern catalog at the craft store!
In addition to the picture, you can include the pattern name, number, and manufacturer, and add a description, categories, tags, the size, the information from the back of the pattern, condition and location information, and whatever other notes you like. There are checkboxes to note if a pattern is missing pieces or already cut to a certain size.
(insert edit pattern view)
Many patterns are available in the Pattern File database, so you can just enter the manufacturer and number, and it can autofill – a huge timesaver! When you’re done entering the information, the pattern entry looks like this:
Although not absolutely essential, there is an online subscription aspect of Pattern File. This not only allows you to keep up with the most recent additions to the database, it allows you to connect with friend’s pattern collections, and is what enables the auto-fill feature.
Try It/Buy It: Pattern File is available from Vespertine Software for $19.98+ (Exact price depends on what subscription options you choose.) Download it and try it free, though, for 10 days.
Disclosure: Vespertine Software provided me with a complimentary software license to facilitate this review.
your Rafflecopter form is not showing, I’ve tried Chrome, FF, & IE and ea shows this message :You need javascript enabled to see this giveaway.”
Thank you, Andrea! It should be working now.
I’d love to organize my patterns, I’ve got some antique ones, some from when I first started sewing on my own (26 yrs +), and of course many from the years since that I’ve gotten to the point that I sometimes get duplicates by accident because I can’t remember what exactly I have, so this would be a great help. Now if they could make an android plug-in I’d go absolutely crazy!
Andrea, I think they actually are working on a mobile version. I don’t understand the details, because I don’t have a smartphone, but the plan is for you to be able to take it to the fabric store with you. 🙂
Thank you for the review Rachel!
@Andrea Z: We currently have about 600 vintage patterns in our Auto Fill system, but as I’m sure you know 600 is just a small percentage of all of the vintage patterns out there. We’re working on getting more, though. We also have a mobile application for iPhone and Android that will be free for subscribers. The programming work is complete and we are just waiting on some paperwork to come back so that we can submit it to the iPhone and Android app markets. It will allow you to view your pattern collection and yardage notes while at the fabric store or wherever else you go. 🙂
Thank you for weighing in, Morgan, especially on the mobile app! I don’t have a smartphone, so I’m app-clueless. 😉
Great to have an organized way to have patterns in a database without having to dig through boxes.
Thanks for the great review. Can’t wait to try it out!
Your review cinches it! I must have PatternFile! I cannot stand to think about scanning my hundreds of pattern envelopes. And my new iPhone really is dying for the app!
I would love to have a pattern file
My pattern drawer is a mess and I usually have no idea what is in there. This looks absolutely amazing!
Greetings,
This software really sounds like the database I would love. Do you still have contact information on the developer? I cannot connect to their server: “Your PHP installation appears to be missing the MySQL extension which is required by WordPress.” I really appreciate any information. Thank You! Jan Alford
I’m so sorry; I don’t know! I’m afraid they’ve stopped development, which is really disappointing. 🙁