Old Habit to New Habit Shift - Patterns in October

The project I gave a couple of sneak peeks for is finished, but I've managed to lose my camera remote, so the photo session is on hold, which places the blog post on hold...

but in the meantime, it's a new month, and time for a new Habit Shift!  I'm so excited...aren't you?  I'm happy to report that I continue to snip threads consciously and regularly - truly, it feels SO good!   September's goal was to put my scissors away, which involved the simple change of moving my scissor rack to a more accessible spot, and it WORKED!  Again, it feels SO good.  Granted, I didn't sew much last month, but the first few times I wanted to use scissors, it was interesting to note that I just assumed they were hiding under a pile of fabric....until I remembered they had a new hangy spot...and there they were!!!  Every single time!  I tell you, this conscious focus on changing one small habit ... just do it for 21 days ... and you've created a brand new way of doing things.

So.  October.  So many choices!  My sewing space has been a horrid mess, not in small part because I have patterns scattered everywhere.   The proof:

Instructions for one pattern here, folder for another one underneath.
I do have a solution planned for this space....

Patterns on the serger table
Patterns under the serger table
Patterns which are not supposed to be on or under the serger table.

Oops.   Another pattern, on top of fabric meant for another pattern,
on top of a pattern piece for yet another pattern.

Pattern Folders which are supposed to be filed in the drawers behind them.
The drawers are right there
What's the problem here? 

The Folders which hold the pattern envelopes.
The manila folders hold the pattern pieces and instructions.
It's a very good system.
When I use it.

Storage for all of the over-sized patterns -
Style Arc, Decades of Style, Jalie, etc...
I had to do this when my pattern stash started getting....I am NOT going to say "too big", or "out of control".... I just needed more storage options, that's all.....

The issue, I've noticed, is no longer one of storage - I actually really like my system, and I now have enough space for it.   The issue  is when I'm working on multiple projects, with multiple patterns out, and/or I've pulled several patterns out while trying to figure out which pattern to use with a certain fabric, or I'm planning a wardrobe.   Aha......there's the rub....it's all about wardrobe planning!  Planning a wardrobe is a good thing.   Really, it is.   But it does involve multiple patterns and fabric pieces, and that can all get a bit out of hand.   OK.  Out of control.  I've admitted it.

So, my October promise is to get All.  Those.  Patterns.  organized and put in place, AND create a dedicated space for all of the patterns that are being interviewed.  Here's the plan:

Vertical filing space for all current patterns, including instructions and pattern pieces, unless in actual use.  This includes all patterns being interviewed, actively used, or newly acquired and not yet filed.   (Confession - I stole that filing piece from my office, just to get the effect.  I still need  to get one that's a better fit for this use - I'll go to Staples or Office Depot or somewhere later today.   I promise to do this NOW, rather than just put it on the already-too-full ToDoList in my head.   Promise!)  Oh, and I'd like to add that all those bits and pieces that were cluttering up this space in Pic #1?  Put away, not swept off just for the pic.   Yes indeedy, proud I am :)   One good habit just seems to automatically beget another :)  Interesting how that works....

A note on vertical filing - conventional organizational wisdom states that vertical filing is far more effective than horizontal filing (aka, 'piles of paper').  I find this to be true.

So, how about you?  I won't call anyone out, but a few of you stated out loud that you would be working on some habit shifts.   Are you still with me?   Or will you join me?

One small shift....it really works!

Now, if I can just find that camera remote.....